Program of Study - Public Affairs (MPA) - Accelerated Online Program
Overview
The UTRGV interdisciplinary MPA online program prepares graduates to advance into more rewarding positions in governmental agencies and non-profits.
If a career in the public sector interests you, a Master of Public Affairs degree online could be your next step to influence change in your community or a career path in government agencies at various levels. 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 you need for more rewarding opportunities.
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:
- 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.
Prerequisite
The students who have no public sector work experience or have taken no advanced PAFF or POLS courses must take PAFF 4300 Introduction to Public Administration to enter the MPA Public Administration concentration. Students whose academic preparation in public administration or political science is deficient may be required to do additional leveling coursework before gaining clear admission to the program in any of the three MPA concentrations
Program Requirements
Public Administration Concentration:
Required Courses (18 Credits)
| 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 Personnel Administration | 3 |
Electives (15 Credits)
Choose from the following:
Capstone Requirement (3 Credits)
| PAFF 6362 | Public Administration Capstone: Past, Present, and Future | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 36