PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Our city cohort programs allow you to earn your MPA degree taking classes at city facilities during work hours. Combining a convenient schedule of face-to-face classes and online learning, city employees will benefit from maximum flexibility and a program designed to combine both academic and practitioner knowledge. Students can complete the degree as a part-time student (6 hours per Fall and Spring terms, 3 hours in Summer) in eight semesters (e.g., start Fall 2025, finish in Spring 2028).

Currently, there is a cohort for Fort Worth. There is a new cohort forming for Mansfield, Midlothian, and Cedar Hill in Fall 2025 and a possible one for DeSoto in Spring 2026. For more information, please contact Dr. David Coursey at dcoursey@uta.edu

PROGRAM ADVANTAGES 

• Classes meet once per week - Friday 3 pm to 6 pm (employer approved)
• Taught by UTA Faculty and City Managers
• A practical perspective tailored to your city management career
• Use employee tuition reimbursement benefit plus additional financial aid (if qualified)
• Focus on one course at a time

REQUIRED CORE CLASSES (30 HRS)

• PAPP 5302 Foundations of Urban Research and Analysis
• PAPP 5309 Intergovernmental Relations
• PAPP 5320 Public Organization Theory
• PAPP 5326 Public Budgeting
• PAPP 5329 Financial Management in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors
• PAPP 5345 Evaluation Research
• PAPP 5350 Public Administration
• PAPP 5351 Public Human Resources
• PAPP 5358 Ethics in the Public Service
• PAPP 5399 Public Administration Capstone

Economic and Sustainability Emphasis (example: these are tailored by city)

• PAPP 5321 Urban Management
• PAPP 5334 Managing Economic Development
• PLAN 5363 Leadership and Communication 

COSTS

Sponsoring local governments reimburse most tuition and fees. Employees may also apply for additional financial aid (e.g., veteran’s benefits) as qualified.

RECRUITMENT QUESTIONS

Interested in joining a cohort with an existing city or your city starting a cohort program?