Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program

I. Description of Program

The MPA program is designed to meet the growing need for advanced education in public administration in Nepal. It trains people to become skilled professionals who can work in teaching, research, government jobs, NGOs, public offices, and even private companies. A big part of the program is helping students improve their research skills so they can work on their own. It looks at important issues in public administration, both in Nepal and around the world. The goal is to build strong, capable leaders who can handle today’s challenges in government and public service and help make things better in the future.

The specific objectives of the MPA program are:

• To equip students with conceptual and managerial knowledge that will allow them to function as effective managers in governmental or non-profit organizations;

• To prepare high-level human resources in the area of Public Administration, Development Management, Public Policy, Global Governance, Human Resource Development, and Contemporary Public Affairs Management;

• To generate and enhance research-based knowledge in public affairs management.

II. Curricular Structure

The curriculum for MPA degree comprises three distinct courses as follows:

Core Courses

Fundamentals of Public Administration, Development Management, Public Policy, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Research Methodology and other courses on public affairs management are the core subjects. These core courses, offered in the first, second and third semesters, impart specific theoretical knowledge of public administration discipline and its uses in practical fields. These courses also enable the students to develop the skill of identifying and analyzing the problems of public affair management.

Specialization Courses

There are four specialization areas namely Development Management, Human Resource Management, Cooperative and Civil Society Governance, and Public Policy. Students can choose one of the areas for specialization. These specialization courses aim to develop students’ specific expertise in the selected area of specialization.

Thesis Writing

Students have to write a thesis and should submit it in the fourth semester. Students must use English language for writing their thesis.

Eligibility for Admission

Candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree in any disciplines recognized by TU are eligible for MPA study. The prospective students should take an entrance test to get admission in MPA. Successful candidates will be admitted based on merit.

III. Admission Test

The Faculty of Management (FoM), Tribhuvan University conducts an entrance test for the enrollment of students at MPA level.

IV. Evaluation, Grading, Attendance, and Scholarship

Evaluation and Grading

Total marks obtained in internal and end semester exams shall be graded on absolute or relative bases. The performance of a student shall be evaluated on a four-point scale ranging from 0 to 4 Grade Point Average. A student must secure a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 or Grade B minus (B-) in each course (see Table 1).

Table 1: Grading System

The determination of a final grade shall be the accumulation of both internal (40 percent) and external (60 percent) evaluation. An internal evaluation shall be based on an internal examination, presentation, project work, discipline, and attendance and participation of students in classroom activities.

Make-up/Retake Examination

Students who failed in the first, second and third semesters, can appear in the make-up exams conducted by FoM. Make-up exams will be conducted as per the provisions of FoM.

Normal and Maximum Duration of the Study

The normal duration and the maximum duration for the completion of the requirements for the MPA program are as follows:

• Normal duration of 24 months (4 Semesters)

• Maximum duration for the completion of course work and/or thesis writing should be within 60 months, i.e. 5 years.

Attendance

Students failing to maintain minimum 80 percent attendance are not allowed to appear in the semester-end examination and regarded as "not qualified." However, in case of serious illness, the students with 70 percent attendance will be given a chance to appear in the end semester exam. In this case, students have to submit an authorized medical certificate.

Scholarship

Of the total students enrolled in the MPA program each department/campus can provide freeship (only tuition fees) for few students. Such tuition waiver is made on the basis of merit and socioeconomic condition. Total scholarship quotas are divided among the students according to inclusive quotas. In addition, the teaching institute (s) can also provide scholarship to a female and a male student in each semester. Such scholarship is decided on the basis of merit and also on the basis of merit to those students who have completed their SLC/SEE from community schools and completed ten plus two or equivalent and bachelor degree either from TU constituent or community colleges.

V. Methods of Instruction (Teaching Pedagogy)

The method of instruction in the MPA program is focused on the ways that will help the students to understand and analyze the real-life situations in Nepalese Administration related to government, public agencies, NGOs and others. A combination of class lectures, group discussion, problem-solving exercise, guest lectures, seminar presentation, case analysis, review of literature and project work/field work are the primary methods of instruction.

VI. Course Composition

The duration of the MPA program is for two years (four semesters). There will be core courses, specialization courses and thesis work as given in Table 2. Students can choose any one area for specialization.