The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Georgia is designed to develop professionals who can use their educational experiences to work productively at all levels of public sector management, as well as in research endeavors.
The central purpose of the program is to educate students for professional careers in public service including management and policy analysis in government and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to students without previous public service experience as well as students employed in the public sector who are seeking to advance their careers. While normally a terminal professional degree, some graduates of the MPA program have entered PhD or other programs and have assumed academic careers.
Average Age and Class Size
Most classes are small (15-20 students) and scheduled in the evenings to allow students to pursue an advanced degree while continuing to work full-time. Two classes per semester (including summer) are offered at the Gwinnett campus. All MPA students may register for classes at either the Athens or Gwinnett campus to complete the program in less time.
- Average age: 34
- Age range: 22-60
Admission Requirement
To be considered for admission to the MPA program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate potential for excellence in the study of public administration.
While the Graduate School of the University of Georgia admits non-degree and/or transient students to other programs, the Department of Public Administration and Policy does not admit students in this
situation.
Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
- Fall Semester to be considered for Assistantship—January 15
- Fall Semester—July 1
- Summer Semester – May 1
- Spring Semester – November 15
International Applicants
- Fall Semester to be considered for Assistantship—January 15
- Fall Semester—April 15
- Spring Semester – October 15
HOW TO APPLY
STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application located at the UGA Graduate School website and pay the required application fee, which is $75 for domestic applicants and $100 for international applicants.
- You will be prompted to upload a resumé and statement of purpose. The statement of purpose is your opportunity to communicate to us how this program fits with your future plans. You should use this document to convey why this area of study and specifically this program are a good fit with your career and educational goals. You should also highlight your relevant experience and preparation for this program.
- You will be asked to enter the email addresses of three recommenders. If you would rather submit paper letters to the department, you will need to list your name and e-mail three times in the boxes on the online application that ask for your recommenders. That way, only you will receive the electronic letter of recommendation requests, which you may delete.
STEP 2: ORDER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE SENT TO THE UGA GRADUATE SCHOOL
Transcripts and score reports are accepted electronically and by mail. Allow 10-14 days for receipt and processing of these materials by the Graduate School Admissions Office.
- Transcripts – Send one unofficial transcript from all institutions attended, even if no degree was conferred and/or credits are listed on other transcripts. If accepted to the program, you will have to submit an official transcript from all institutions from which you have earned a degree.
- Official Test Scores (GRE / TOEFL / IELTS)
The GRE is required of all applicants. The average GRE score for incoming MPA students for fall 2013 was approximately 310; however, the GRE score is only one of several factors considered for admissions. Equally important are an applicant’s personal statement and other application materials.
- The departmental policy is to require TOEFL scores from any applicant whose primary language is not English, unless that student has received a degree within the past two years from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English. The TOEFL scores can be no older than two years.
TUITION
As of Fall 2016, the current cost of study for the MPA per credit hour is $410 (in-state) and $1,061 (out-of-state). Fees are currently assessed at $1,139 per semester. Fees for students studying at the Gwinnett campus are $642 per semester.
Nine credits (3 courses) is considered a full-time course load for graduate students. A full-time student would thus pay $4,829 (in-state) or $10,688 (out-of-state) per semester.
COMPLETION RATE & PLACEMENT
For students graduating during the 2017-18 academic year, 88 percent reported employment in the field within six months of graduation. For the 2017-18 graduates, 56 percent went into public sector employment, 13 percent reported jobs in the non-profit sector, 10 percent went to work in the private sector, 6 percent continued their education, and 3 percent continued military service.