Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Application Requirements

• Two letters of recommendation from former professors or from job supervisors.
• A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade average (GPA) equivalent on a 4.0 scale
• A personal statement that describes your work experience, professional goals, the reasons you have chosen this program, why you want to attend UWG, and how the MPA program will help you achieve your goals.
• A current resume

THE CURRICULUM

The MPA program at the University of West Georgia requires the completion of 36 graduate course credits. Students without social science preparation at the Bachelor's level will be required to take POLS 5200, Principles in Public Administration. A Core of 7 courses (21 hrs) is required of all MPA students.  All of the MPA courses are available online.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The core curriculum includes the following topics as they relate to the public sector (21 hours)

• POLS 6200 - Public Budgeting and Financial Management
• POLS 6201 - Theory of Public Administration and Ethics
• POLS 6202 - Research Methods for Public Administration
• POLS 6203 - Public Organizational Theory
• POLS 6204 - Public Policy Analysis/Program Evaluation
• POLS 6205 - Administrative Law and Procedures
• POLS 6206 - Public Human Resource Management

The Capstone Project & Assessment in Public Administration (3 hours) is taken at the completion of the degree program.  A research paper analyzing a policy or program in Public Administration will be completed by the student.

With the approval of the program advisor, each student selects 12 hours beyond the core courses.  The track courses can be taken from a variety of departments. Generally, electives should form a coherent whole.  Examples of track emphases include disaster planning, management, healthcare administration, non-profit administration, and other particular areas of public policy.  Students not working in the public sector or with no governmental experience will take the Public Administration Internship as one elective class. 

The Program responds to the changing public service environment through: an innovative curriculum, faculty scholarship and service, links to professional organizations, interaction with governmental agencies, and a commitment to state of-the-art technology. Students may take either face-to-face or online courses depending on their work schedule and/or learning preference.

Students may complete the degree within two years if they take three courses per semester as a full time basis. The program and the faculty provide individual mentoring through various activities to improve student learning experience and job placement. 

Public Administration Internship is one elective course and must be completed if not working full time. Various local, regional, and state organizations in both government and nonprofit sectors provide internship opportunities for our students. Elective Courses are 5000 or 6000 level courses offered by the Political Science Department or other departments (courses from other departments must be approved by MPA Director). Elective Courses are offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters.

The program provides three specialization opportunities in the area of public administration and policy: Public Management, Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Community Development, and Disaster/Emergency Management. Specialization is not required but utilized as elective courses for students who are interested in these foci. These specializations are also associated with Graduate Certificates (see the Graduate Certificate site for more detailed information).

• Anthony Fleming, PhD (West Virginia). Associate Professor, Interim Department Chair
• Karen Owen, PhD (University of Georgia). Associate Professor, Interim Dean of University College
• Kathleen Barrett, PhD (Georgia State Univeristy). Assistant Professor
• Paul Rutledge, PhD (West Virginia). Professor
• Sooho Lee, PhD (Georgia Tech). Professor, MPA director
• Vanessa Griffin, PhD (University of Southern Mississippi), Professor

MPA students can apply for assistantships, scholarships, travel awards, and other financial aid to support their studies. Information on tuition, fees, health insurance, and general financial aid is available via UWG Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Assistantship: The department of Civic Engagement and Public Service awards several graduate assistantships on a competitive basis to MPA students each academic year. Graduate assistants (GAs) assist primarily for the teaching and research activities of faculty in the department. GAs are provided a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver, but are responsible for paying fees and health insurance. All GAs must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during the fall or spring semester. Potential graduate students should contact the MPA director for the assistantship application.

Other Financial Aid: The department of Civic Engagement and Public Service typically distributes scholarships and travel awards for graduate students on a competitive basis. These opportunities are announced regularly and students should contact their faculty advisors and the MPA director for more information. Also, visit the Graduate School to learn more about other scholarship opportunities and Federal Student Aid.