UTA online master’s degree in public administration secures national ranking
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online master of public administration was ranked No. 15 nationally as the best value for that degree, according to an annual list from ValueColleges.com.
UTA also ranked among the best in the nation for master’s degrees in public affairs by U.S. News & World Report.
David Coursey, director of the master of public administration program and associate professor of public affairs in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, said he believes the strength of the program is its faculty and offerings.
“We have a very strong faculty in this program and that helps to attract students,” Coursey said. “I also think our flexibility in meeting students’ needs is a big reason why we’re ranked so high.”
CAPPA Dean Adrian Parr said the internship program also has turned out to be successful for both students and their eventual employers.
“Students work for public services at all levels of government, the nonprofit sector and even some businesses like consulting firms,” Parr said. “Those students leave with MPA degrees that are far more tangible. Learning in the classroom and the real world is part of the degree.”
ValueColleges.com ranks the value of accredited master of public administration programs offering fully online and hybrid degrees on four main criteria:
- U.S. News & World Report public affairs ranking
- Niche student reviews
- Current Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS, tuition rates
- Average alumni salary (from College Scorecard)
According to ValueColleges.com, “this cross-section of factors helps prospective students see that the program they’re choosing is not only high in quality and convenience, but will have a solid return on investment and a real positive impact on their career.”
In U.S. News & World Report, UTA is ranked among the top half of all programs nationwide for best master’s degree in public affairs. The U.S. News ranking is based solely on peer survey results. In fall 2018, U.S. News surveyed deans, directors and department chairs representing 285 master’s programs in public affairs and administration.