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Master of Public Administration

at the University of Utah

Established in 1976, the University of Utah’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program 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 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:

Traditional 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL MPA

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE MPA


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:

  1. To lead and manage in public governance
  2. To participate in and contribute to the public policy process
  3. To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
  4. To articulate and apply a public service perspective
  5. To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry

 

Program Mission-Specific Competencies

  1. To understand and articulate broadly defined ethical standards for decision making
  2. To understand and articulate the legal foundations of public administration and policy
  3. To develop awareness of approaches to leadership and the centrality of context to its effectiveness
  4. To articulate an understanding of nonprofit administration and the roles in public governance.

The table in this tab shows graduation data for the 85 students admitted to the MPA program in the 2017-2018 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).

Still enrolled

7

Graduated within 2 years

22

Graduated within 3 years

50

Graduated within 4 years

72

Total (graduated and are still enrolled)

85

 

*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 56 students who graduated from the MPA program in the 2021-22 academic year.

 

job placement

 

Additional Program Information

 

 


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Last Updated: 3/27/24