Training of Higher Education Specialists in Field of Knowledge D “Business, Administration and Law” in Specialty D4 “Public Management and Administration” at Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University

This article examines the comprehensive educational framework for Public Management and Administration at Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University, spanning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The study focuses on the program's innovative approach to cultivating a new generation of public administrators equipped to address contemporary governance challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the program's unique integration of academic expertise and practical governance experience through its faculty composition, which includes former senior government officials, parliamentary deputies, and distinguished scholars from the National Academy of Public Administration. The research details the implementation of progressive pedagogical methodologies, including innovative assessment techniques and experiential learning opportunities. A significant aspect of the program involves strategic partnerships with regional governance structures, facilitating student immersion in practical governance through internships and collaborative projects across Zhytomyr Oblast. The article argues that this integrated approach represents a significant advancement in public administration education, effectively bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application while addressing regional development needs.

The structural design of these educational-professional and educational-scientific programs demonstrates a clear alignment with contemporary labor market demands and the evolving needs of the public sector. The curriculum is strategically developed to cultivate a new generation of specialists equipped for multifaceted roles within executive bodies, local self-government institutions, and the non-governmental sector. Beyond preparing graduates for traditional administrative functions, the programs place significant emphasis on fostering research and innovation capabilities. This dual focus aims to develop professionals who can not only implement existing administrative procedures but also generate new, evidence-based knowledge and initiate transformative professional practices within public administration.

A central objective of the program is to equip graduates with the competencies necessary to ensure the delivery of administrative services that meet socially acceptable standards. This entails instilling a deep commitment to the core principles of modern governance: openness, transparency, accountability, and professionalism. The curriculum is designed to be resilient and forward-looking, preparing students to operate effectively both in the current, challenging conditions and in the complex environment of post-war recovery and reconstruction.

The program's content is characterized by its logical coherence and rigorous alignment with the subject area of specialty D4 "Public Management and Administration." It provides a balanced and robust foundation in both theoretical concepts and applied practical skills. This ensures that graduates are not merely executors of tasks, but are critical thinkers and capable managers, prepared to lead and administer public sector organizations effectively.

A defining feature of the educational framework is its commitment to flexibility through the implementation of individualized educational trajectories. This approach acknowledges the diverse career goals, prior experiences, and research interests of students. The mechanism for personalization is realized through several key instruments: Students are offered a wide selection of specialized courses and modules, allowing them to tailor their learning to specific areas of interest within public administration, such as healthcare management, regional development, or digital governance.

The program facilitates practical experiences in various types of institutions (state authorities, local councils, NGOs), enabling students to align their internships with their professional aspirations.

Provisions for individual schedules and the recognition of prior learning outcomes provide additional flexibility, catering to the needs of different student cohorts.

Opportunities for participation in national and international exchange programs further enrich the individual learning path, exposing students to diverse administrative practices and academic environments.

This learner-centered model empowers students to construct an educational experience that is directly relevant to their personal and professional ambitions, thereby enhancing the efficacy and relevance of their training.

This operational framework for individualized learning is underpinned by a systematic approach to choice architecture. Students exercise agency in selecting not only elective courses but also the specific pedagogical formats—such as project-based seminars, policy labs, or traditional lectures—that best align with their learning preferences. The diversity of educational components ranges from foundational theoretical modules to advanced specialized tracks, each calibrated for varying levels of complexity to accommodate both early-career professionals and seasoned practitioners.

The program's pedagogical design intentionally cultivates higher-order cognitive capabilities essential for public sector innovation. This includes structured training in heuristic problem-solving for ill-defined administrative challenges, methodologies for policy prototyping, and systematic approaches to organizational change management. A distinctive feature is the integration of research-led teaching, where students actively engage in applied policy analysis and develop evidence-based interventions for real-world public management issues.

Furthermore, the curriculum embeds rigorous training in academic research methodologies, positioning graduates to contribute meaningfully to the scholarly discourse on public administration. This research competence extends beyond technical skill acquisition to encompass the development of original conceptual frameworks and empirical studies that address substantive gaps in both theoretical understanding and professional practice. The emphasis on generating knowledge with demonstrable scientific novelty and practical impact ensures graduates can function effectively at the intersection of academic inquiry and administrative innovation.