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 39 hour program consists of 13 total courses, three classes in each long semester (Fall and Spring semesters) and two classes in the Summer semester. MPA Cohort students complete their degrees in 21 months.
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
Emphasis Area: Urban Management
Objective: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of applied analytic tools such as program evaluation, policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and other management decision-making tools to aid the public manager make more informed decisions; Assist public managers and other higher-level public officials to understand, analyze, and recommend appropriate solutions to complex public policy issues.
Lock-Step Schedule (39 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 5328 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
- SUPA 5399 Public Administration Capstone