School of Urban and Public Affairs
Master of Public Administration
Program Director: Dr. David Coursey
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master's of Public Administration programs is to strengthen public decision making and the delivery of public services in a globalized and diverse society by educating students to lead and manage organizations at all levels of government and nonprofit institutions ethically, democratically, and effectively.
Program Overview
Public Administration is concerned with the formulation, analysis and implementation of public policy in urban institutions. With an interdisciplinary focus, this program gives special emphasis to the urban community and the special challenges of public managers who serve in urban areas.
The curriculum is designed to develop leadership capacity, understanding of the political, social, and economic characteristics of today's urban environment and the ability to apply current theories of management and analysis to difficult management issues.
The program is meant as preparation for those entering management careers in government for the first time or as career development for those already employed who are seeking upward mobility in public management.
As of Spring 2011, there were 195 students in the MPA program: 66 full-time, 129 part-time. 57% of admitted students (53% full-time, 47% part-time) complete the degree within five years.
On-Campus MPA
Offered at our UT Arlington main campus, the On-Campus MPA offers students 6 emphasis areas comprised of courses specializing in each specific area. MPA students choosing the On-Campus MPA, will be able to maintain a flexible schedule - enrolling as a full-time or part-time student. The On-Campus MPA Program admits new students every fall, spring and summer semester. The program is designed to be completed in two academic years (2 Fall and 2 Spring semesters) by full-time students.
Online MPA
The online program provides a convenient, flexible way for working professionals or recent graduates to earn their MPA degree, regardless of their schedule or location, without sacrificing academic quality. The Online MPA is offered predominantly using the Internet, but may include supplemental materials such as video/audio tapes and CD-ROM. Students will not be required to attend the campus at any time. The Online MPA program allows each student the opportunity to design their own emphasis area, by choosing 3 electives beyond the 10 required core courses. The program is designed to be completed in two academic years (2 Fall and 2 Spring semesters) by full-time students.
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