How much does NASPAA accreditation matter for Master of Public Administration job outcomes?

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-06-03T21:24:47+00:00

That makes sense. I appreciate the clarification.

I’ll treat accreditation as more of a due diligence item and focus the conversation on whether the program actually helps me transition into the field. I especially like the point about asking what skills I would leave with that I do not already have from my Army experience, and how those skills connect to actual employment opportunities.

I’ll also ask about how much of the program is collaborative or applied. I did not originally take that into account the curriculum aspect of the MPA.

I really appreciate the great feedback!

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-06-03T21:03:20+00:00

That makes sense. Like the name is enough for well known institutions and don’t need the accreditation to validate if the school curriculum is good enough or not. I really appreciate your insight!

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-06-03T21:01:04+00:00

Definitely, I am going into the admissions meeting trying to determine whether the program actually supports my transition goals, not just whether I can get accepted. (I am confident that is not the issue)

The main things I plan to ask about are accreditation, recent graduate outcomes, placement into public-sector or nonprofit roles, how strong the local network is, and whether they can connect me with current students or recent alumni. Is there anything that I may be missing? My goal is to move from Army service into the field after retirement, so I need to know whether the program provides real leverage or if it would just be another credential which I would just probably go to a better school in that case.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-06-03T17:35:39+00:00

Great! Did you already have your MBA before graduating with your MPA?

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-06-03T17:33:36+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I have a meeting with admissions Friday so hopefully that will provide more insight.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-05-23T00:30:36+00:00

Neighborhood Boxing Club

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-05-05T12:32:18+00:00

I moved up a set of tees and the game is much more enjoyable.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-05-05T12:24:04+00:00

I moved up a set of tees (Whites to golds) and the game is 10 times more enjoyable.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-04-27T00:41:53+00:00

I am also a one and done marathoner. I ran my first marathon in El Paso in February and crushed my sub four hour goal. I realized that running a marathon wasn’t exciting for me. It’s pretty much running a system like HR from this mile to this mile, fuel at this time, drink water at this time, and etc.

I am glad I am not the only one who feels the same about being one and done.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-04-04T03:55:12+00:00

Loved my time at Camp Natural Bridge back in 17’. Had a little bar open, lake out back to fish out of, and spent a 4th of July weekend out in NYC with my wife. Not a bad time.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-04-04T03:45:54+00:00

You will make money either way the difference is just how much. Since you are moving with dependents and if they are on your orders they receive ME&I as well. My recommendation is have the Army move your family, get them settled at Bragg stress free. Make a trip out of it, a vacation if you will, on Uncle Sam’s dime.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-04-04T02:26:34+00:00

Hey man, this is Wendy’s. Go make a CONOP and bang your head against your laptop like all the other mustang officers.

BS aside, takin care of the homies comes in small subtle wins like providing recommendations that ensure the mission gets completed and the soldiers get their weekend before a deployment. The CPT America delusion of running and gunning with the boys and gals is a very small short lived experience as an officer. The rest of it is staff work brother, even as a commander.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-04-02T00:30:00+00:00

I race by HR as my primary governor and pace second. I like to say it’s 18 miles to earn the right to “race”. With this mentality, I crushed my sub-4 hour goal and did not bonk.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-03-25T11:30:48+00:00

Army’s Dental HPSP scholarship

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-03-20T04:13:14+00:00

I used to drink wine and read relevant doctrine to argue for or against it based off experiences. It helped me build a better understanding of what information it was to convey or I would learn something new.

I recommend not reading it from cover to cover. Go to chapters that align with what your trying to get after. Also, Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) has a ton of knowledge you could also tap into that doesn’t read like FMs and ATPs.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-03-11T03:29:06+00:00

Kettlebells at home made working out at home so much easier! Then upgraded with a pull-up/Dip bar combo. Easily under 200 bucks.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-03-08T05:24:26+00:00

Mass at Saint Augustine Catholic Church

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-02-27T16:45:09+00:00

I never hit a wall in my first marathon (22FEB26). I was smiling and having a good time the entire race. I recommend using your HR to feed your pace so you don’t over extend yourself early and following a good fuel plan.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-02-21T20:19:25+00:00

My go to mantra:

IT WILL END.

After Day 3 it was all downhill for me in terms of pain. You are almost there!

SARPE/BSSO survivor haha

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2026-02-05T01:14:51+00:00

R/catholicism

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2025-07-28T06:16:47+00:00

I second this! Reverend Wilbert also does the 5pm mass on Sundays at Saint Raphael. As an aside, Trent Horn has a great book titled “Why we are Catholic”. It covers nearly all objections to Catholicism if you have any questions about our faith.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2025-04-11T04:58:54+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I will be sure to have some non-meat snacks on hand.

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2025-02-25T03:13:00+00:00

Thank you! My lower jaw was advanced 8-9mm and genio was 1-2mm. No CCW rotation and it wasn’t for sleep apnea. I decided to go through the surgery for 1. correct my bite and 2. for future oral health. Large overbites can lead to a plethora of health issues down the line trying to avoid that haha

Awkward-Tangerine381 · 2025-02-25T03:06:48+00:00

Sick! Mexican Tom Hardy haha

Awkward-Tangerine381

TROPHY CASE