Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Public Administration Program at Khon Kaen University is designed to create public sector and civil society leaders who can manage public affairs with good governance and a focus on sustainable development. The program's philosophy emphasizes integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application to produce graduates capable of analyzing complex problems and developing public policies that effectively respond to societal needs, directly aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a powerhouse for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as it is central to creating transparent, accountable, and effective public institutions. Through courses like Governance and Public Affairs Management, Advanced Public Policy Analysis, and Political Economy of Public Affairs, it addresses the core of good governance. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on research drives SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by generating new knowledge for policy development and public sector innovation. In the societal dimension, the program supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through its focus on urban and local management. As a graduate-level program, it is an archetype of SDG 4 (Quality Education), and its comparative and international analysis fosters a spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Best Practices
Master of Public Administration Program has been designed to move beyond the limitations of traditional public administration, focusing on producing "Modern Public Affairs Administration Leaders" who can integrate knowledge in governance with digital and advanced analytical skills to create effective public policies and contemporary governance that meets the needs of the era.
The curriculum has been heavily modernized in its structure, emphasizing the development of in-depth skills through key core courses that serve as tools for driving public sector administration in the 21st century. These include Legal Transformation for Public Affairs in the Digital Era, Governance and Public Affairs Management, Advanced Public Policy Analysis, and Knowledge Discovery and Research Design in Public Affairs Administration.
This strategic learning results in the evident outcome of producing graduates who are ready to cope with the complexity of digital policy and law, and are Public Sector Innovators capable of leading public organizations towards transparent and modern services.
This success leads to a sustainable impact on society and the country by elevating the standards of public administration to be efficient and accountable to citizens, which is strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) in truly building strong and accountable institutions with good governance.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This master's program provides high-quality, specialized education in public administration. It equips students with advanced research and analytical skills essential for effective governance and public service, promoting lifelong learning and preparing them for leadership roles in the public sector.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CL 201 501 | Knowledge Inquiry and Research Design in Public Affairs Management | Directly supports quality education by providing students with advanced research skills, which are crucial for evidence-based policymaking and high-level employment (Target 4.4). |
| CL 201 992 | Independent Study | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of interest, thereby acquiring superior technical and vocational skills (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The program supports innovation in the public sector by training administrators who can manage and implement new technologies and policies. By fostering skills in research and policy design, the curriculum contributes to building a more innovative and efficient public infrastructure.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CL 201 501 | Knowledge Inquiry and Research Design in Public Affairs Management | Enhances scientific research by equipping public administrators with the skills to conduct and utilize research for policy innovation and infrastructure development (Target 9.5). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: This curriculum directly contributes to creating sustainable cities and communities through its focus on public affairs management and policy analysis. Graduates are prepared to lead initiatives that make human settlements more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CL 201 101 | Governance and Public Affairs Management | Directly addresses the need for integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management by teaching the principles of effective local governance (Target 11.3). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The entire Master of Public Administration program is fundamentally aligned with SDG 16. It is dedicated to educating future public sector leaders on the principles of good governance, policy analysis, and institutional management, which are the cornerstones of building peaceful, just, and strong institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CL 201 101 | Governance and Public Affairs Management | Provides the foundational knowledge for developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels (Target 16.6). |
| CL 201 201 | Advanced Public Policy Analysis | Teaches the skills to develop and analyze policies, ensuring responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making (Target 16.7). |
| CL 202 301 | Political Economy of Public Affairs | Strengthens institutions by providing a deep understanding of the economic and political factors that influence public sector effectiveness (Target 16.6). |
| CL 202 401 | Advanced Organizational Analysis | Focuses on building effective and transparent institutions by teaching students how to analyze and improve organizational structures and processes (Target 16.6). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program fosters the skills needed for effective partnerships by educating students on comparative governance and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Graduates are prepared to work across different sectors and levels of government to enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CL 202 102 | Comparative Public Affairs Management | Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by encouraging policy coherence and the sharing of best practices across nations (Target 17.14 & 17.16). |
| CL 201 991 | Seminar in Public Affairs Management | Promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships by providing a platform for dialogue on complex policy issues, mobilizing and sharing knowledge for the SDGs (Target 17.17). |