MPA Curriculum
The Department of Public Administration offers the Master of Public Administration degree (MPA). The MPA is available in three emphases: General, Health Care Management, and Public Safety. Within the general emphasis, students may specialize in nonprofit management. To receive the MPA, students complete 42-45 credits of graduate coursework, an internship (if applicable), and an applied research paper (Portfolio or Project Paper).

Click on the links provided below to learn more about the MPA emphases:
MPA General Emphasis
MPA Public Safety Emphasis
MPA Health Care Management Emphasis
Department Elective and Transfer Credit Policies

*The MPA curriculum, course requirements and/or prerequisites are subject to change.

MPA Degree Requirements
To receive the MPA, students must fulfill the following requirements within a seven-year period from the time of matriculation into the program. Extensions are rare, but may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

1. Complete the specific number of credits required, dependent upon whether an individual is Inservice or Preservice, which is determined at admission. Students must include a current résumé with the graduate application for matriculation in order to be considered for Inservice status, which is determined by the department. Inservice status requires a minimum of two years of experience in administrative, managerial, or professional work (in a position that requires a baccalaureate degree) in an organizational context. Inservice students require a total of 42 credits to complete the MPA degree. Preservice students require 45 credits.

2. Demonstrate computer proficiency. This typically means taking one of the computer-related courses offered by the Department.

3. Attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 "B". Failure to maintain adequate progress will result in dismissal from the program. More than three credits of course work below "B" will result in dematriculation. Core courses may not be repeated, and an "E" in a core course will result in dematriculation.

4. Preservice students (see #1 above) must complete a six-credit internship (PAD/EPS 694).

5. Complete PAD/EPS 696: the Project Paper (an applied research paper) or Portfolio.

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