MPA Curriculum and Structure

Full-time students can complete the MPA program in two years. The MPA program requires 45 credit hours of graduate course work.

I. Core curriculum (27 credit hours)

MPA students take a series of courses designed to build a strong foundation of basic knowledge and skills and to prepare for advanced studies in an area of specialization. The core curriculum consists of the following courses:

• PA 8150: Collaborative Governance
• PA 8160: Organizational Dynamics and Leadership
• PA 8170: Public Policy Processes and Strategies
• PA 8180: Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs I
• PA 8181: Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs II
• PA 8190: Economic Analysis for Public Policy
• PA 8210: Ethics, Democracy and the Public Service
• PA 8530: Strategic Management of Public Service Organizations: People, Information, and Money
• PA 8211: MPA Capstone: Applied Project

II. Areas of specialization (15 credit hours)

Students choose one of two specializations: public and nonprofit management or public policy. The specialization includes five courses, but each one only includes two as requirements. For the remaining three courses, students work with their faculty advisors to choose courses that fit the students unique area of interest.

III. Internship (3 credit hours)

Designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in public service, apply knowledge from coursework, and build professional connections, an internship in a public or nonprofit organization is required. Students with significant public sector or nonprofit work experience may request an exemption from the internship requirement.

Sample course schedule

Courses listed are for three credit hours unless specified otherwise.

Year 1