MAGNOLIA — Starting this fall, Southern Arkansas University will offer two new tracks in the executive master of public administration program, one with a focus of social justice and the other with a focus in criminal justice.
The MPA program is designed to prepare individuals for positions of leadership in public service organizations and these two specialized tracks will make it easier for students to prepare for how they want to expand their careers, said Director of the Master of Public and Administration Program Dr. Patrick Edgar.
Edgar said there is high demand for those with a criminal justice background in sectors such as Homeland Security. He adds that those who want to move up in the world of law enforcement will have to know about public administration. But the director of the program also expects there to be a growing interest in the social justice element of the program when people realize what all is entailed in the program.
“The possibilities for using this social justice degree run the gamut,” Edgar said. “We are talking about learning how to work on programs that focus on solving problems such as hunger and poverty. These are programs where people can not only earn a living but also feel like they are making a difference in the world.”
Classes for the two tracks of the program will be offered both on the campus of Southern Arkansas University and at the Landmark Building in downtown Texarkana on two weekends a semester. It is possible for students to complete the program by either pursuing only the Magnolia and Texarkana courses or by a combination of attending classes in both cities. Because the program is graduate level, all of the students generally work full-time jobs while completing their course work, Edgar said.
For more information about either track of the program, call Edgar at 870-235-5209.
