Abstract
This article examines the scope of information technology and e-government (IT/e-government) in public administration curricula following the 2009 Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) standards. We ask, are we preparing public administration students for the realities of governance in the digital world? We surveyed NASPAA principal representatives and analyzed the NASPAA database of Master of Public Administration (MPA) program selfstudies. The analysis shows that MPA curricula do not give IT/e-government adequate importance, especially in schools accredited under the 2009 standards. The stark findings hold important lessons for public administration education. If curricula continue to systematically underrepresent IT/egovernment, we will train a workforce unprepared for the digital world. The NASPAA competencies should acknowledge IT/e-government as a dominant theme in present-day governance. If not, those of us in public administration education will be like an ostrich burying its head in the sand as technological advancements pass us by.
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