Master of Public Administration, MPA

The program provides exciting opportunities for students to prepare for employment or advance their careers in public and nonprofit organizations.

Please note: Public Administration (MPA) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at 407-823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Degree Requirements

Core (See Program Details for Course Prerequisites)

• Complete the following:
  • PAD6035 - Public Administration in the Policy Process (3)
  • PAD6037 - Public Organization Management (3)
  • PAD6053 - Public Administrators in the Governance Process (3)
  • PAD6700 - Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
  • PAD6701 - Analytical Techniques for Public Administration (3)
  • PAD6227 - Public Budgeting (3)
  • PAD6207 - Public Financial Management (3)
  • PAD6417 - Human Resource Management (3)
  • PAD6335 - Strategic Planning and Management (3)

Capstone

• Students will engage in a capstone experience that builds upon the knowledge and skills gained from completing the core courses in the MPA program. Students will complete this requirement through enrollment in PAD 6062 - Advanced Concepts and Applications in Public Administration. PAD 6062 is offered in fall and spring semesters only and should be taken following the completion of all core courses.

Course

• Complete the following:
  • PAD6062 - Advanced Concepts and Applications in Public Administration (3)

Electives (See Program Details for more information)

• Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
  • PAD6826 - Urban Policy and Regional Governance (3)
  • PAD5186 - Policy Advocacy for Social Justice (3)
  • PAD5887 - Energy Policy (3)
  • PAD5930 - Global Cities (3)
  • PAD6439 - Leadership in Public Service (3)
  • PAD6836 - Comparative Global Public Administration (3)
  • PAD6934 - Special Issues in Public Administration (3)
  • PAD6946 - Internship (3)
  • PAD6825 - Cross-Sectoral Governance (3)
  • PAD6705 - Public Sector Communications (3)

Grand Total Credits: 42

Application Requirements

For information on general UCF graduate admission requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

The MPA program is offered as either a campus-based classroom (face-to-face) program or a completely online program. Applicants must select one option at the time of admission. Admission requirements and the admission process is the same regardless of which option the applicant chooses.

Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) or in the last 60 hours. Students must submit all required materials by the established deadline. Materials received after the established deadline may not be considered. Admission to this graduate program is competitive; applicants meeting the minimum application requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

In addition to meeting general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:

• An official transcript meeting the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), in a sealed envelope, from each college/university attended.
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
• Three letters of recommendation specifically for the MPA program evaluating scholarly and professional capacity. Letters from professors from the colleges/universities attended are preferred, but if that is not feasible, letters from current or past supervisors will be accepted. The recommender must address the applicant's work ethic and ability to succeed at graduate-level academic work.
• Current professional résumé including public service experience (paid or voluntary).
• Goal Statement: The goal statement is a key component of the admission review process and serves as an example of the applicant's ability to express himself or herself in writing. The goal statement must be no longer than two pages double-spaced (500-800 words) and should address the following:
  • Personal background and career aspirations in public service.
  • Reason for pursuing graduate study in public administration, including future career goals and plans.
  • Specific areas of public administration that interests you.
• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
• All international students must meet the university's minimum TOEFL score requirements regardless of the language in which the undergraduate program was completed.

A limited number of students who do not meet the GPA requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis. These students must demonstrate Public Administration experience and provide a clear statement of educational goals.

Application Deadlines

This program has reached its maximum capacity and is not accepting new applications for spring 2022. The next available admit semester is Fall 2022.

*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.