Graduate Program: Public Administration (MPA)

General Information

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Program/Degree
Public Administration (MPA) 
Program Description

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares students and current public service professionals for challenging and rewarding careers in the changing public and nonprofit arenas. The MPA program combines curricular structure, physical facilities, and real-world fieldwork opportunities to foster the managerial skills needed to meet today's greater demands for accountability and effectiveness from public and nonprofit organizations.

This MPA program prepares students for a management career in public service sectors, including federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as nonprofits and international organizations. This type of degree can help students learn how to successfully implement policy and programs. Earning an MPA degree at the University of Arizona in particular will prepare students to be leaders in one of several different concentrations, such as Collaborative Governance, Environmental Management and Policy, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management.

 
Department/Academic Unit(s)

School of Government and Public Policy -

The School of Government and Public Policy was formed in 2009 by combining two highly ranked programs – Political Science and Public Administration and Policy - and bringing them under a single roof. Located in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, SGPP is one of the largest schools at the University of Arizona and is uniquely situated to serve as a new model for public affairs education by promoting high-caliber research, teaching, community outreach, and civic leadership.

By offering leading programs in political science, international relations, public policy, and public management, SGPP prepares students for leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors.

 
College
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences  
Campus where offered
Main Campus - Tucson  
Contacts
Admissions Contact
Diane Darling
Graduate Program Coordinator
Diane Darling
Director of Graduate Studies
Craig R Smith
520-621-4822
Graduate College Degree Counselor
Christina M Inocencio
520-621-3484
 
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
Please refer to the UA Registrar's's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

The following materials are required for admission to the MPA program:

  • Online Application for admission to the Graduate College.
  • Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Unofficial transcripts are required as part of the admissions process. Official transcripts are only required for applicants who are offered admission. Do not mail official transcripts until offered admission. Please note that if you are admitted, all official transcripts must be received by the Graduate College within 30 days after the first day of classes. 
  • Statement of Purpose is required, including information about experiences and career objectives.
  • Resume describing relevant experience, responsibilities and achievements.
  • Two letters of recommendation from persons able to provide verification and a specific assessment of your professional and/or academic performance and capabilities.
 
Standardized Tests

All international students must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score for english proficiency.

 
Financial Aid

Students in the MPA program are eligible for Federal Financial Aid, Peace Corp Fellowships, Graduate Access Fellowships (based on need) and Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR).  Please see the following webpages for more funding options: 

http://grad.arizona.edu/financial-resources

http://financialaid.arizona.edu/ 

 
Admissions Deadlines

For Fall admission, applicants to the MPA program seeking financial aid should submit their application by April 1. International applicants should submit their application for admission by May 1.  The final application deadline for Fall is July 1 unless a student is graduating from an undergraduate program in the summer semester.  

For Spring admission, applicants should submit their application by December 1.  International applicants should submit their application for Spring admission by September 15.

If any of these deadlines fall on a Saturday or Sunday, applications will be due no later than 5pm, Arizona time, on the Monday following the due date. Please contact Diane Darling at dianedarling@email.arizona.edu if you have further questions on these deadlines. 

 
International Conditional Admission
International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
Other Information
The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Degree Requirements

The Master's in Public Administration is a 42 unit program including a 24 unit core, 12 units in a concentration of your choice, a 3 unit internship, and a 3 unit capstone project.  The program minimum GPA is 3.0. Students who fall below will be on probation for one semester.  There is a limit of 6 units (2 courses) of transfer credit from Non-Degree status. 

 
Minor Requirements

Students accepted to the MPA program may choose study material in some of the following subject areas:

  • Collaborative Governance
  • Environmental Management & Policy
  • Nonprofit Management​
  • Public Management
  • Local Government
  • Native American Policy
  • Public Policy
  • Health Policy
  • Education Policy
 
Student Handbook
The Academic Unit has not provided this information.  
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Last revised 13 Sep 2018