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MA in Public Administration at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Public Administration at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA Public Administration program at University of Mysore focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of governance, public policy, and administrative processes critical for effective public service delivery. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical insights, addressing the complexities of public administration in a dynamic societal context. It emphasizes ethical governance, policy analysis, and strategic management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various governmental and non-governmental organizations across India. The program’s design considers the evolving landscape of public sector reforms and citizen-centric administration.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, public sector undertakings, or policy research roles within India. It also caters to working professionals, including those in government departments, NGOs, or corporate social responsibility initiatives, looking to enhance their administrative acumen and policy expertise. Career changers transitioning into the public and social sectors, or those aspiring for roles in international development agencies, will also find the program highly relevant. A Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline is typically the prerequisite background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as administrative officers, policy analysts, development consultants, urban planners, and NGO managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-15 lakhs, depending on the sector and role. The growth trajectories in Indian companies and government bodies often lead to senior management and policy-making positions. The program also aligns with skills required for competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services and State Public Service Commissions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge in Governance and Policy- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core concepts in administrative theory, Indian administration, and financial administration. Regularly review constitutional frameworks, policy processes, and administrative structures. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and prepare for internal assessments.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, NPTEL courses on Public Administration, India-specific governance reports, Online forums like IASBaba for concept clarity
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are essential for cracking competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs, and for building a robust analytical base for policy analysis roles.
Develop Research Skills and Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in the Research Methods course. Practice data collection techniques, questionnaire design, and basic statistical analysis. Focus on writing clear, concise academic papers, adhering to proper citation styles. Seek feedback from professors on assignments.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, SPSS/R for basic data analysis, Academic writing workshops, University writing center
Career Connection
Essential for policy research, think tank roles, academic pursuits, and any role requiring data-driven decision making and report generation.
Engage with Current Affairs and Public Discourse- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read leading Indian newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), magazines focusing on governance and economy (e.g., Yojana, Kurukshetra), and reputable online news portals. Participate in debates and discussions on contemporary public policy issues.
Tools & Resources
Major Indian newspapers, Government publications, PRS Legislative Research, Rajya Sabha TV/Lok Sabha TV
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, general awareness crucial for civil services exams, and an informed perspective for public service roles.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Specialization and Policy Implementation Insight- (Semester 3)
Dive deep into your chosen electives (e.g., Disaster Management, E-Governance, Human Resource Management). Look for case studies on successful and unsuccessful policy implementations in India. Analyze the challenges and best practices in specific administrative domains.
Tools & Resources
Government of India policy documents, NITI Aayog reports, Specific case studies from IIMs/IITs on governance, Field visits if organized by the department
Career Connection
Builds expertise in a specific area of public administration, making you a more targeted candidate for specialized roles in government agencies or NGOs.
Internship and Experiential Learning- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks))
Actively seek and apply for internships with government departments, NGOs, think tanks, or corporate CSR divisions during semester breaks. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in policy formulation, project management, or public service delivery.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Online internship portals (Internshala, LetsIntern), Direct applications to organizations like PRADAN, Barefoot College, local municipal corporations
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, builds professional networks, and enhances employability by demonstrating real-world skills and commitment to public service.
Dissertation/Project for Impact- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that addresses a contemporary public administration challenge in India. Conduct rigorous research, collect primary or secondary data, and propose actionable policy recommendations. Present your findings effectively.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Statistical software, Research databases (JSTOR, Shodhganga), Workshops on thesis writing and presentation skills
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to contribute original insights to public policy, highly valued by employers and for further academic pursuits.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor''''s degree (BA/BSc/BCom/BBM/BCA/BSW) from University of Mysore or equivalent, with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/CAT-1 candidates).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 401 | Administrative Theory | Core | 4 | Introduction to Public Administration, Theories of Organization, Leadership and Motivation, Communication and Decision Making, Bureaucracy and its types |
| PA 402 | Indian Administration | Core | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Constitutional Framework, Central and State Administration, District Administration, Local Self-Government |
| PA 403 | Financial Administration | Core | 4 | Introduction to Financial Administration, Budgeting Process, Financial Control, Public Expenditure, Fiscal Policy |
| PA 404 | Research Methods in Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature of Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| PA 405 A | Local Government (Optional) | Elective (Soft Core) | 4 | Evolution of Local Government, Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj), Urban Local Government (Municipalities), Functions and Finances, Personnel Administration |
| PA 405 B | Public Policy (Optional) | Elective (Soft Core) | 4 | Nature of Public Policy, Policy Formulation, Policy Implementation, Policy Evaluation, Models of Public Policy |
| PA 405 C | Development Administration (Optional) | Elective (Soft Core) | 4 | Concept of Development, Approaches to Development, Bureaucracy and Development, Planning for Development, Role of Public Sector |
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 551 | Public Policy Analysis | Core | 4 | Policy Process, Policy Analysis Frameworks, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis, Policy Advocacy |
| PA 552 | Comparative Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature of Comparative Public Administration, Approaches to CPA, Administrative Systems of Developed Countries, Administrative Systems of Developing Countries, Bureaucracy in different contexts |
| PA 553 A | Constitutionalism and Administration (Optional) | Elective (Soft Core) | 4 | Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Constitutional Amendments |
| PA 553 B | Administrative Reforms (Optional) | Elective (Soft Core) | 4 | Concept of Administrative Reforms, Approaches to Reforms, Major Administrative Reforms in India, E-Governance as a Reform Tool, Citizen-Centric Administration |
| PA 553 C | Urban and Regional Planning (Optional) | Elective (Soft Core) | 4 | Urbanization and its challenges, Regional Planning Concepts, Master Plans and Zonal Regulations, Environmental Planning, Land Use Management and Housing Policies |
| PA 554 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 4 | Research Methodology Application, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation of Findings |
| PA 555 | Viva-Voce | Core | 4 | Comprehensive assessment of program knowledge, Defense of Dissertation/Project Work, General knowledge in Public Administration |
