MPA Portfolio

At Virginia Tech, MPA candidates must create a portfolio highlighting their work in the program.

MPA Portfolio Standards

Standard A

Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through concise, grammatically correct and clear, well-organized writing.

Performance Objectives:
1. Provide at least one single-authored example that conveys complex ideas through professional quality writing and graphics.
2. Provide examples of a variety of communication formats to reach different target audiences.

Standard B

Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through clear, well-organized oral presentations.

Performance Objectives:
1. Provide at least one example of oral communication presenting analysis succinctly and/or engaging in productive discussion.
2. Provide at least one example of oral communication that conveys complex ideas through visuals.
3. Provide examples of a variety of communication formats to reach different target audiences.

Standard C

Standard C: Perform and utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods and tools.

Performance Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the ability to locate, critically select, and interpret or translate data into information useful for understanding a public administration or policy issue.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use data analysis to improve decision-making.
3. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply an appropriate method, model, or tool to analyze or gain insight into a research question, policy problem, or public administration concern.

Standard D

Standard D: Apply theory to practice in a range of settings.

Performance Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the practical application of theory broadly understood (theories, models, conceptual or analytical tools, frames of analysis, or other scholarly perspectives).
2. Present concrete recommendations for practice that are realistic, achievable, and can be evaluated.
3. Provide examples of the application of theory to professional practice.

Standard E

Standard E: Understand the nature and functions of management and leadership in public administration and policy.

Performance Objectives:
1. Reflect on one’s leadership style while demonstrating an understanding of leadership theories.
2. Provide evidence of an understanding of organizations and the management of people.
3. Reflect on one’s capacity for, and past demonstration of, effective collaboration with others.
4. Demonstrate a sensitive awareness of professional norms, including the values of diversity and inclusion.

Standard F

Standard F: Recognize, analyze, and understand the normative dimensions of management and policy issues.

Performance Objectives:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the normative foundations of public administration and the ability to apply that knowledge to a range of settings.
2. Demonstrate the ability to engage in ethical reasoning when confronted with challenging ethical situations.
3. Demonstrate the ability to engage in normative and ethical reasoning.