Program at a Glance
- Program
- Online Master's
- College(s)
- College of Community Innovation and Education
Create meaningful change in the public sector.
When you invest in your career by earning your Master of Public Administration, you’re not just becoming a better leader, you’re also creating expansive opportunities for yourself and the public service you provide.
With a focus on strategic planning, public policy, organizational management, financial management and more, the Master of Public Administration offered by UCF Online will prepare you for employment or career advancement. Your coursework will incorporate service learning, provide real-world experiences, develop community partnerships and cultivate leadership skills. UCF’s online MPA degree is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Students starting the MPA program in Fall 2026 will be required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework (reduced from 42 credit hours), including a specialization in one of four areas:
- Public Management and Leadership
- Local Government Management
- Community Engagement
- Public Finance and Economic Development
Interested students can simultaneously earn a graduate certificate in their area of specialization.
Additionally, the School of Public Administration has partnered with the department of criminal justice and the nonprofit management program to offer two online dual degree options. To advance your career in both the nonprofit and public sectors, explore UCF Online’s program for earning your MPA and your Master of Nonprofit Management simultaneously. Get started today.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Fall
- June 1
- Spring
- November 1
Ready to get started?
Course Overview
FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Examine the political, social, economic and moral context of modern public administration —emphasizing the ethical dimensions of the administrator’s role.
PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Explore the government budget and its fiscal administration to better understand their managerial, policy, planning, and communication functions.
DATA APPLICATIONS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Find and utilize data to address questions in public administration; including design, collection, analysis, visualization, interpretation, and evaluation.
Skills You'll Learn
- 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 Projections
Annual Job
Openings
Source: Lightcast™ . 2025
Career Opportunities
- Administrative services manager
- City manager
- City planner
- Director of education
- Education administrator
- Non-profit manager
- Program analyst
- Private sector roles