公共行政侧重于公共产品和服务的交付，公共政策的实施以及法律和学位的执行。但是，它的研究范围更广，包括大型复杂组织的功能和领导。根据定义和必要性，公共行政既是科学又是艺术：科学是对官僚机构如何运作的研究，而艺术是对官僚机构如何运作的研究。过去的政治任命正迅速被新型的公共部门经理所取代，这些经理更类似于私营部门的高管，工程师和会计师。政府，机构，基金会和当局正在寻找具有沟通能力，批判性分析，市场营销，财务，战略规划能力，赠款撰写经验，计划开发能力，组织能力以及创造性地解决问题能力的积极主动的人。为了满足此需求
Public administration focuses on the delivery of public goods and services, the implementation of public policy, and the execution of laws and rules. Its studies, however, are much broader to include the functioning and leading of large and complex organizations. By definition and necessity, public administration is both science and art: science in that it is a study of how bureaucracies function and art in that it is a study of how to steer and manage organizations.<br><br>Political appointees of the past are rapidly being replaced by a new type of public sector managers, more similar to executives, engineers, and accountants of the private sector. Governments, agencies, foundations, and authorities are seeking highly motivated individuals with communication, critical analysis, public budgeting and human resources management skills, strategic planning abilities, grant-writing experience, program development capabilities, organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems creatively.<br><br>Gannon's Master of Public Administration is a STEM Designated Degree Program. The STEM designation also has special implications for international students who are studying in the United States on a student F-1 visa. For most international students, there is an opportunity to complete work experience following the completion of their degree through a program called Optional Practical Training (OPT). The standard duration for OPT is 12 months. However, if the student has completed a STEM approved program, OPT can be extended by as much as 24 months for a total of 36 months. For any clarification of the I-20 purpose, please contact Gannon University's Office of Global Admissions and Outreach. To be eligible, students must have a STEM degree from an accredited U.S. school and must secure employment with an employer that includes a minimum of 20 hours of work per week and formal training within the STEM field.