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Public Administration

The University: Experience and Qualifications

Since its founding in 1855 as the first land grant university in the U.S., Michigan State University has adhered to its original mission: to “strive to discover practical uses for theoretical knowledge, and to speed the diffusion of information to residents of the state, the nation, and the world.” In operational terms, MSU has concentrated on building its strengths in educating and training succeeding generations of researchers both from the U.S. and the world at large. It has sought to establish collaborative links with people and institutions worldwide, broadening its research, academic and service outreach.

MSU is recognized as a center of excellence in international development. The academic and professional community at Michigan State is highly diverse and responsive and augments the University’s international goals with a broad array of globally relevant skills and expertise. People from every county in Michigan, every state in the U.S. and 134 countries around the world contribute to the University’s success. Annually, more than 3500 international students and scholars enroll in MSU’s graduate and undergraduate and certificate programs. MSU plays host to hundreds of international visitors every year who come to view campus research facilities, participate in campus life as visiting scholars and specialists, or to meet with MSU colleagues. Hundreds of MSU faculty members are engaged in critical outreach programs in many countries throughout the world, teaching, conducting research or providing technical assistance.

For more than 50 years, Michigan State University has been a leader among U.S. universities in international development programs. MSU has had a broad and deepening involvement in conducting technical assistance and research in developing countries, assisting the development of new institutions, and providing training for development tasks. MSU, through its Departments and Institutes and Centers, has also managed projects throughout the world, providing short- and long-term in-country technical assistance, degree and non-degree training programs, and extensive backstopping support from the main campus. The Office of the Dean of International Studies and Programs has overall responsibility for the university’s international initiatives. While historically a majority of MSU’s international development and technical assistance projects have been conducted by faculty in various departments of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, international expertise is increasingly incorporated into all aspects of university life marking MSU as a global university.

The Office of Contract and Grant Administration (CGA) holds fiscal audit authority and responsibility for the MSU contractual portfolio with both domestic and international external donors. In fiscal 2005-2006 awards for sponsored projects reached $319 million. To ensure that MSU is aware of, and can comply with the various agency regulations, CGA is organized by funding agency. CGA has a separate group dedicated to administration of international projects.

Public Administration

The Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science discontinued its Masters of Public Administration. The Department of Political Science and the College of Social Science will initiate a new master’s program in public policy in the Fall of 2007.

Michigan State University Extension is in its third decade of a program to offer professional development opportunities for Extension agents and specialists in International Extension work. The mission of this program, as a professional development opportunity seeks to:

  • Prepare staff to develop international outreach programs
  • Recognize the interdependence of the US in global economic, social and political developments and issues
  • Prepare professionals to better respond to the needs of individuals and communities impacted by cultural diversity and global interdependence
  • Recognize ways to provide international trade and development education
  • Promote understanding of how international linkages/interdependencies affect daily life
  • Provide professionals with opportunities to become involved in overseas projects and US development education efforts
  • Assist professionals with applications of expanded knowledge and increased cultural sensitivities to local problems and programs.

Eli Broad School of Business at MSU (www.bus.msu.edu)

The MSU Eli Broad School of Business’ mission in all programs is to develop leaders that have the skills to excel in a global, multicultural marketplace. The Broad School excels in numerous aspects to promote this global vision.   The Broad College is home to the International Business Center and is the home of the Academy of International Business.   With a global vision in mind, internationalization is reflected in all of our academic programs.   To illustrate:

The specialization in International Business allows students to gain an international perspective in business.   A wide range of international business and economics courses are available to give students a broad knowledge of international business gleaned from Finance, Management, Marketing, Business Law, and Economics.   The language and study abroad requirements provide students' with an appreciation of other cultures and diversity in the workplace.   Study abroad also prepares students to better function in the global marketplace.   The International Business Specialization overlays the major field and enhances students' knowledge of International Business and employment prospects after graduation.

MBA with concentration in International Business

The concentration in International Business provides students with an opportunity to further explore specific international topics that were introduced in the first year of the MBA program. A student may choose courses that further their understanding in a concentration such as finance or marketing or they may choose a variety of courses to broaden their overall knowledge of global issues. An awareness of these issues is critical because international experience is no longer an advantage, but is now a requirement for managerial success.