Reinhardt Announces New Graduate Program: Master of Public Administration with a Criminal Justice Concentration; Program Director Appointed

Beginning fall 2013, Reinhardt will welcome the newest offering to its thriving graduate degree programs. The Master of Public Administration with a concentration in criminal justice will allow students to obtain a degree that’s unlike any other in the North Georgia area. Led by Dr. Karen Owen, assistant professor of public administration and MPA program director, the Reinhardt MPA will prepare individuals from diverse backgrounds for professional careers in criminal justice administration in governmental, private and non-profit organizations.

Unique Learning Opportunity

“The MPA program is a great addition to Reinhardt’s graduate program offerings, and I am excited to help start the program and build its future success,” said Owen. “I am enthusiastic about initiating this MPA program, which will provide professional working knowledge and skills advancement for many public sector and non-profit sector professionals in our community. I look forward to utilizing my own research and practical political knowledge and work within the national and state levels of government to create a solid and reputable program and to enlighten the classroom learning experience for all students.”

Dr. Bill DeAngelis, dean of the School of Mathematics and Sciences agrees. “We are proud to welcome the Master of Public Administration degree program into the School of Mathematics and Sciences. The nature of the program, particularly with its concentration in criminal justice administration, will increase the depth and breadth of our School’s offerings and will provide our graduates and the entire University with a viable graduate educational opportunity.”

Experienced Faculty; Convenient Location

Reinhardt, its Police Academy and nearby agencies have worked together to create this unique graduate program, and this collaboration has resulted in a program that expertly addresses professional needs and theory. Offered in the convenient location of Reinhardt’s North Fulton Center in Alpharetta, Ga., the MPA will be readily accessible to many of the Northern Arc municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies. The MPA will be led by experienced faculty with extensive teaching and field experience who will supplement textbook knowledge with practical skills and real life lessons. 

“Reinhardt’s MPA program will provide a focused graduate curriculum for those who desire to advance in public safety and law enforcement administration,” said Owen. “While other MPA programs in the state offer general administration and policy concentrations, the Reinhardt MPA, with a criminal justice concentration, will meet demands espoused by many in the suburban Atlanta area for graduate level MPA education at a location near county/city public law enforcement agencies. We can offer students and professionals interested in Criminal Justice the specific classroom and practical experience for public safety administrative work in a suburban campus environment.”

Realistic Schedule

In each of the two 8-week terms of the semester, class will meet once a week on Tuesdays from 6-10:50 p.m. There will also be a simultaneous online class for the whole semester. This structure will allow busy working adults to complete 9 credit hours a semester, while providing the best of both worlds—the camaraderie and enrichment of face-to-face learning and the convenience of online education. The program will facilitate an active learning environment between the students and government/non-profit professional entities within the community, all while meeting the  needs of students and professionals who are seeking graduate level education.

“I want this program to recruit the best and brightest students from our region and become state and nationally recognized as providing sound and practical knowledge and resources for public servants,” Owen said. “My earnest goal is that this MPA program will provide the necessary theoretical knowledge of the political workings of administration within public and non-profit organizations as well as the practical skills professionals will need to be strong and effective administrators within their chosen career field.”

Information Session: June 12, 6:30 p.m., North Fulton Center, Alpharetta, Ga.

To learn more about the Reinhardt MPA, attend an information session on June 12 at 6:30 p.m., at Reinhardt’s North Fulton Center in Alpharetta, Ga. The application process has several steps so those interested in this program are encouraged to start early. Visit www.reinhardt.edu/MPA to get started today!

For more information or to arrange an individual appointment, contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 770-720-5797 or gradstudies@reinhardt.edu or visit www.reinhardt.edu/MPA