Seeking the Holy Grail: Assessing Outcomes of MPA Programs

Abstract NASPAA accreditation standards, university assessment processes, and program management have put an increased emphasis on outcome and performance measurement in MPA and related programs. Simple yet comprehensive measures are not easily found or are very difficult and expensive to create. Based on the trade-offs, this article proposes information that may be collected as a byproduct of MPA program operation and from supplemental processes. Use of these multiple measures can serve well in assessing MPA programs and in guiding their performance. Examples are given from a specific MPA program.