Introduction to Master of Public Administration Program
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program deeply integrates four dimensions: public governance, policy analysis, digital-intelligent technology and collaborative governance. It strengthens students’ capabilities in public policy research and judgment, intelligent governance practices and comprehensive public sector management. The program focuses on cultivating students’ integrated competence in digital-intelligent governance, enabling them to apply digital-intelligent tools such as big data analytics and AI-aided decision-making to extract policy value from complex public affairs data, and carry out cross-department collaborative governance and risk prediction practices. Aligned with the national strategy of modernizing the governance system and governance capacity, and closely responsive to the digital-intelligent transformation of public services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the program is committed to cultivating senior public management talents who “uphold public spirit, excel in policy implementation and exercise governance practice”.
Graduates enjoy broad career prospects. They may work in government departments, public institutions, non-profit organizations, policy research think tanks and corporate public affairs departments, engaging in administrative management, policy research and formulation, smart government affairs development, public project operations and other related work.
The normal program duration is two academic years, requiring the completion of 45 credits, including core courses (24 credits), elective courses (9 credits), and an independently accomplished thesis (12 credits).
The program has the following characteristics:
Integrating four dimensions of public governance, policy analysis, digital-intelligent technology and collaborative governance, the program systematically incorporates digital-intelligent tools such as big data analytics and AI-aided decision-making into public policy analysis and public governance practices. By simulating real governance scenarios, it trains students to apply cutting-edge technologies to solve complex public management problems, guides students to apply public management theories to governance scenarios, and strengthens their practical skills in policy research supported by digital-intelligent tools.
The program features core‑faculty members deeply engaged in public management and policy analysis, while integrating interdisciplinary faculty resources from economics and data science. We regularly invite renowned domestic and overseas scholars, senior government officials and policy think tank experts to host thematic forums and cutting-edge lectures, helping students broaden their academic horizons, grasp governance reform trends, and improve their policy research and practical leadership capabilities.
The program brings together participants with highly diverse backgrounds, including in-service civil servants of the Macao S.A.R. and Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, managers of public institutions, and backbone staff of non-profit organizations. Through real governance case sharing and policy implementation experience exchange, participants achieve cross-department and cross-level practical exchange and knowledge co-creation, gaining professional knowledge while accumulating high-value industry connections and building a lifelong governance community.
Competency Goals
CG 1. Demonstrate comprehensive managerial knowledge and skills in business/public administration.
Students exhibit advanced conceptual and managerial expertise in business management/public administration.
Students demonstrate proficiency in strategic management within the contexts of business and public administration.
CG 2. Exhibit critical thinking and analytical skills to address challenges in business management/public administration.
Students are able to identify and define complex problems and opportunities in business and public administration management.
Students apply appropriate qualitative or quantitative techniques to effectively collect and analyze data and information.
Students interpret the results of data analyses and formulate actionable recommendations related to business strategy and public policies.
CG 3. Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills.
Students communicate clearly and effectively in oral presentations, employing a logical, coherent structure and appropriate register.
Students communicate effectively in writing, ensuring clarity, logical organization, and suitable tone.
Students apply goal-setting, planning, and collaboration skills to achieve effective teamwork within groups.
CG 4. Develop a strong ethical perspective and decision-making skills in business management and public administration.
Students demonstrate a thorough understanding of ethical conduct and legal frameworks relevant to business and public administration.
Students recognize ethical dilemmas in business management and public administration, applying ethical models to evaluate potential impacts and propose defensible resolutions in decision-making.
Students demonstrate a solid understanding of social responsibilities and apply sustainable models to propose and defend effective resolutions.
CG 5. Exhibit competent managerial ability to act strategically in a globalized context.
Students understand, appreciate, and respect cultural diversity, collaborating effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.
Students adopt a global perspective on business management and public administration, integrating the implications of globalization and diversity into strategic decision-making processes.
