Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) offered through the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a non-thesis program designed to provide students with the skills needed for effective public leadership, including planning and decision making; managing people, resources and programs; and representing the public interest in the highest ethical traditions. It also provides students with an in-depth understanding of the urban community in its social, economic and political context. The MPA serves the educational needs of both those currently employed in public-service positions looking to upgrade their skills and advance their careers and those who are preparing for management careers in government at the city, state and federal levels.
The MPA online program provides a convenient, flexible way for working professionals or recent graduates to earn their MPA degree, regardless of their schedule or location, without sacrificing academic quality. The Online MPA is offered predominantly using the Internet, but may include supplemental materials such as video/audio tapes and CD-ROM. Students will not be required to attend the campus at any time. The Online MPA program allows each student the opportunity to design their own emphasis area, by choosing three electives beyond the 10 required core courses.
GetEducated.com ranks the MPA Online program as a Best Buy in the category of Most Affordable Online Masters of Public Administration.
Degree rankings were calculated by analyzing tuition and distance education fees at 21 regionally accredited universities in the U.S. that offer 31 distance masters degrees in the career areas of public administration and public affairs. This is an objective ranking list of the most affordable online degree programs. Colleges do not pay to be included in these rankings.
Courses
Link to a listing of the courses required for the program. To find out when the courses will be offered, link to the Course Schedule, select the program from the UTOC Program menu and click the Search button.
Participating Institutions and Advisor
Degree-Granting Institution
UT Arlington
Admissions
Advisor: Tangie Fields, M.Ed
Phone: 817-272-3340
Fax: 817-272-3415
E-mail: nfields@uta.edu
Degree Awarded: Master of Public Administration
Institutions Contributing Courses
UT El Paso
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many semester credit hours are required to complete the program?
The program will consist of 39 credit hours of coursework, plus a three-hour internship for students without public service work experience. Courses are subdivided into three categories:- Core Courses (30 credit hours);
- an Emphasis Area (9 credit hours); and
- a Capstone Project (3 credit hours).
- How much will it cost?
Students are billed by UTA for courses. Links to campus tuition and fee information can be found on the Cost & Financial Aid page. - Will I have to visit the campus at any time?
Students will not be required to attend the campus at any time. The MPA degree will be offered predominantly using the Internet, but may include supplemental materials such as video/audio tapes and CD-ROM. The program is designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. - How can I find more information?
Contact the advisor listed above if you have additional questions.
Getting Started
To participate in the online MPA program, you must apply to and be accepted by UT Arlington. Criteria and procedures for admission are the same as the traditional residence program and are listed on the School of Urban and Public Affairs website. Application materials can also be requested on the same page. Please refer to the UT Arlington Academic Calendar for a schedule of admissions and registration deadlines. Link to Enrollment Services for additional information on registration and course access.