School of Urban and Public Affairs
Master of Public Administration Cohort
The MPA Cohort Program adheres to the same curriculum and degree requirements as both the traditional and online MPA programs. However students in the cohort program will progress together, from start to finish, as a distinct group. Cohort students follow a more accelerated and intensive lock-step schedule which enables them to complete one course every five weeks. The 42 hour program (39 hours if the internship is waived) consists of 14 (or 13 if the internship is waived) total courses, three classes in each long semester (Fall and Spring semesters), two classes in the Summer semester, and an internship (which can be taken in any semester). MPA Cohort students complete their degree in 21months.
Cohort graduates will demonstrate proficiency in the use of applied analytical tools such as program evaluation, statistics, policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and other management decision-making tools in public work. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in communicating and explaining appropriate solutions to complex public policy issues to policy-makers and officials.
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
Emphasis Area: Urban Management
Objective: Lock-Step Schedule (42 credit hours)
- URPA 5350 Introduction to Public Administration
- URPA 5320 Public Organization Theory
- URPA 5326 Public Budgeting
- URPA 5351 Personnel & Human Resources in the Public Sector
- CIRP 5318 Techniques of Planning & Administrative Analysis
- URPA 5348 Cost Benefit Analysis
- URPA 5357 Strategic Planning, Policy & Management
- URPA 5309 Intergovernmental Relations
- URPA 5302 Foundations of Urban Research & Analysis
- URPA 5329 Financial Management in Public & Nonprofit Sector
- URPA 5345 Evaluation Research
- URPA 5358 Ethics in the Public Service
- URPA 5399 Public Administration Capstone
- URPA 5360 Urban Management/Planning Internship
INTERNSHIP: URPA 5360
The MPA program does require an internship course to be completed (URPA 5360). This 3 hour course is designed for students to earn 3 credit hours for completing a 1 semester long internship leading to public sector professional experience. There are no prerequisites that must be met before entering an internship or enrolling in URPA 5360, therefore students can immediately begin an internship within their first semester and thereafter.
INTERNSHIP Waiver
URPA 5360 can be waived by newly admitted students and current students who have previously earned at least 1 year of professional public sector work experience. The procedure that must be followed by every student wishing to pursue the waiver is as follows: 1. Submit a Petition to the Graduate Faculty (form) with signature and all necessary student information 2. Attach a professional resume, illustrating at least 1 year of professional experience of public sector work 3. This form and resume must first be submitted to the Graduate Advisor and Committee Chair for approval 4. Once approval or denial decision is made, the student will then be notified as to whether or not the URPA 5360 – Internship course will be waived.
Time to complete MPA Cohort:
Students will earn their MPA degree in approximately 21 months
Lock-Step Schedule:
MPA Cohort students attend class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 10pm. This schedule does not change, therefore making this program excellent for working professionals.
Location:
MPA Cohort courses are offered at the UT Arlington Fort Worth Center located in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth.
