CSU alum Krista Yoder (’23) is driven to help others. This desire led her to explore master’s programs in public administration, ultimately leading her to CSU’s Master of Public Policy and Administration program. With support from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, she eagerly moved Colorado to learn in the world class city of Fort Collins.
Inspired by the mutual enthusiasm for change-making amongst her peers, Yoder reflects fondly on her time in the MPPA program, hoping to stay in touch with her cohort. “I hope people are joining the public policy and administration graduate association, GAPPA!” said Yoder.
Yoder is currently putting her degree to use as a Support Coordinator with City of Virginia Beach Human Services, and is optimistic about the future career growth afforded to her with an advanced degree.
Why did you want to pursue an MPPA degree?
I feel really motivated to serve others. I was hoping that an MPPA would give me a skill set to do so effectively, at a broad scale, and from a leadership position.
How did you find out about CSU’s program?
I Googled it while I was looking at schools. It helped that I was a resident of Arizona as the support from the WICHE program allowed me to even consider Colorado schools.
What are your career goals? (and how does the MPPA fit into those?)
As soon as possible, I would like to be working for a mission-oriented organization in a position where I can bring people together. Long term, I feel like as a society, we need to identify and build a safer, more human-focused means of serving youth in foster care and their families. I hope to be part of that change.
Talk about your experience in the program in general. What have been some of the benefits?
The first year, I was in-person and it helped to look around the classrooms and see people at all different stages in their professional careers pursuing an MPPA and believing in people around them. I have my own biases about bureaucracy and government at all levels, but being surrounded by really bright people who believed we could make the world a better place – and that we could build programs to serve others – made me believe it, too.
How has your experience in the MPPA program affected your future education or career goals?
I feel more confident having an MPPA; I can now speak from an informed position as a public leader. I went into the program with a passion for supporting nonprofits, and I think the knowledge and skillset I acquired in the program will allow me to do so in meaningful ways.
What would you tell others who are considering an MPPA?
I think the degree elucidates a lot of what being a public servant means while also providing opportunities to broaden your interest in different facets of public service.
The Master of Public Policy and Administration in CSU’s College of Liberal Arts prepares students for public sector or nonprofit leadership through an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates research-based academic theory with real-world experience.
Curious about the differences between an MPPA, MPA, MPP, or MBA? Check out our degree comparison guide to learn which is right for you.
