UTA's Master of Public Administration Program Earns NASPAA Reaccreditation Through 2032
The University of Texas at Arlington's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is accredited by the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards. The accreditation is effective through August 31, 2032, maintaining the program's commitment to excellence in public service education.
In a memorandum dated July 17, 2026, Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) Chair Madinah F. Hamidullah notified the university that the MPA program was found to be in substantial conformity with the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)'s accreditation standards.
The commission recognized the program's strong alignment with NASPAA's standards while encouraging its continued development in strategic program management and student learning assessment. COPRA also emphasized that accredited programs play an important role in preparing future public service leaders and achieving excellence in graduate education.
"By pursuing and achieving accreditation through a rigorous peer review, your program has demonstrated a substantial commitment to quality public service education," Hamidullah wrote in her memorandum. "You are part of the global community of more than 200 accredited graduate programs in public service."
For students, alumni, and employers, NASPAA accreditation serves as a critical mark of quality, demonstrating that the program meets internationally recognized standards for preparing ethical, effective, and innovative public service education.
"This reaccreditation reflects the unwavering dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni to advancing excellence in public service education," said Ming-Han Li, Dean of UTA's College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA). "It affirms that our MPA program continues to provide a rigorous, practical education that prepares graduates to lead, serve, and make meaningful contributions to communities across the nation. We are honored to be recognized among the world's leading public service programs."
Dr. David Coursey, Chair of the Department of Public Affairs and Planning, credited the achievement to the sustained efforts of the department's faculty.
"Many thanks for all the hard work by the Public Affairs faculty, as this is a testament to all we do every day, not just the year-long assessment effort," Dr. Coursey said.
The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive peer-review process that evaluates academic quality, mission alignment, faculty excellence, student success, and ongoing improvement. Rather than focusing only on periodic reviews, NASPAA's accreditation model encourages programs to continually assess and strengthen their educational offerings through annual accreditation maintenance reporting.
The MPA program, housed within CAPPA, prepares students for leadership careers in local, state, federal, and nonprofit organizations. Through a curriculum that combines theory with practical application, students develop the analytical, management, and policy skills needed to address today's complex public challenges.
The renewed accreditation through 2032 reinforces UTA's continued commitment to educating the next generation of ethical and effective public service leaders while upholding the high standards of NASPAA-accredited institutions worldwide.