Public Administration

Prepare for high-impact leadership roles in public service, governance, and nonprofit sectors. Develop the sophisticated managerial expertise and advanced analytical skills necessary to drive exemplary public administration.

Program Overview

Master

Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Phnom Penh International University (PPIU) is a graduate-level program engineered to prepare visionary leaders for high-impact roles in public service, governmental bodies, and nonprofit organizations. This comprehensive curriculum focuses on cultivating the sophisticated managerial expertise and advanced analytical skills necessary for exemplary public governance and civic leadership. By bridging theoretical frameworks with modern policy-making practices, the program equips students with a profound understanding of public sector management, strategic budgeting, and regulatory frameworks. Graduates emerge fully prepared to design sustainable public policies and confidently address the multifaceted socio-economic challenges faced by administrators in today's complex political landscape. To complete master program in Public Administration, students have 2 options. Option 1: Students have to complete 11 courses, equal to 33 credits and must complete their Master's thesis with proposal defense and final defense, which is equal to 12 credits. Option 2: Students have to complete 13 courses, equal to 39 credits and must complete their research proposal with a defense, which is equal to 6 credits. For the state exam, students have to be examined on 2 courses in Major Courses. PPIU strongly recommend student choose option 1. Students who want to pursue master course is not in majoring of bachelor, they must take pre-master with 3 courses such; Introduction to Law, Introduction to Cambodia Legal System, Introduction to Political Science. If student has relevant experience and can provide documentation, the Postgraduate School will consider waiving some courses in the pre-master program.
Curriculum

Course Catalog

the curriculum consists of core compulsory subjects and a selection of electives that allow students to specialize in their chosen field.

Common Courses

~6 credits
Course TitleCredit
Course TitleCredit
Leadership & Organizational Behaviour 3
Theory of State 3

Major Courses

~21 credits
Course TitleCredit
Course TitleCredit
Applied Statistics 3
Administrative Science 3
Land Law & Dispute Resolution 3
Public Management & Leadership 3
Global Governance & Policy Analysis 3
International Political Economy & Public Policy 3
Research Methodology 3

Elective Courses

~18 credits
Course TitleCredit
Course TitleCredit
Labor Law 3
Alternative Dispute Resolution 3
Human Rights Law 3
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution 3
Territorial Administrative Management 3
Property Law 3

Option 1: Thesis Writing

~12 credits
Course TitleCredit
Course TitleCredit
Master's Thesis (Defence Proposal & Thesis) 12

Option 2: Proposal Writing and State Exam

~6 credits
Course TitleCredit
Course TitleCredit
Defence Proposal 6
Examined on 2 subjects for state exam 0

Course titles and credit hours are indicative. The official curriculum is published each academic year by the Dean’s office and is subject to update.

Competencies

Program Learning Outcomes

Hard Skills

Public Administration & Governance

Develop knowledge of public administration systems, government institutions, and governance principles to support effective and accountable public service.

Public Policy Analysis

Apply policy analysis approaches to evaluate public policies, assess their impacts, and support evidence-based policy development.

Administrative Science & Management

Apply administrative principles and management practices to improve organizational processes, coordination, and public-sector performance.

Public Management & Leadership

Develop skills in managing public organizations, coordinating teams, and supporting effective leadership within government and public institutions.

Research & Statistical Analysis

Apply research methodologies and statistical techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data for public-sector research and decision-making.

Territorial Administrative Management

Develop an understanding of territorial administration, local governance, and the management of public services and resources at different administrative levels.

Public Law & Dispute Resolution

Understand legal principles relevant to public administration, including land-related issues, property rights, and mechanisms for resolving administrative and public disputes.

International Political Economy & Public Policy

Analyze how international economic and political developments influence government policies, public institutions, and national development.

Soft Skills

Public Leadership

Develop the ability to lead public-sector teams, coordinate stakeholders, and promote effective and responsible public service.

Policy-Oriented Critical Thinking

Strengthen the ability to examine complex public issues, evaluate policy alternatives, and develop practical approaches to societal challenges.

Decision-Making & Problem-Solving

Build the ability to assess administrative challenges, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions in public-sector environments.

Stakeholder Communication

Develop clear and professional communication skills for engaging with government institutions, communities, organizations, and other stakeholders.

Ethical & Accountable Governance

Apply principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, and social responsibility when making decisions and managing public resources.

Negotiation & Conflict Management

Develop skills to manage disagreements, negotiate among competing interests, and facilitate constructive solutions in public and administrative settings.

Collaboration & Teamwork

Build the ability to work effectively with colleagues, government agencies, communities, and diverse stakeholders toward shared public objectives.

Adaptability & Public Service Orientation

Develop the flexibility and commitment needed to respond to changing public needs, administrative environments, and emerging governance challenges.

Entry Requirements

What you need to apply.

Academic Requirement:

Must have a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent certificate in a related field. If a student has an academic background in a different major from their bachelor's degree, they must complete a pre-master program with 3 subjects. If student has relevant experience and can provide documentation, the Postgraduate School will consider waiving some courses in the pre-master program.

Language

Khmer instruction. Some programs in English.

Document Required

Application form, BACII Certificate, 3 recent photos (4x6), National identity card, Birth certificate (if applicable.)