Master of Public Administration Requirements
The MPA is a 39 or 42-credit hour program with a cohort typically consisting of 20-25 students. In addition to the requirements listed below, students are responsible to understand and meet all Graduate Division requirements. The MPA program is guided by specific student learning objectives.
I. Core Requirements (21 credit hours)
The required courses are highly interdisciplinary and integrate a series of perspectives and skills important to effective work in public service.
- PUBA 602: Introduction to Public Administration (3)
- PUBA 603: Organizations: Theory and Change (3)
- PUBA 604: Leadership and Ethics (3)
- PUBA 606: Public Administration Personnel Management (3)
- PUBA 607: Public Administration Research Methods (3)
- PUBA 608: Public Budgeting (3)
- PUBA 609: Policy Analysis and Implementation (3)
II. Electives (12 credit hours)
Electives allow each student to design a program of study built around a theme of their personal and professional interests. Elective courses are selected by the student in consultation with their faculty advisor.
III. Practicum (3 credit hours)
All MPA candidates are required to complete a 120-hour, advisor approved practicum with a public sector agency or nonprofit organization. A culminating practicum analysis paper is required.
- PUBA 690: Practicum (3)
- Prerequisites: 602, 603, 604 with minimum grade of B in each course
IV. Capstone (3 credit hours)
The capstone serves as the culminating experience and must be taken as the final degree requirement. All coursework must be completed or taken concurrently with the final capstone class.
- PUBA 696: Capstone Seminar (3)
- Prerequisites: 602, 603, 607, 690 and GPA of 3.0 or better
V. Plan A Thesis Option (3 additional credit hours)
We also offer a 42-credit Plan A thesis option which requires students to take at least one additional graduate-level research methods or statistics course.
