1. Integrates private, public and non-profit sectors in the curriculum:
Unlike the MBA, which focuses primarily on the private sector, and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) which concentrates on the public sector, the MSA addresses the needs of managers in a wide range of settings. This philosophy recognizes the interrelationships among disciplines and the commonality in many of the challenges facing managers in all three sectors.
2. Emphasizes the development of leadership and communication skills:
The MSA program places more emphasis on the key skills needed to manage and lead an organization in terms of leadership and communication ability. However, while the program places less emphasis on quantitative methods than traditional MBA programs, it nonetheless incorporates a number of courses which provide quantitative skill development.
3. Provides a theory-based but practitioner-oriented approach:
The MSA program is primarily oriented to the needs of the working professional. The program’s instructional philosophy is therefore based on integrating theoretical foundations with current applications in the field.