Mission and Philosophy

Our students, faculty and staff create learning communities to explore and implement socially just, democratic public service. We

• think critically and creatively;
• communicate effectively;
• work collaboratively;
• embrace diversity;
• value fairness and equity;
• advocate powerfully on behalf of the public; and
• imagine new possibilities in order to accomplish positive change in our workplace and in our communities.

Evergreen's MPA program provides an intellectual, collaborative and engaged learning environment in which students learn to act as facilitators in defining and pursuing the public interest. Key ideas and concepts are presented within the historical, political, social, cultural and economic context of public administration.

Students develop expertise in both oral and written communication. Much of the work takes place in seminars, small group discussions where participants discover the meaning or significance of assigned readings. Students experience teamwork while working to complete various learning projects. They learn to reason critically, to analyze important dimensions of public service and to understand and take coherent positions on key public administration and policy issues. In addition, students have opportunities to discuss contemporary public issues with practitioners and faculty and use their own experiences to integrate theory and practice.