Master of Public Administration
Gain a top-quality education, grow your career, and join a network of proven leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors.
The UConn Master of Public Administration (MPA) program provides students with the skills and experience to lead in the public and nonprofit sectors.
UConn is the only Connecticut school accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education. Our students earn an exceptional education from educators who are nationally-recognized in their fields.
By joining the UConn MPA program, you’ll gain a strong academic foundation through core courses and develop professional expertise in a focus area of your choosing. You’ll also get hands-on experience in our Internship in Professional Practice, which provides a paid internship and full-year tuition scholarship with a top Connecticut state agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization.
Why Choose UConn
#9
National ranking of public finance and budgeting programs, U.S. News & World Report.
#39
National ranking of public affairs programs, U.S. News & World Report.
100+
Mentors in our Alumni Mentor Network.
100%
Students placed in paid internships with tuition scholarships.
97%
Job placements 6-months after graduation.
NASPAA
The only NASPAA-accredited school in Connecticut.
Outcomes and Careers
Alumni of UConn’s MPA program create, manage, and lead programs at nonprofit organizations and in government agencies at the national, state, and local levels. Their successes contribute to our school’s national reputation and our ability to attract high-caliber students from around the world.
By earning your MPA through the UConn School of Public Policy, you'll join our network of talented alumni – many of whom engage with the UConn community as mentors to current students.
UConn’s School of Public Policy provided me with high-quality academic experience complimented with real-world and practical applications that have served me throughout all levels of my career.
Melissa McCaw '14 MPA
Director of Finance, Town of East Hartford, Conn.
Academics
Program Requirements
Our 42-credit MPA program is organized around:
- Core courses (24 credits).
- Focus area/elective courses (12 credits).
- A supervised internship (6 credits).
Core Courses
Students must take the following courses:
- PP 5340. Introduction to Public Policy and Management
- PP 5345. Project Management in the Public Sector
- PP 5361. Theory and Management of Public Organizations
- PP 5364. Public Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5365. Human Resource Management
- PP 5370. Applied Research Design
- PP 5375. Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
A focus area allows you to develop additional expertise in a specific area. The MPA program requires nine credits (three courses) to complete a focus area. You can choose from the list of possible focus areas below, develop your own with the help of your advisor, or choose to remain a generalist.
Examples of focus areas and possible courses include:
Law and Public Policy
Two approved School of Law courses are required (recommended: LAW 7600 Administrative Law) along with one PP course:
- PP 5304. Public Policy, Diversity, and Inclusion
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership
- PP 5329. Nonprofit Advocacy, Government Relations, and Law
- Other courses as approved
Nonprofit Management
- PP 5319. Program Development
- PP 5328. Business Functions of Nonprofit Organizations
- PP 5324. Grant Writing and Government Contracting
- PP 5323. Leading and Governing Nonprofits
- PP 5329. Nonprofit Advocacy, Government Relations, and Law
- PP 5336. Fund Development and Nonprofit Sustainability
Public Financial Management
- PP 5373. Budgeting in Public Service Organizations
- PP 5318. Financial Management for Public Organizations
- PP 5317. Capital Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5326. Public Investment Management
- PP 5374. Topics in Financial Management
Public Policy
- PP 5347. Applied Policy Issues
- PP 5314. Casual Program Evaluation
- PP 5342. Policy Analysis
State and Local Government Management
- PP 5317. Capital Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5325. Labor-Management Relations, Negotiation, and Contract Management
- PP 5349. Public Procurement and Contracting
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership
- PP 5368. Performance Management and Accountability
- PP 5350. Urban and Regional Policy
Survey Research
- PP 5379. Principles and Methods of Survey Research 1
- PP 5383. Principles and Methods of Survey Research 2
- PP 5385. Attitude Formation
- PP 5386. Survey Research Analysis and Reporting
- Other courses as approved
Urban Planning
- PP 5317. Capital Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5348. Urban Planning Principles and Methods
- PP 5350. Urban and Regional Policy
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership
- Other courses as approved from GEOG and LAW
Sample Course Sequences
Below is a model course of study for students pursuing full-time and part-time study in the UConn MPA program. You can learn more about our courses on our course descriptions page.
Full-Time
Year 1 Fall
- PP 5340. Introduction to Public Policy and Management
- PP 5375. Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management
- PP 5361. Theory and Management of Public Organizations
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
Total Credits = 12
Year 1 Spring
- PP 5370. Applied Research Design
- PP 5364. Public Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5365. Human Resource Management
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 12
Year 2 Fall
- Elective/Focus Area or PP 5345. Project Management in the Public Sector
- Elective/Focus Area or PP 5345. Project Management in the Public Sector
- Elective/Focus Area
- Internship (begins in Fall)
Total Credits = 9
Year 2 Spring
- Elective/Focus Area or PP 5345: Project Management in the Public Sector
- PP 5390: Supervised Internship (six credits)
Total Credits = 9
Total Program Credits = 42
Part-Time
Year 1 Fall
- PP 5340: Introduction to Public Policy & Management
- PP 5375: Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management
Total Credits = 6
Year 1 Spring
- PP 5365: Human Resource Management
- PP 5364: Public Finance and Budgeting
Total Credits = 6
Year 2 Fall
- PP 5376: Applied Quantitative Methods
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 6
Year 2 Spring
- PP 5370: Applied Research Design
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 6
Year 3 Fall
- Elective/Focus area
- PP 5361: Theory and Management of Public Organizations
Total Credits = 6
Year 3 Spring
- Elective/Focus area
- PP 5345: Project Management
Total Credits = 6
Total Program Credits = 36
Note: The above model program assumes waiver of the internship requirement. Visit our internship page for waiver guidelines.
Supervised Internship
Internships are an integral part of the MPA program. Internships allow students to test classroom theory and develop contacts that might lead to a position post-graduation.
You can complete the internship requirement through the School of Public Policy’s Internship and Professional Practice Program (IPP) or a standard internship during the summer or school year. IPP internships span the full academic year and provide the opportunity for you to become involved with a public service organization.
Earn a Dual or Joint Degree
MPA students can choose to pursue a dual or joint degree if admitted to both programs. With this option, students are able to complete both degrees at an accelerated pace, saving time and money.
Public Administration and Juris Doctor (Dual)
Offered in conjunction with the School of Law, the dual Juris Doctor J.D./Public Administration M.P.A. program provides education and training in the concepts, skills, and techniques of intergovernmental relations, public management, financial administration, and human resource management. The program prepares students for careers as executives, policy officials and administrators in federal, state, or local government and in nonprofit organizations.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPA and the JD programs.
Public Administration and Latino & Latin American Studies (Joint)
Offered in conjunction with El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American Studies, this joint degree program prepares students with the functional skills and knowledge in public administration and at the same time engages them in interdisciplinary study and research related to the Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American world.
Students in this program will have nine credits counting toward their MPA waived, with a Master of Arts (MA) in International Studies concentration in Latina/o and Latin American Studies (LLAS) providing in-depth specialization in lieu of the MPA focus area. Students can waive another three credits toward the MPA if they take PP 5370. Applied Research Design or another appropriate public policy methodology course to satisfy the methods course requirement of the MA in LLAS.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPA and the MA in International Studies programs. Funding opportunities may be available through El Instituto or the School of Public Policy. To be considered for a graduate assistantship (GA), please submit your applications by February 15 and select “Yes” in the online application to the question: “Applying for a GA/Fellowship?”
Public Administration and Social Work (Joint)
Offered in conjunction with the School of Social Work, the joint MPA and Master's of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students with the functional skills and knowledge in public administration and at the same time engages them in interdisciplinary study and research related to social work.
The MSW degree has three concentrations: policy practice; community organizing; and individuals, groups, and families. In applying to the MSW program, a student selects one of them to pursue. All MSW concentrations give students a holistic understanding of the systems of oppression that stifle the ability of some members of society to thrive, which pairs well with either the MPA or MPP.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPA and UConn MSW programs.
Public Administration and Survey Research and Data Analysis
The School of Public Policy offers joint degree programs in public administration and survey research and data analysis, which prepare students with the functional skills and knowledge in public administration while at the same time engaging them in interdisciplinary study and research related to survey design, data collection, and data analysis techniques.
Students in this program will have three credits counting toward their MPA waived upon successful completion of PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods. An additional nine credits of public policy coursework toward the MPA will be waived, with courses within the Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis providing in-depth specialization in lieu of the MPA “focus area.”
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPA and MA programs. Support through the School of Public Policy is competitively available through a limited number of graduate assistantships (GAs). To be considered for a GA, please submit your application by Feb. 15 and select “YES” in the online application to the question: “Applying for a GA/Fellowship?”
Admissions
Students apply to the UConn MPA program via the UConn Graduate School’s online application.
Application Deadlines
Fall
Priority decision: Feb. 15
Final Deadline: May 15
Spring
Final Deadline: Nov. 1
Fast Track
Rolling admissions
Applicants who apply by the fall priority decision date will be considered for additional funding opportunities such as graduate assistantships and merit scholarships.
Contact Us
For more information about the UConn MPA program, please contact:
Outreach Coordinator, School of Public Policy
Request Information
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree?
A MPA degree will prepare you for leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations by teaching you how to diagnose problems, collect and analyze information, choose among policy options, communicate findings, implement programs, and manage change. These skills are developed through an intensive quantitative, analytical, and managerial framework.
What can I do with a MPA degree?
Alumni of UConn’s MPA program work in governments at the local, state, and federal levels in a variety of policy areas, hold elected office, lead and manage nonprofit organizations, and conduct market research, among many other positions.
Learn more about UConn’s MPA alumni by visiting our SPP Alumni page.
Where are your graduates employed?
Alumni hold a wide variety of positions at all organizational levels such as budget analysts, bond ratings analysts, human resource managers, program administrators, policy analysts, program evaluators, and survey researchers. The table below presents job placements for MPA graduates in 2021-2023 based on the employment categories from our accrediting body, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA):
| Employment Sectors | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| National or Central government in the same country as the program | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| State, provincial or regional government in the same country as the program | 13% | 33% | 37% |
| City, County, or other local government in the same country as the program | 27% | 15% | 21% |
| Government (all levels) or international quasi-governmental | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nonprofit domestic-oriented | 27% | 23% | 23% |
| Nonprofit/NGOs internationally-oriented | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Private sector-Research/consulting | 3% | 0% | 0% |
| Private sector but not research/consulting | 17% | 16% | 12% |
| Obtaining further education | 3% | 3% | 0% |
| Military Service | 7% | 0% | 0% |
| Unemployed (not seeking employment) | 0% | 2% | 0% |
| Unemployed (seeking employment) | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Status Unknown | 3% | 8% | 2% |
How long does it take to complete the MPA program?
The MPA program can be completed in two years on a full-time basis if starting in the fall. It can be completed in three years on a part-time basis if the student is able to waive the internship requirement.
Where are classes held?
The School of Public Policy office is on UConn’s Hartford campus. Classes are held on the Hartford and Storrs campuses.
Can I work full-time while completing my MPA degree?
Yes. The number of MPA courses you take each semester will depend on your need to balance courses, work, and life. The program does not encourage students to work full-time and take a full-time course load.
Academics
What is the MPA curriculum?
The program is built around core courses, electives, an internship, and a Capstone portfolio. Detailed curriculum information can be found here.
Is there an internship requirement?
Yes. The MPA program requires six internship credits. Internships can be completed at any time during enrollment, however students are encouraged to apply for the Internship Professional Practice (IPP) program, which normally takes place in the second year of full-time study. These credits can be waived with permission from the School under certain conditions. For more information, contact publicpolicy@uconn.edu.
Can I earn two degrees at the same time?
Yes. Programs that students have pursued simultaneously with the MPA include:
- Latina/o and Latin American Studies (MPA/MA).
- Law (MPA/JD).
- Social Work (MPA/MSW).
Learn more about joint degree programs.
How many graduate credits can I transfer from another institution?
Students may transfer up to six credits from another institution with the School's approval.
Will I have an advisor?
Yes. Upon entering the program, the Graduate School will assign you a faculty advisor; however, the Director of Student and Academic Affairs should be considered your first point of contact. Advisors and the program directors help students prepare course schedules and plan for careers after graduation. You can change your advisor at any time by contacting the Director of Student and Academic Affairs.
Admissions
What is required to apply to the MPA program?
See the full list of application requirements on our Apply Now page.
How can I submit my GREs?
Beginning with the fall 2022 application cycle, the GRE is not required; however, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence that the applicant can successfully complete all necessary coursework, which requires strong writing and analytic/quantitative skills. If an applicant wishes to submit their GRE scores, they can do so in the following ways:
- The best method is to use the GRE codes (Institutional Code: 3915 and Program Code: 1903) to have the scores sent directly to the School of Public Policy. After you take the test, it will be approximately four weeks until your scores arrive.
- You may call the Administrative Program Director to directly report your GRE scores. As a test taker, you will receive the results of your verbal and quantitative GRE sections immediately following your test. All scores are verified upon acceptance of admission. This option may be particularly useful for test takers who can only schedule their exam close to the Feb. 15 deadline.
- You may send a PDF or JPG of your scores. All scores are verified upon acceptance of admission.
What is the deadline?
For fall admission, the priority deadline is Feb. 15. The final deadline for fall is May 15. For spring admission, the deadline is Nov. 1.
Is work experience a requirement for the MPA program?
Prior work experience is not required. A strength of our programs is the diversity of experience that students bring. Students range from recent college graduates with internship or volunteer experience to senior-level professionals.
Can I begin the MPA as an undergraduate student?
Yes, if you are a University of Connecticut undergraduate student and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, you can apply to the Fast-Track program and take MPA courses. If accepted into the Fast-Track program, you will still need to apply to the MPA program.
What are your admission statistics?
- Undergraduate GPA (Middle 50%): 3.40-3.71
- Average Class Size: 27
- Average Verbal GRE Scores: 153
- Average Quantitative GRE Scores: 156
- Average Age of Students: 27 (regular track); 39 (executive track)
- % Female: 62
- % Full Time: 80
Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?
Please see the Graduate School’s admission requirements regarding GPAs on your official transcript. The Admissions Committee holistically reviews all components of an applicant’s application.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be written by people who know you and your work very well. Your writers may be current or past supervisors, college professors, or professional colleagues. For current and recent undergraduates, we recommend they are from recent professors.
How do I submit letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Recommending individuals can upload their letters when prompted via email by the application system. Individuals can also elect to email publicpolicy@uconn.edu directly to submit their letter. Applicants may not directly submit their letters of recommendation.
Can I defer my admission?
Yes. Admission can be deferred for up to one year. You must communicate your intention via email to publicpolicy@uconn.edu prior to the first day of the semester.
Should I plan to visit campus?
We encourage you to visit the campus; meet with faculty and students; and attend one or more classes. Visit our Information Sessions page for more information or email publicpolicy@uconn.edu.
Cost and Financial Aid
How much does the MPA cost?
Tuition and fee schedules for the MPA program can be found on the Office of the Bursar's page for graduate students. Please note that students pay an adjusted General University Fee because the School of Public Policy is based at the UConn Hartford campus. Students do not pay the Student Health & Wellness Fee or the Student Rec Center Fee.
Can I take a course as a non-degree student first? If, so, how much does that cost?
Yes. You can take up to six credits with our School before applying to the MPA program. If it is within five years, the six credits can be transferred into your program and count toward your degree. You should consult with the Director of Student and Academic Affairs or the Graduate Program Director on what courses are best for non-degree study. The cost of non-degree study for 2023-2024 with the School of Public Policy is $1,000 per credit, all-inclusive for tuition and fees.
What type of tuition, financial or graduate assistantship opportunities do you offer?
Need-based financial aid is administered through the University of Connecticut Office of Student Financial Aid Services. Please visit their website for further financial aid information. For information about financial support from the School of Public Policy, please visit our Cost and Financial Aid page.
Student Life
What extracurricular activities are available?
There are many opportunities for students to get involved in the UConn community outside the classroom. The School of Public Policy, the Graduate Association of Public Policy Students, Pi Alpha Alpha, and the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration offer social, professional development, and public service events throughout the year.
What are my housing options?
Enrolled students live in and around Hartford or commute from further distances. There is no on-campus housing available. UConn's Off-Campus Housing page provides a variety of resources and information.
What are my transportation options?
Most students at UConn’s Hartford campus travel by car or public transportation. The student parking lot is located in the Connecticut Convention Center Parking Garage. Please visit the Hartford Campus’ Parking Services site for more information. The Connecticut Department of Transportation also offers bus service in and around the Hartford area. In-person students have the opportunity to obtain a U-Pass which allows students to ride buses and trains in Connecticut for free.
Will I have the opportunity to meet alumni?
Yes. Alumni of the MPA program are engaged with current students. They routinely organize and attend events for current students. All students are also assigned to an alumni mentor.