Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Administration (MPA)
Overview
Public Administration is discipline developed from the study of political science, management, and law. Public administration, both as scholarly study and professional preparation is interdisciplinary in substance and methodology, borrowing from economics, sociology, psychology, business and industrial engineering as well as political science and law.
The UTRGV MPA degree program enables graduates to serve in areas of public policy analysis, grant writing, managing local government, non-profit professions, and political and public administration research just to name a few. Coursework is robust and provides the latest theories, trends and real-world, practice-based scenarios that result in the skills needed for more rewarding opportunities.
An accelerated online version of the program is also available. Students are not allowed to alternate enrollment in accelerated and traditional program courses.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in public affairs, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below. Please provide:
- Three names of individuals who may be contacted for personal or professional recommendation.
- Personal Statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree indicating references to previous employment and experience.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 18 Hours
| PAFF 6301 | Graduate Seminar in Public Administration | 3 |
| PAFF 6302 | Scope and Methods | 3 |
| PAFF 6303 | Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PAFF 6304 | Public Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| PAFF 6305 | Political Leadership: Decision-Making and Management in Public Organizations | 3 |
| PAFF 6306 | Public Sector Human Resources | 3 |
Non-thesis Option
Electives - 9 Hours
Choose three from the following:
Capstone Requirement – 9 Hours
OR
| PAFF 6360 | Public Administration Internship | 3 |
| PAFF 6362 | Public Administration Capstone | 3 |
| Additional Public Administration Elective | 3 |
Thesis Option
Electives - 12 Hours
Choose four from the following:
Thesis – 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36