A Master of Public Administration Degree with Chinese Characteristics?

Abstract

This article examines the newly launched Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs in the People's Republic of China. By tracing the history of the discipline of public administration in China and various administrative reform efforts during the past two decades, the authors describe the major factors that propelled the Chinese to adopt a Western-style professional MPA degree. The article also points out the implications the new degree will have for senior public officials in China and the challenges they will face as they implement the MPA degree throughout the country.