University of Central Florida
The Masters of Public Administration Program provides high quality graduate education for current and prospective practitioners in public and nonprofit organizations. Within an evolving metropolitan environment, the program is designed to develop and enhance leadership and management skills essential to public and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum administers ethical principles, critical functions, and professional skills to help students contribute to the policy process and become leaders and managers in public and nonprofit organizations. The MPA program uses a public governance model that proactively engages the diverse and changing citizenry.
MASTER of PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (MPA)
UCF's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. Graduates of this program are equipped with the public management skills and analytic techniques needed to begin or advance successful careers in government, nonprofit, and closely related business fields. The MPA at UCF is especially oriented toward the problems of local government, including issues of growth management and the environment. This program appeals to professionals in government, public services, nonprofit agencies and other organizations concerned with the interation between public and private sectors.
The MPA program curriculum consists of 42 credits. Students complete a core of nine courses (27 credits), an advanced curriculum of four courses (12 credits), and a Capstone experience equivalent to one course (3 credits). Students much achieve a minimum grade of 3.0 ("B") for each core class and the Capstone experience, and maintain an overall program grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
Courses within the program are delivered in three modes: face-to-face, online, and mixed mode (partial classroom/partial web). Full time students may expect to complete the program within two years; part-time students between three to four years. There are twelve nucleus faculty members who consistently teach in the MPA program. The average number of students in the program is 140 - 160 at any time. All courses are limited to 30 students per class to maintain the quality of instruction.
The base cost of the MPA program is $13,794.44. Additional costs may be added and tuition is subject to change. For complete information please see UCF Tuition and Fees at the link noted below.
We are proud to report that of our full-time students, 100% graduate within three years. Of our part-time students who finish the first semester and continue, and are balancing family, career, and academics, 53% graduate with the MPA within six years.
Internships are available and students without practical administrative experience in the public sector are strongly advised to complete an internship as part of their advanced curriculum area. For current internship opportunities
DUAL DEGREE:
MASTERS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & nONPROFIT MANAGEMENT
The dual MPA/MNM degree provides the opportunity for students to earn graduate degrees from two academic programs, the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Nonprofit Manqagement, concurrently. Students successfully completing this Dual Degre track will have the skills and analytical techniques for successful careers in both the public and nonprofit sectors.
The MPA/MNM dual degree program curriculum consists of 66 credits. Students complete a core of 16 courses (48 credit hours), and advanced curriculum of five electives (15 credit hours) that are selected in consultation with the advisor, and a capstone experience equivalent to one course (3 credit hours). Prospective students must apply to the dual degree track for both the MPA and MNM programs and pay an application fee for each program.
Application to the MPA/MNM Dual Degree is a two-step process. Potential students must apply to both the
- Public Administration MPA Dual Degree track and the
- Nonprofit Management MNM Dual Degree track.
Students may initially apply to either the MPA or the MNM but, to continue in the MPA/MNM Dual Degree program, must apply and be accepted to the second program before completing 18 credit hours. Students who do not apply and/or are not admitted to both programs will have their status changed to show admission to the MPA program only.
The same transcripts, resumes, statements, and recommendation letters may be used as supporting application documents for both programs.
Admission (requirements are the same for both the MPA and the Dual Degree program.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required except for those students wishing to compete in the fellowship process. To be considered for admission, the following documentation must be on file with UCF by the appropriate application deadline date:
Undergraduate transcripts, and
Graduate transcripts (if another graduate degree in a related field has been completed), and
Supporting documents
Resume
Statement of Interest
Three letters of recommendation from professors or professional individuals.
For the most complete, up-to-date program requirements, please see the offical UCF graduate catalog at http://www.graduate.ucf.edu/currentGradCatalog.
Application Process
Applications for the MPA program are accepted in the fall and spring semesters. Apply online at http://www.graduate.ucf.edu.
CONTACTS
Dr. Wendell C. Lawther
MPA Program Coordinator
Associate Professor
wendell.lawther@ucf.edu
(407) 823-2604
Ms. Jacque Waleski
Academic Services Coordinator
jacque@ucf.edu
(407) 823-3918
For current TUITION AND FEES, click here
For the current ACADEMIC CALENDAR, click here
LEARNING ONLINE
Many of the MPA courses are offered in web format. If you are taking a UCF web course for the first time, the university offers an outstanding tutorial to answer your questions about WebCT and learning online. Find the tutorial at .
Please take time to review this tutorial - it will ease your transition into online learning.
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