The Master of Public Administration is an NASPAA-accredited professional degree offered only at the graduate level. There are three distinct programs of study, which provide options to graduate students with different backgrounds and needs.
The University of Texas at Arlington offers the following Master of Public Administration degree programs, all of which requires completion of a baccalaureate degree:
The admissions process for the Master of Public Administration program supports its diverse student body, and creates a campus of inclusiveness, through recruitment efforts, retention policies, and support for student success of the many cultural, religious/spiritual, and identity groups comprising the society we serve. Efforts to achieve these intentions are consistent with the laws of the State of Texas and University policy.
About the different program options:
ON-CAMPUS
This program is offered evenings on our UTA main campus, the 39-credit hour (with internship waiver) campus MPA offers students four emphasis areas comprised of courses specializing in each specific area.
Program Advantages
- On campus MPA students will be able to maintain a flexible schedule - enrolling as a full-time or part-time student.
- The campus program admits new students every fall, spring and summer semester.
- The program is designed to be completed in five semesters by full-time students and either six or seven semesters by part-time students (includes summer terms).
- The determining factor for 6-7 semesters is whether the student takes the capstone 5399 with two other courses their last semester.
CITY COHORT
Our city cohort programs allow you to earn your MPA degree taking classes at city facilities during work hours. Combining a convenient schedule of face-to-face classes and online learning, city employees will benefit from maximum flexibility and a program designed to combine both academic and practitioner knowledge. Currently, there are cohorts for Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Fort Worth.
Program Advantages
- Classes meet once per week - Friday 3 pm to 6 pm (employer approved)
- Taught by UTA Faculty and City Managers
- A practical perspective tailored to your city management career
- Use employee tuition reimbursement benefit plus additional financial aid (if qualified)
- Focus on one course at a time
ONLINE
Our comprehensive online MPA program is designed to equip aspiring public service professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to make a meaningful impact in public administration. The online MPA program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals and individuals seeking flexibility in their graduate education.
Program Advantages
- You can pursue your MPA degree virtually through our interactive and engaging online learning environment, accommodating current commitments.
Our esteemed faculty, experienced practitioners in the field will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of public administration, policy analysis, budgeting, leadership, ethics, and more.
For unconditional admission, the candidate must:
- Hold a baccalaureate (B.S. or B.A.) degree from an accredited program.
- Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 based on the last 60 hours of course work as calculated by UTA Graduate Admissions.
- Minimum Writing GRE score of 4.0 (may be waived under certain conditions - see "Waiving the GRE" below)
- A preferred minimum Verbal GRE score of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 150), and minimum Quantitative GRE of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 141), and a minimum combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1,000 (Revised GRE Test Combined: 291) (may be waived under certain conditions - see "Waiving the GRE" below)
- Outstanding letters of recommendation
- Strong, well-written personal essay
- Non-native English speakers only: TOEFL scores of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (iBT) with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 Writing, 21 Speaking, 20 Reading, and 16 Listening; or, IELTS score of at least 6.5.
Waiving the GRE
The MPA program waives the requirement that an applicant take the GRE under any of the following conditions:
- A 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA based on the last 60 hours of course work AND at least three years professional non-profit or public service work experience (as judged by the MPA admission committee. Applicants should submit a supporting resume or other relevant documentation to the MPA Graduate Advisor)
- A completed graduate degree from an accredited program in a related field such as, but not exclusively, political science, economics, urban planning, social work, criminal justice, and sociology OR a 3.0 or better higher after 12 hours of coursework in the accredited graduate degree program.
- A completed UTA B.A. or B.S. with 3.0 or higher GPA
- An equivalent GMAT or LSAT score from an exam taken within the last two years preceding the time of application.
WHEN TO APPLY
The Master of Public Administration program accepts applications in fall, spring and summer semesters.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants to the Master of Public Administration program must follow the Graduate School instructions to submit:
Submit the Application
Pay The Application Fee
If you did not submit your application fee at the time of submitting your admission application, you can pay it online. All documents and fees must be provided so we can provide you with an admission decision.
Submit Transcripts
You may upload unofficial transcripts to help expedite the admission decision review period. However, official transcripts are still required to be submitted when admitted or once the institution(s) make them available.
Complete Program Requirements
The Public Administration programs requires program-related documents as part of the admission review process.
- Submit three letters of recommendation from sources who are familiar with the applicant's academic record, preferably former professors. (For applicants who have been out of school for an extended period, letters of recommendation may be from professional sources if academic ones are no longer available).
- Submit a short 200-word personal statement providing evidence of professional or academic goals consistent with the Public Administration Program.
- For applicants whose native language is not English, TOEFL scores of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (iBT) with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 Writing, 21 Speaking, 20 Reading, and 16 Listening; or, IELTS score of at least 6.5.
Submit Official GRE Test Scores
- Minimum Writing GRE score of 4.0 (may be waived under certain conditions - see "Waiving the GRE" below.
- A preferred minimum Verbal GRE score of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 150), and minimum Quantitative GRE of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 141), and a minimum combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1,000 (Revised GRE Test Combined: 291) (may be waived under certain conditions - see "Waiving the GRE" above)
- Contact an Academic Graduate Advisor
Track Your Admission Status
- Track the status of your admissions through your MyMav student portal. Under the admissions section, you will see the status of your application. If you have a status of "Incomplete," please refer to your to-do list for any items that we may still need from you. Please note that it can take up to 5-7 business days for submitted application materials to be processed and removed from your to-do list. If you have a status of "Complete," please allow up to 3-5 weeks for us to process an admission decision.
- Learn More About Accessing MyMav
Graduate Assistantships
- To be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistant position, the candidate must be admitted without provisional conditions.
- Candidates whose native language is not English must submit an acceptable score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE-A) before arriving in the United States.
- GTA positions are limited and are very competitive.
- To express interest in a graduate assistantship, please submit the Graduate Assistantship Application Form
See the full applications process for the Master of Landscape Architecture program in the University Catalog.