1. Mission Statement
The MPA program at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) strives to train students in both government and other sectors in order for them to become leaders with a global vision and a mindset of good governance. The program educates and inspires students to pursue quality in public service by developing their capacity for leadership and policy innovation so they can advance societal well-being in a rapidly changing and turbulent governance environment while adhering to the values of efficiency, equity, and accountability.
2. Training Methods and Program Delivery Mode
Based on a 3-year program length, the MPA program at SYSU admits students with active employment status (in-service students).
Courses are delivered only through in-person instruction.
3. Credit Requirements
A total of 37 course credits must be attained, among which a minimum of 18 credits should be comprised of core courses, 8 by major specialization courses, 9 by elective courses (the MPA Lectures are mandatory), and 2 by the field trip study.
Students earn the specified credits from courses with passing grades of 60 or above.
In addition to the required course credits, students must complete a master's thesis in the field of public administration. Only those who have completed all the courses with minimum required credits and passed the thesis defense shall be granted the MPA degree.
4. Curriculum Design
4.1 Core Courses (18 credits)
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Research on the Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era |
2 credits |
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English |
2 credits |
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Public Management |
3 credits |
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Public Economy |
3 credits |
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Public Policy Analysis |
2 credits |
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Political Science |
2 credits |
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Constitution and Administrative Law |
2 credits |
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Research Methods in Social Sciences |
2 credits |
4.2 Specialization Courses（8 credits）
Specialization #1 Public Administration and Government Reform
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Theory and Practice of Public Organization |
2 credits |
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Human Resources Management in the Public Sector |
2 credits |
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Public Budgeting and Reform |
2 credits |
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E-Government and E-Governance |
2 credits |
Specialization # 2 Urban Governance and Public Service
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Introduction to Urban Management |
2 credits |
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Urban Public Service Innovation |
2 credits |
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Local Governance |
2 credits |
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Research Methods of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis |
2 credits |
Specialization # 3 Social Policy and Social Governance
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Social Governance Innovation in China |
2 credits |
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Reform of Social Security System in China |
2 credits |
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Social Policy |
2 credits |
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Policy and Practice of Social Regulation |
2 credits |
Specialization # 4 Public Safety and Emergency Management
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Introduction to Emergency Management |
2 credits |
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Governance of Risk Society |
2 credits |
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Public Crisis Management |
2 credits |
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Social Conflicts and Dispute Resolutions |
2 credits |
●In principle, each specialization will only be available when selected by at least 50 students.
4.3 Elective Courses (9 credits)
4.3.1. According to the result of courses selection and other specific situation, elective courses that available each study year may be adjusted.
4.3.2. In principle, each elective course must have at least 30 students to be given.
4.3.3. Some specialization courses can be offered as elective courses for students who have not taken them before. But students who have taken the courses in the specialization courses are not allowed to select them again as elective courses.
4.3.4. To further improve the comprehensive knowledge and ability of MPA students, the MPA Lectures are provided. Before applying for the oral defense, students must attend at least 6 lectures (One credit in total. Students should submit a reflective report on these lectures with a minimum of 1,500 words to earn the credit).
5. Field Trip Study (2 credits)
During the winter vacation between the third and fourth semesters, students are required to submit a field trip report of at least 3,000 words. Passing marks of 60 or above are required to earn 2 credits.
6. Teaching Arrangement Table
