Public Administration

Our broad-based MPA (Master of Public Administration) curriculum in analysis, management, finance, and politics provides the framework for understanding today's challenges and allows you the flexibility to move between sectors. Seven core classes cover the fundamental competencies needed for effective public leadership, a capstone will grant you the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and perspectives you have mastered in the program, and four electives provide you the opportunity to study a particular policy topic or sector.

The Foundation (3 courses)

• Economic Analysis in the Public Sector
• Statistics for Public Leadership
• Public Management

The Core Competencies (4 courses)

• Politics and Public Leadership
• Politics and Management Requirement (Select one: Policy Development or Performance Management)
• Public Financial Management
• Finance and Analysis Requirement (Select
  one: Advanced Budgeting, Public Investment Banking, Infrastructure,
  Contracting, Nonprofit Financial Management or Quantitative Tools for
  Consulting)

The Capstone (1 course)

The Fels Capstone will take the form of a portfolio of student work that includes:

• Four previously completed assignments, revised
• One new piece that may take the form of a short research paper, case study, or policy brief
• One executive summary that explains how each piece demonstrates mastery of certain learning objectives
• A "What's Next" presentation that highlights how the student will apply what they have learned in their future career.

The Electives (4 courses)

Students can use their four electives to specialize in public finance, politics, nonprofit administration, or economic development and growth and complete the requirements for a Fels Certificate in one of these areas or can take an array of classes covering different topics.

Full-time MPA applicants should submit the following materials:$75 nonrefundable application feePersonal statement and essayResumeTranscriptsThree letters of recommendationincluding at least one academic letter from a recommender who has taught the applicant.Standardized test scores English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test: 100