TAMIU's MPA Program Receives Accreditation Renewal, Joins 200+ Accredited Graduate Programs in Public Service

Just in time for the start of Fall semester classes start next week, Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program received exciting news of its recent accreditation renewal by the prestigious Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.

NASPAA's accreditation decision letter indicates that TAMIU's MPA Program was found to be in "substantial conformity" with NASPAA standards and has demonstrated a substantial commitment to quality public service education.

TAMIU's MPA Program, offered fully online and initially accredited in 2013, is accredited once more for a period of six years, thus joining over 200 accredited graduate programs in public service.

Dr. Peter Haruna, TAMIU professor and MPA Program director, said TAMIU MPA Program students and graduates can be assured that they are receiving quality professional public service education and training at TAMIU.

"We could not have done this without the sustained support and encouragement of our Department chair, College of Arts and Sciences dean, Graduate School dean, and provost and vice president for Academic Affairs," Dr. Haruna said, "Other partners and stakeholders include MPA faculty, Advisory Board, instructional designers and MPA students and graduates who have supported the program as it navigated the rigorous but rewarding accreditation process."

Dr. Haruna continued, "TAMIU MPA Program graduates can be proud of their degree and students can be assured that they are getting high quality professional public service education and training."

NASPAA accreditation validates TAMIU MPA Program faculty teaching, scholarship and research and adds value to the MPA degree, Haruna said.

"It also means that the Program has access to resources and networks beneficial to curriculum development and continuous quality improvement," Haruna said.

Upcoming priorities for the TAMIU's MPA Program include assessing and analyzing the effectiveness of its key courses and creating a NASPAA Annual Conference Proposal for 2021, Haruna said.

"Alongside the implementation of the Program's diversity action plan, faculty are considering the revision of the MPA curriculum by creating a stand-alone diversity course and by infusing diversity, equity and inclusion across the curriculum, creating a capstone course that will tie the themes and issues together to strengthen student learning outcomes," he said.

Additionally, the Program will continue to seek community and international partnerships and conduct public policy and public service research, Haruna said.

To date, TAMIU MPA Program alumni include over 200 graduates employed in public and nonprofit organizations.

TAMIU’s Fall semester 2021 begins Monday, Aug. 23.  The TAMIU Fall plan is focused on a return to a full and vibrant on-campus experience for all students, faculty, and staff at its 300-acre northeast Laredo campus.  Late registration ends Friday, Aug. 27. For detailed registration information, visit go.tamiu.edu/registration21  

For more information on TAMI's MPA Program, contact the Graduate School at 956.326.3020,  email graduateschool@tamiu.edu or visit online at www.tamiu.edu/gradschool.