Public administrators plan, direct, coordinate activities, and manage personnel and budgets to help organizations run effectively and efficiently.
Public administrators are employed in all types of local, state and federal government agencies and departments. They are also hired in numerous nonprofit organizations.
Public administrators are involved in many different career paths, including policy analysts, city managers, department directors, program managers, budget and finance managers, and public relations fundraising specialists.
Public administrators typically work full time (or more) in an office setting.
An MPA (Master of Public Administration) can significantly enhance career prospects and earning potential, for people in specialized areas.
Yes, the MPA degree is regionally approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The MPA program is a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and is actively seeking accreditation.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Utah Valley University began in 2017 as the Master of Public Service (MPS) program. As an interdisciplinary graduate degree, it draws on the expertise of faculty from Emergency Services, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Public Health, and other related disciplines. Since the first cohort graduated in 2019, more than 100 students have earned degrees through the program.
In Fall 2023, the program welcomed its seventh cohort and officially changed its name from Master of Public Service to Master of Public Administration to more accurately reflect the curriculum, learning outcomes, and professional focus of the degree. Students who completed the MPS degree prior to the name change completed substantially the same curriculum as current MPA students, with the exception of one course that was added as part of the transition. As a result, graduates of the former MPS program can accurately state that they completed the equivalent of today's MPA program.
For more information about the Master of Public Administration program at Utah Valley University, please visit the program website or contact us at 801-863-7790.
Generally, incoming students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Occasionally, a student will be admitted with a lower GPA if they have extensive public service experience or their GPA for their most recent 60 credits is above a 3.0. Students who have a borderline GPA may consider taking the GRE. A high GRE score may help offset a lower GPA. Students who are unsure if their GPA meets the minimum requirement should contact our office before applying to discuss their individual circumstances.
No, GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission into the MPA program.
The essay questions are meant to give the admissions committee an understanding of your background and career goals. The three questions include:
Applications are due August 1st for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. Reviews will begin immediately after these dates, and applications will be reviewed the first week of each month until the cohort is filled. Highly qualified students will be admitted on a first-come basis. Students may apply for and be admitted to Spring or Summer semesters, depending on space availability.
The MPA program will admit between 35 to 50 students each year. Students are typically admitted in the fall as a cohort.
A cohort is a group of students working together in the same program, progressing through the same academic curriculum and finishing their degree together. The students selected for the fall cohort will attend core courses together over the first year.
Depending upon space, some students may be admitted for the spring or summer semester and attend on a modified cohort schedule.
Yes, depending on the relevance of your prior course to the MPA degree and how recently it was completed. Transfer credits will be evaluated on an individual basis. Students with qualifying related coursework may be allowed to transfer up to 9 credits from another university. For additional information on graduate transfer credit requirements, visit the quick link on the MPA website.
Tuition for Utah residents and non-residents is the same. Current tuition rates are found on this page.
We currently offer a tuition waiver scholarship for Utah residents in our program. The amount of the scholarship depends on annual funding and is typically awarded to two students based on GPA, public service work experience, and their essay response. Deadline to apply is May 1. For information on how to apply and other scholarships you may qualify for, visit the university's scholarship webpage.
Some students may qualify for financial aid. For more information, please visit the UVU Financial Aid site and make an appointment to speak with an advisor.
For any questions about the MPA program, UVU policies or available resources, please contact the Program Manager or Interim Director.
Program Manager
Kim Sparks
[email protected]
Interim Program Director
David A. McEntire, PhD, SFHEA
[email protected]
