Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Community Innovation and Education
- Department(s)
- Public Administration, Schl of
Connect With The Community Through Public Service With an MPA Degree
Investing in a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree inspires students to become better leaders — creating expansive opportunities for themselves and the public service they provide. Whether students take courses on campus or through the online MPA program, their coursework covers a wide range of topics — incorporating service learning, providing real-world experiences, developing community partnerships and cultivating leadership skills. With a focus on strategic planning, public policy, organizational management, financial management and more, students graduate prepared for a rewarding career in public administration or the opportunity to advance in their current position.
Over the next decade, the need for skilled public administration professionals will continue to grow within a number of industries, including finance and insurance, scientific and technical services, state and federal governments, nonprofits, educational services and healthcare. UCF’s MPA degree is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report — making it a top-rated program for those looking to continue their education.
Public Administration MPA – Criminal Justice MS Dual Degree Track
Gain the analytical skills and knowledge necessary for holding leadership positions within the public administration and criminal justice fields through this track — earning two graduate degrees concurrently.
Public Administration MPA – Nonprofit Management MNM Dual Degree Track
Earn two graduate degree programs through this track — focusing on the relationship between nonprofit management and public administration through research, theory, policy and organizational administration.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Fall
- June 1
- Spring
- November 1
Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.
Ready to get started?
Course Overview
Public Administrators in the Governance Process
Examine the political, social, economic and moral context of modern public administration —emphasizing the ethical dimensions of the administrator’s role.
Strategic Planning and Management
Understand the examination and analysis of planning, goal setting and strategic management in public sector organizations.
Advanced Concepts and Applications in Public Administration
Apply a number of skills gained throughout this program in a capstone course — getting hands on with selected public problems to work through.
Skills You'll Gain With an MPA
- Drive change on a local and national scale, promoting public good and social justice for all communities
- Manage various public sector programs through the planning, implementing, managing and evaluating stages
- Analyze data to gain insights for each campaign — helping determine a path forward and areas to improve
- Lead public, private and nonprofit organizations to make positive impact on society
Career Opportunities
- Administrative Services Manager
- City Manager
- City Planner
- Director of Education
- Education Administrator
- Nonprofit Manager
- Program Analyst
- Private Sector Roles
Admission Requirements
Students interested in earning a Master of Public Administration can apply for fall or spring admission. While there is no undergraduate program limitation, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or within the last 60 credit hours. International students may find a list of detailed requirements by visiting global.ucf.edu.
In addition to UCF’s general graduate admissions requirements, the following materials must be provided:
- Official, sealed transcripts from each university/college attended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Goal statement
Master of Public Administration, MPA News
