Best Program EVER!!

You may be aware that I started the MPA Program at BYU this semester. Starting the program mid-year with 20 credits was a daunting event. I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife (who is also in the program), who had previously helped me meet other classmates. Kenz had also assured me that I would succeed and be fine in the program. I was incredulous the first couple of days, especially considering that my first professor of the day said she was going to just "throw us into the deep end."

So, after having survived my first week of classes, I am convinced of two things: 1) I just might survive, and 2) I have entered the GREATEST graduate program at BYU!

Here are a few of my reasons:

1) The MPA degree at BYU is extremely versatile. This is one of the reasons I have been so attracted to this degree and the program. The skills and knowledge gained in the program prepare you for a variety of positions in the public and private arenas. Students leave prepared to make a positive difference in the world. 

2) The faculty members in the program are exceptional. The professors care about the students, are active and accomplished in research and in their fields. We have AWESOME projects that we will be doing in the real world. Our class discussions and lectures are challenging and allow us to expand our thinking.  

3) The students are innovative, intelligent, and "people people." The group of MPA students that I have the privilege to have classes with are friendly and really care about people. (I guess that's the reason why most want to go into public service). We have compelling discussions about current events and problems, and can have a good time. In these students are combined critical and innovative thinking, problem solving skills, effective communication, and personality! (You don't often find so much personality in statistics and accounting classes).

I thought that the chance to have the opportunity to start the program mid-year was an "exceptional exception" (as the assistant program director phrased it). The ability to finish the program in 3 semesters (despite the 20 hr. class load each semester) has also been an "exceptional exception." I was impressed with the program from the day McKenzie started it. I was impressed with the degree, its applications and practical uses to foment good in the world. However, now that I am experiencing everything first-hand rather than from the outside, I can only describe this great program, its faculty, and students, as being (borrowing some terminology from the assistant director) "exceptionally exceptional."