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Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
January 6, 2025
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Major Credits: 30
- No GRE Required
Are you an executive, manager, or supervisor for a government, not-for-profit, or for-profit organization? Are you looking for a master’s degree that will boost your leadership and administration skills? Do you envision a graduate program that not only surveys society and community but also focuses on the human behavior of individuals working for public service organizations? A program that also explores human relations principles and covers effective communication techniques?
Ball State’s master of arts in executive development for public service program is the answer to these questions. Plus, you have the opportunity—depending on your career goals—to put your degree emphasis on business, communication, gerontology, political science, psychology, healthcare, higher education, or other disciplines.
This degree could take you to settings such as in industry, government, military, and health and human services.
Our Program is Nationally Ranked
- Ball State is consistently highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in best online graduate education programs.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks our Master’s Degrees in Education Programs in the top 20 for Best online programs for veterans.
Contact Us
Contact Sarah Jones, who can answer questions you have about our program.
What It’s Like to Pursue an Online Master of Arts in Executive Development for Public Service
What makes Ball State’s master’s in executive development different from so many other programs?
- This master’s degree has a proven track record with a more than 50-year history for people pursuing a number of career opportunities.
- It’s one of Ball State’s most customizable and interdisciplinary programs. You can design the program around your career goals, working one on one with an academic advisor.
- The master’s degree program can also be used as preparation for entry into the doctorate in adult, higher and community education as a cognate or minor.
- You can graduate within two years since it’s a 30-credits program.
- The program’s flexibility makes it a favorite among active military, veterans, healthcare, and government employees.
- Program has strong degree of racial and ethnic diversity.
- Ideal if you are looking for professional development, a promotion, or career change.
- As a practitioner degree, this program prepares you to apply your expertise effectively in a variety of specialized settings, rather than specializing in one discipline.
If you’re wondering how you might fit into the program, learn more about the students who will be your classmates
“Advancing the Common Good for Hoosiers through Public Policy,” a 2011 report by the Indiana Association of United Ways concludes: “Indiana's nonprofit sector continues to meet increasing demands with decreasing philanthropic and government funding.” In other words, nonprofit organizations must learn to operate more efficiently and effectively with reduced revenues.
And, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “100 Best Jobs,” high demand careers include business, creative services, health care, science and technology, and social services.
Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College.
Learn more.
Double Your Degree
By just taking one additional 3-credit class, you will complete a dual major in executive development for public service and in adult and community education.
Course Requirements
The master’s in executive development for public service is a one-of-a-kind graduate program, and it’s highly unlikely that you will follow the same degree emphasis as any of your classmates.
This master’s program requires at least 30 credits of graduate course work, including:
- two adult and community education courses
- one research course
- one course from four categories of study listed below
- three electives
Contact Sarah Jones to discuss your individual plan of study.
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Categories of Study
Courses may be selected from the categories listed below:
- Adult Education, Program Evaluation, and Staff Development
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science and Educational Technology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Health Science, Gerontology, and Wellness
- Political Science
- Psychology
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
Review deadlines, admission requirements, and application materials, then start your application.
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.
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