The 39 hour MPA curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills while focusing on the competencies required for managing information, money and people.

Prerequisites

We have no prerequisite courses. All students are required to take Contemporary Perspectives. This is an introductory course that examines concepts, terms, ideas and theories that are common to our field (Course Plan Worksheet). 

Core Courses

Students must complete 24 semester hours of core courses.

Concentrations

Students must complete 15 semester hours of courses in one of two MPA degree concentrations:

• Nonprofit Administration
• Public Management and Policy

Internship

Each student who does not have public service experience must complete an internship. See the internship handbook  for specific information.

Comprehensive Examination

All students seeking the Master of Public Administration Degree must satisfactorily pass a written comprehensive examination. The exam process is incorporated into PADM 7607: Public Management Leadership (Capstone Course). Students must intend to graduate in the calendar year in which they enroll in PADM 7607.