We are excited to learn of your interest in our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Utah Valley University! We are grateful you are considering joining us to advance your education and prepare further for a career in government or in the nonprofit sector. It is our hope and desire that you will enjoy your education at UVU and that you will benefit from our expert faculty and our cutting-edge curriculum.
Our program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to excel in the dynamic field of public administration. The curriculum in the MPA program fosters a multidisciplinary approach, integrating theory and practice to develop well-rounded leaders capable of addressing complex challenges facing our communities. From public policy analysis and financial management to organizational leadership and ethical decision-making, our coursework encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects to prepare you for the diverse demands of public administration.
Whether you are an aspiring public servant, a seasoned professional seeking career advancement, or someone passionate about making a positive impact on society, this handbook serves as your comprehensive guide for your MPA journey at UVU. Please read this over to better understand our program, student expectations and resources available to help you succeed.
Should you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. We would be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
David A. McEntire, PhD, SFHEA
Professor and Interim Program Director
Students graduating with a Master of Public Administration will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Utah Valley University's MPA program cultivates future public service leaders by empowering students in leadership, ethical values, strategic thinking and policy expertise to drive impactful community change.
Our core values include:
The MPA program at UVU is 100% online. Students will complete their coursework, attend classes, interact with professors and classmates, submit assignments, and take exams exclusively through an online platform, without the need to be physically present on campus. Classes are semester-paced, meaning they begin and end on the same semester-based schedule that all of UVU's classes follow.
Most students begin the program during the fall semester as part of a cohort. Students may enroll in the program as full-time or part-time students. The program requires completion of 36-credits. Completion will take between 15 months and 2 years, depending on how many credits are taken each semester.
| Semester | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall - Year 1 | PADM 6000 - Public Administration | 3.0 |
| PADM 6060: Research Methods for Public Administration | 3.0 | |
| MPA Elective Course | 3.0 | |
| Spring - Year 1 | PADM 6020: Public Administration Policy and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| PADM 6050: Public Administration Leadership and Ethics | 3.0 | |
| PADM 6070: Human Resource Management | 3.0 | |
| Summer - Year 1 | PADM 6010: Public Administration Finance and Budgeting | 3.0 |
| PADM 6040: Organization Behavior in Public Administration | 3.0 | |
| MPA Elective Course | 3.0 | |
| Fall - Year 2 | PADM 6030: Legal Issues for Public Administration | 3.0 |
|
PADM 6700: Internship Students with relevant professional experience may request an exemption from the internship requirement by submitting an Internship Waiver Form and obtaining approval from the Program Director. If approved, the waived 3 credits may be replaced with an additional elective course. |
3.0 | |
| PADM 6900: Public Administration Capstone | 3.0 | |
| Total | 36.0 |
| Semester | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall - Year 1 | PADM 6000 - Public Administration | 3.0 |
| PADM 6060: Research Methods for Public Administration | 3.0 | |
| Spring - Year 1 | PADM 6020: Public Administration Policy and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| PADM 6050: Public Administration Leadership and Ethics | 3.0 | |
| Summer - Year 1 | PADM 6010: Public Administration Finance and Budgeting | 3.0 |
| PADM 6040: Organization Behavior in Public Administration | 3.0 | |
| Fall - Year 2 | PADM 6030: Legal Issues for Public Administration | 3.0 |
| MPA Elective Course | 3.0 | |
| Spring - Year 2 | PADM 6070: Human Resource Management | 3.0 |
| MPA Elective Course | 3.0 | |
| Summer - Year 2 | PADM 6900: Public Administration Capstone | 3.0 |
|
PADM 6700: Internship Students with relevant professional experience may request an exemption from the internship requirement by submitting an Internship Waiver Form and obtaining approval from the Program Director. If approved, the waived 3 credits may be replaced with an additional elective course. |
3.0 | |
| Total | 36.0 |
See catalog for additional courses from other departments that may be allowed. Courses from departments outside the MPA program may not be online.
The MPA program consists of 36-credit hours, which is the equivalent of 16 months for full-time students or 24 months for part-time students. The 36 credit hours includes 9 required core classes, a 3-credit internship, and 2 elective classes of your choosing. Each course is offered one time during the year, so students are encouraged to take courses in the recommended order above. The internship may be taken any semester. All courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher.
Students with relevant professional experience may request an exemption from the internship requirement by submitting an Internship Waiver Form and obtaining approval from the program director. If approved, the waived 3-credits may be replaced with an additional elective course.
See catalog for a list of required courses.
Our 36-credit hour program has several features that distinguish it among the best master’s degrees in the state:
The MPA Advisory Board includes knowledgeable and experienced professionals from the public and nonprofit sectors.
