The Local Administrations and Decentralization Non-Thesis Master's Program is a comprehensive graduate education aimed at teaching students the basic principles and approaches of contemporary public administration and local government concepts. The program provides in-depth knowledge on analyzing the dynamics of state and private sector relations, establishing governance and democratic management models, and the types and functions of decentralization through the philosophy of decentralized management. Additionally, it aims to provide an academic perspective on areas such as public policies, social participation, the functioning of non-governmental organizations (the third sector), and local development processes. In this way, students comprehensively understand decision-making processes at the local level, participatory management practices, and contemporary public administration approaches.
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The educational process of the program conducts theoretical knowledge and applied learning together. Students develop their problem-solving, strategic thinking, and critical evaluation skills through case study analysis, seminar studies, and project-based applications in their courses. This learning approach helps graduates gain the necessary competencies to be effective in both academic and professional fields.
The Local Administrations and Decentralization Non-Thesis Master's Program is a 66 ECTS credit program with a normal completion period of 4 semesters (2 academic years). While students take an intensive 60 ECTS course load in the first two academic semesters, they find the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned with a 6 ECTS term project in the last two semesters. For graduation, students must successfully complete both the course load and the term project.
The program is also open to out-of-field applications, and an increase in the course load can be made with the recommendation of the relevant head of the main science discipline and the decision of the institute board of directors, taking into account the student's previous academic background. This flexibility enables candidates from different disciplines to benefit from the program at the highest level.
Graduates of this master's program can shape their careers as qualified professionals specialized in local government, public policies, the relationship between central government and local actors, non-governmental organizations, and governance. Graduates can undertake important roles in different sectors such as public institutions, municipalities, various non-governmental organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions.
