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Program at a Glance

Program
Master
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Public Administration, Schl of
2
Years
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) logo
U.S. News & World Report Best Grad Schools Public Affairs Badge

Connect With The Community Through Public Service With an MPA Degree

Investing in a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree inspires students to become better leaders — creating expansive opportunities for themselves and the public service they provide. Whether students take courses on campus or through the online MPA program, their coursework covers a wide range of topics — incorporating service learning, providing real-world experiences, developing community partnerships and cultivating leadership skills. With a focus on strategic planning, public policy, organizational management, financial management and more, students graduate prepared for a rewarding career in public administration or the opportunity to advance in their current position.

Over the next decade, the need for skilled public administration professionals will continue to grow within a number of industries, including finance and insurance, scientific and technical services, state and federal governments, nonprofits, educational services and healthcare. UCF’s MPA degree is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report — making it a top-rated program for those looking to continue their education.

Public Administration MPA – Criminal Justice MS Dual Degree Track
Gain the analytical skills and knowledge necessary for holding leadership positions within the public administration and criminal justice fields through this track — earning two graduate degrees concurrently.

Public Administration MPA – Nonprofit Management MNM Dual Degree Track
Earn two graduate degree programs through this track — focusing on the relationship between nonprofit management and public administration through research, theory, policy and organizational administration.

master of public administration student smiling

Highlights

Recognized as the No. 5 online MPA program by BestColleges
Ranked No. 38 in Best Public Affairs Programs by U.S. News and World Report
Projected job growth for administrative services managers is 7% through 2028
Administrative services managers make a median annual pay of $96K

Application Deadlines

Fall
June 1
Spring
November 1

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

Public Administrators in the Governance Process

Examine the political, social, economic and moral context of modern public administration —emphasizing the ethical dimensions of the administrator’s role.

Understand the examination and analysis of planning, goal setting and strategic management in public sector organizations.

Apply a number of skills gained throughout this program in a capstone course — getting hands on with selected public problems to work through.

Skills You'll Gain With an MPA

  • Drive change on a local and national scale, promoting public good and social justice for all communities
  • Manage various public sector programs through the planning, implementing, managing and evaluating stages
  • Analyze data to gain insights for each campaign — helping determine a path forward and areas to improve
  • Lead public, private and nonprofit organizations to make positive impact on society

Career Opportunities

  • Administrative Services Manager
  • City Manager
  • City Planner
  • Director of Education
  • Education Administrator
  • Nonprofit Manager
  • Program Analyst
  • Private Sector Roles

Admission Requirements

Students interested in earning a Master of Public Administration can apply for fall or spring admission. While there is no undergraduate program limitation, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or within the last 60 credit hours. International students may find a list of detailed requirements by visiting global.ucf.edu.

In addition to UCF’s general graduate admissions requirements, the following materials must be provided:

  • Official, sealed transcripts from each university/college attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Goal statement

Master of Public Administration, MPA News

Community
UCF Student Secures $1.5 Million For Local Nonprofit With Grant Application From Class
Melissa Longman’s project as part of her nonprofit management coursework minted tangible results far beyond her initial expectations.
Community
UCF Student Reflects on Pulse Shooting 4 Years Later
Graduate criminal justice student Zoe Williamson was visiting from England and on a police ride-along when she stepped up to assist first-responders and victims at…
Alumni
Alumna at the Ready to Help Orlando Airports in Emergencies
Public administration graduate assists aviation authority to earn ‘gold seal’ in preparedness and crisis management.
Research
New UCF Project Will Put Downtown Orlando Air Quality Data in Residents’ Hands
More than 100 air sensors will be installed throughout Downtown Orlando and will provide near-real-time data about air quality to residents via smart devices.

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