MPA Degree Requirements

How long will it take me to complete the MPA degree?

The program consists of 42 hours (14 courses). There are nine required courses (27 hours); and three elective courses (9 hours). Full time students take three classes a semester (fall and spring). The program can be completed in two and a half years with continuous full-time enrollment. If a student elects to enroll part-time, the program can be completed in three to four years, depending upon how many courses are taken per semester and whether the student takes classes in the summer.

Overview

• 42 total hours needed to complete the degree (excluding deficiencies or prerequisites)
• 27 hours of required courses
• 9 hours of electives
• 6 hours of thesis research and a thesis, or 6 hours of capstone courses and a final project. All masters students must include at least 15 hours of courses numbered 6000 or above in their programs of study.

Required Courses

Final Project

This is an applied project completed in conjunction with a public service job or internship while enrolled in PADM 6901 and 6902 MPA Capstone I & II (3 hrs each).
 

Admission Criteria

1. For students with a bachelor's degree: A competitive applicant to our program will have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 from a well-respected university (the graduate school requires a minimum of 2.5 to be considered for admission to the grad school), three strong letters of recommendation from academic sources, and a strong statement of purpose.

2. For students with another master's degree: A competitive applicant to our program will have a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 from a well-respected university, three strong letters of recommendation from academic sources, and a strong statement of purpose.
 

Specializations

The MPA program offers specializations in Nonprofit leadership (NPL) and Hazard Policy.