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
| PADM 6001 | Research Methods in Public Administration |
| PADM 6010 | The Profession of Public Administration |
| POLI 5170 | The Politics of Public Policy |
| PADM 6110 | Public Budgeting |
| PADM 6160 | Law and Ethics in Public Administration |
| URBN 6165 | Urban Public Policy Analysis |
| AADM 6221 | Grant Writing |
| PADM 6410 | Technology in Public Organizations |
| PADM 6201 | Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation |
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).
Joint Juris Doctorate Degree
We offer a joint JD (law degree) with the School of Law at Loyola University New Orleans.
More information
Specializations
The MPA program offers specializations in Nonprofit leadership (NPL) and Hazard Policy.