After 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Marcy Yoder (MPPA ’23) made the shift into local government in 2018. Yoder wanted a stronger foundation of knowledge and upward mobility in this new field, so she sought out a Master of Public Policy and Administration at CSU.
At the core of her passion for government work is a love for Fort Collins, a community Yoder has called home for over a decade. She cites the city’s sunshine, nature, and amenities as some of her favorite qualities. This love for Fort Collins – and her recently attained MPPA – have led her to success in her current role as a Neighborhood Services Senior Manager for the City of Fort Collins.
Why did you want to pursue an MPPA degree?
With my nonprofit background, I felt like I was missing key components of local government administration, specifically the public policy pieces. Most of the job opportunities at my past experience level require a master’s degree. Unfortunately, during my most recent governmental job search, there were several opportunities that met my skills and abilities but required a master’s degree, so I was unable to apply.
How did you find out about CSU’s program?
The City of Fort Collins often works with Director of the Center for Public Deliberation, Martín Carcasson, and Project Manager for the Straayer Center, Sam Houghtling, both of whom were involved in the startup of MPPA programming. They shared information. I was particularly interested since I could study part-time and maintain my employment, so the cohort and evening schedule was also appealing.
What are your career goals and how does the MPPA fit into those?
My goals are to keep my job in the city I love. The MPPA filled in the gaps and enhanced my performance. I am also interested in being an adjunct professor at CSU in the future, which requires a master’s degree.
Talk about your experience in the program in general. What have been some of the benefits?
It allowed me to explore, learn, and apply academic knowledge to my daily work. I loved the cohort style – mixing us all together: folks going straight from undergrad, mid-level professionals, and folks like me finishing up my career. The program uses a combination of lecture, discussion, and service-learning styles. This allowed us to build relations, connections, and grow our learning through practical experience together.
What would you tell others who are considering an MPPA?
Go for it! It was well worth the investment and has meaningfully enhanced my performance, knowledge, and network.
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.
