Public Administration information
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to provide advanced education in administration for persons employed in the public or nonprofit sectors, as well as those seeking entry to careers in administration. This interdisciplinary program addresses the educational needs of those with specialized, technical, or liberal arts degrees, and those seeking to expand or update their administrative education. The program draws upon faculty and courses in economics, health care, political science, psychology and sociology. Upon graduation, students are awarded a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan’s nationally recognized Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is available with a variety of concentrations as listed below. The curriculum is designed around a basic core of courses in administration, which should be taken early in the student’s program. The core is supplemented by additional courses in various areas of administration or with one of four concentrations. An applied research project and, for those with fewer than two years of administrative experience, an internship, are also part of the curriculum. The program is designed for the part-time student, with courses offered primarily after 5:30 pm, Monday-Thursday. Students may opt to complete the program in person or online, through a hyperflex format in which classes meet simultaneously in person and virtually. This option is available for the General Program and the Nonprofit and Social Entrepreneurship and Social and Public Policy concentrations.
Admission Requirements
See Graduate Study for general admissions requirements. Admission to the MPA Program is based on a holistic review of an applicant’s academic and professional history. Applicants are required to submit a completed application, the applicable processing fee, and provide the following documentation:
- Official transcripts for prior coursework at any and all institutions of higher education attended,
- Statement of Purpose detailing the reasons for seeking further study in the MPA Program and, if necessary, addressing any deficiencies in the applicant’s educational background
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably at least one from a professional reference (Applicants who have graduated from any of the University of Michigan campuses are exempt from the letters of recommendation requirement.)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
International students must submit additional documentation and should visit the International Students page (https://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/international-students) for more information.
Transfer of Credit
Up to six (6) credit hours of graduate credit completed at an accredited institution may be accepted for transfer. Transfers of credit are subject to the approval of the program director. Transfers are made in accordance with the policies of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Information on requesting transfer of credit is available at https://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/requesting-transfer-credit.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Students are expected to complete all work within five years from the date of first enrollment in the program. Students exceeding this time limit must file a petition. See the Rackham School of Graduate Studies for further information.
