The MPA is now part of the
DIVISION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Master of Public Administration has joined the Master of Public Policy and M.S. in International Affairs and Global Enterprise in the College of Social and Behavioral Science's new Division of Public Affairs.
Established in 1976, the University of Utah’s Master of Public Administration empowers aspiring and continuing professionals from across the government, nonprofit, and private sectors to serve and lead for the public good. Our program combines rigorous scholarship with practical skill development to provide students the tools to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
The MPA Program
The University of Utah MPA program is built on the principles of ethical administration, legal foundations of public service, an appreciation for the nonprofit sector, and a genuine concern for social equity and justice. We are proudly accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education. We offer two MPA program modalities:
Evening MPA
Our evening MPA can be completed in two (or more) years and is open to pre and early-career students, as well as working professionals. Students can tailor their MPA education through particular emphases, concentrations, or joint degrees.
Executive MPA
Our Executive MPA offers students with at least five years of relevant professional experience the opportunity to complete their studies in 19 months through a combination of weekend and condensed class scheduling.
Program Mission, Competencies, & Data
The University of Utah MPA mission is (1) to prepare a diverse group of experienced and aspiring administrators in applications of essential administrative competencies to public and nonprofit organizations, within political, legal, and ethical contexts. The program strives to expand opportunities for students to participate and lead in professional work and civic affairs, with strong legal standards, ethical commitment, compassion, and appreciation for the roles of other officials and community stakeholders in 21st century governance; (2) to emphasize the importance of faculty and students creating and disseminating new knowledge and developing insights that enhance our ability to govern in the public interest, and (3) to underscore our duty as faculty, staff, and students to devote time and expertise to our profession, communities, academic field, and university.
NASPAA Universal Required Competencies:
- To lead and manage in public governance
- To participate in and contribute to the public policy process
- To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
- To articulate and apply a public service perspective
- To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
Program Mission-Specific Competencies
- To understand and articulate broadly defined ethical standards for decision making
- To understand and articulate the legal foundations of public administration and policy
- To develop awareness of approaches to leadership and the centrality of context to its effectiveness
- To articulate an understanding of nonprofit administration and the roles in public governance.
The table in this tab shows graduation data for the 55 students admitted to the MPA program in the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. This includes the number of students still enrolled (i.e., not yet graduated), the number that graduated within two years of admission, those that graduated within three years (including those that graduated within two), and those that graduated within four years (including those that graduated within two or three).
|
Graduated within 2 years |
29 |
|
Graduated within 3 years |
34 |
|
Graduated within 4 years |
40 |
|
Total |
55 |
*The data were collected in collaboration with the University of Utah Registrar’s Office
The chart in this tab shows post-graduation job placement data for the 55 students who graduated from the MPA program in the 2022-23 academic year.
