(Newswire.net — December 11, 2016) — When the world is in danger, many may think of Superman or the League of Justice coming to the rescue. Others possibly think of disaster films in which fantastic weapons developed by brave but disenfranchised scientists rescue the planet from destruction. The reality, however, may be less dramatic, although it is just as important. Those holding a Master of Public Administration (MPA) are increasingly being called upon to deal with one of the major threats to Earth—invasive alien species.
About the MPA and the Problem
The MPA is a professional degree for those who seek a career in public service or nonprofit management. This degree program teaches and enhances skills needed by managers to help them successfully execute projects, programs, and policies that address and solve major problems within their organizations or society.
Society needs those with the expertise of an MPA to face a growing threat. Natural ecosystems are in danger from large numbers of invasive alien species. An organism is alien or non-native if humans have introduced it to the environment, whether intentionally or accidentally.
Dangers of Alien Species
Non-native species put ecosystems in peril in several ways. They often have negative effects on their environments because they may be able to hunt more effectively than native organisms. Even worse, they might actually hunt native species that have no adaptations to cope with the invaders. When these situations occur, species populations that are native to an area could be devastated by the intruders. In many cases, invasive and aggressive alien species are also a danger to humans and society as a whole.
How MPA Graduates can Help
Those holding a Master of Public Administration are trained to develop and implement policies that are beneficial to society. Those with MPAs are found in every sector of government, where they wrestle with the most challenging issues on the public agenda. Therefore, they are stepping in to combat the threats of invasive, non-native organisms. In some cases, networks of MPA holders may have been formed to help qualified individuals focus their efforts on specific, critical problems.
When battling the threat of invasive alien species, MPA holders are multitasking for society’s benefit. They analyze statistics and information concerning alien species and how the areas they have invaded have been affected. They create and carry out government and public policy addressing the problem as well as manage expenditures. They also direct resources and people, and they may serve as consultants. In short, they are involved in every step of the fight against destructive alien species.
Earning an MPA
Those interested in pursuing an MPA have many options. Full-time programs usually take two years, although some part-time courses are available to accomodate those who are working. Different schools have different types of curricula, and much information is available online. For example, potential students can get more information about the online mpa program from USC. To get started with research, click here.
For the Good of All
The world’s ecosystems need help in battling threats such as invasive alien organisms. Those holding an MPA are on the front lines. They are trained to develop policies and strategies to alleviate this danger and to put those plans in place. While the problem they address may be focused, their ultimate goal is to benefit all of society.