Searching for social equity among public administration mission statements

Abstract

The main research question considered in this article is the relative prominence of social equity among public administration curricula via an examination of program mission. It has long been asserted that social equity is a key component of public administration education so much so that the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) made social equity a fourth pillar of public administration. The article points to a serious dilemma faced within the discipline, namely the unequal geographic distribution of social equity mission statements at the program level, while at the same time promoting it as essential to the discipline nationally. Based on an analysis of 184 public administration programs, this article advocates for a continued commitment and dedicated resources to promote social equity across smaller Masters of Public Administration programs.