100% Online Master of Public Administration
If you’re looking to move into or advance within a public or nonprofit career, a master’s in public administration might be just what you need. In our 100% online program, you’ll discover how to further the public interest by tackling organizational issues and policy matters in a proficient, legal, and politically astute way. You can steer your degree to match your interest in areas including public and nonprofit organizations, healthcare, education, and marketing, to name a few. No thesis is required, and you may be able to complete your MPA degree in as little as one year!
Career Advantages of a Master’s in Public Administration
In addition to providing the opportunity to serve the public, a master’s degree in public administration can boost your salary potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who’ve completed a master’s degree earn nearly 20% more than those who hold a bachelor’s degree alone. Our program also prepares you to work at all levels of public service, including federal, state, and local government and nonprofit agencies, and in such roles as:
- Tax examiner.
- Budget analyst.
- City and county analyst.
- Operations manager.
We offer our master’s degree in public administration in an asynchronous, 100% online format that allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule, from any location in the world with internet access. You’ll quickly discover that this flexibility enables you to give your work and personal duties the time they need while continuing to earn your MPA degree.
Required Courses
21 Credits. The online MPAL courses explicitly listed in the plan immediately below are all required core courses that are part of the current standard schedule or “carousel” as shown. In addition to the current standard schedule, a few of the MPAL core courses (MPAL 6301, MPAL 6302, and MPAL 6320) are presently offered twice per year.
| Courses | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPAL 6302 – Organizational Leadership and Administration | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6301 – Public Leadership and Ethics | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6320 – Leadership and Public Policy | 8 weeks | 3 |
| EDUC 6305 – Research Design in Education and the Social Sciences | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6303 – Analytical Techniques | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6305 – Public Personnel Administration | 7 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6304 – Public Budgeting | 7 weeks | 3 |
Elective Courses
15 Credits. Regarding electives, students may choose from a variety of courses offered by MPAL and other programs at UTPB (e.g., the MBA program, the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program, and others). Selection of electives is subject to review by the MPAL coordinator to ensure appropriateness. See example courses below. Other UTPB courses from the catalog may be acceptable as electives. A few of the elective courses listed below indicate a prerequisite. This does not apply to Master of Public Administration students.
| Courses | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPAL 6380 – Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6381 – Issues in Health and Human Services Policy and Management | 8 weeks | 3 |
| EDLD 6365 – School Public Relations | 8 weeks | 3 |
| EDLD 6361 – School Law | 8 weeks | 3 |
| EDUC 6302 – Cultural Diversity in Education and the Social Sciences | 8 weeks | 3 |
| EDLD 6369 – School Human Resources Management | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MNGT 6360 – Organizational Behavior | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MRKT 6310 – Marketing Management | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MNGT 4331 – Healthcare Management | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MRKT 4335 – Healthcare Marketing | 8 weeks | 3 |
| MPAL 6382 – Innovation in Public & Nonprofit Organizations | 8 weeks | 3 |
MPA Program Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in last 60 credits of undergraduate work
- Three letters of recommendation
- One of the following:
- Equivalent of three or more years of full-time professional work experience, or
- GRE scores of 295 (verbal and quantitative combined)*
Conditional Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements below, factors such as extensive professional work experience, completion of graduate courses, and relevant volunteer work will also be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- GPA of 2.50-2.99 in last 60 credits of undergraduate work
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores of 287-294*
- Other evidence (at least one of the following):
- Completion of graduate courses
- Current or previous professional service in governmental, public service, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations
*Note: The GRE score requirement has been temporarily waived. This waiver will apply through Spring 2022.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu. Official hard copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope to our Office of Admissions and should be mailed to this address:
UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762
Supporting Documents
All supporting documents related to a graduate program, such as letters of recommendation, essays, statements of interest, resumes, professional work experience, and awards should be sent to the Graduate Studies Office:
UT Permian Basin
Graduate Studies
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762-0001
Electronic versions of supporting documents may be emailed to gradstudies@utpb.edu.
Application Fee
The application fee is $40.