MPA Degree Requirements
How long will it take me to complete the MPA degree?
The 36-credit graduate program can be completed in two years (four semesters) with continuous full-time enrollment (9 credits/3 courses per semester, no summer courses). If a student elects to enroll part-time (6 credits/2 courses per semester), the program can be completed in three years or less (six semesters), depending upon whether the student also completes summer courses.
Overview
- 36 total credit hours needed to complete the degree, including:
- 24 credit hours of required courses
- 9 credit hours of electives of your choice (must be 5000-level or above), forming a specialization
- 3 credit hours of PADM 6901 (Capstone) to complete an applied project.
- All masters students must include at least 15 hours of courses numbered 6000 or above in their programs of study.
Required Courses
| PADM 6001 | Research Methods in Public Administration |
| PADM 6010 | The Profession of Public Administration |
| URBN 5140 | Citizen Participation |
| PADM 6110 | Public Budgeting |
| PADM 6160 | Law and Ethics in Public Administration |
| PADM 6401 | Administrative Behavior |
| AADM 6621 | Grant Writing |
| PADM 6201 | Program Evaluation |
Specializations
The MPA program offers ready-made specializations in Nonprofit leadership (NPL) and Hazard Policy. Or students can design a tailored specialization from any three graduate courses of their choice offered at UNO.
Final Capstone Project
This is a required applied project completed while enrolled in PADM 6901 (Capstone).