The High Tech MPA: Distance Learning Technology and Graduate Public Administration Education

The technology of distance learning is in use in graduate MPA classes at a growing number of colleges and universities and is being considered for use at many others. This article explores the important objectives, issues, and concerns that should be addressed for the successful application of the technology and develops models of distance learning for graduate programs. The results of two preliminary surveys covering the use of distance learning technology in MPA programs are reported and analyzed. The authors present their findings concerning the development of successful distance learning programs at the graduate level and call for a consortium of university MPA programs to devise studies and share data and expertise in order to create quality distance learning programs for public administration education.