The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UA Little Rock provides professional management, analytical, and leadership skills, and the understanding of public policy issues needed for management and policy positions in national, state, regional, and local government, and the nonprofit sector. All of our teachings are grounded in public administration theory.
The MPA is designed for both part-time and full-time students and can be tailored to focus on individual, professional, and career goals. The program’s position within the School of Public Affairs and at the seat of state government in Arkansas offers unique opportunities for graduate assistantships and other practical experiences.
Admission Requirements
All applicants to the Master of Public Administration program must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or internationally accredited institution. Applicants can be from any discipline or major. View the list of admissions requirements.
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of 36 hours of approved MPA courses with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Successful completion of the capstone seminar (PADM 7373)
Students should update their MPA Student Advising and Planning Form each semester to track their progress in the program. Each student’s progress in the program is assessed midway by the MPA Coordinator.
Students must apply for graduation through their BOSS account at the beginning of their final semester.
MPA Program Mission
The mission of the MPA Program is two-fold, with our faculty working to serve both students and the community.
- Students will be provided with:
- A supportive and caring environment that nurtures a commitment to public service, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- A rigorous curriculum that examines the theoretical underpinnings of public service and provides concentrated areas of study in nonprofit management.
- Training leaders who think critically and creatively about public issues and management, with dedication and capacity to serve diverse communities, and skills to enter or advance professionally in a public or nonprofit organization.
- Opportunities for collaboration and the creation of partnerships among communities as well as public service and nonprofit organizations.
- Our faculty will serve the community through
- Working to collaborate and conduct applied research with community partners
- Taking note of public service roles & affiliations
- Supporting graduates as they advance in their careers
MPA Values
To serve the public interest and community for the common good; with professionalism; by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through our engagement, involvement, and decision-making; and advocating transparent citizen self-government and democratic processes.
Our Accreditation
The program, which is accredited by the National Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), seeks to provide a strong knowledge base in the:
- public organizations
- nonprofits
- political processes
- policy issues
- public service values
- professional ethics
Program Facts
View a printable version of the Program Fact Sheet.
Length of Degree: Two years
Number of Enrolled Students 2022-2023: 36
Number of faculty teaching in the program: 5 full-time faculty and 5 part-time adjuncts
Employment Statistics and Graduation Rates: View employment Statistics and Graduation Rates
Modes of Program Delivery:
MPA courses are delivered in a variety of formats designed to accommodate the work schedules of our students. Most classes are taught with traditional in-person instruction meetings once a week from 6-8:40 p.m. Others are taught online, either synchronously or asynchronously. Or, hybrid, a combination of traditional and online. A few classes are taught in an “intensive weekend” format meeting over two weekends during the semester.
Fast Track Information:
Students who enroll in 3 courses each term can complete the program in 4 semesters. Undergraduate students enrolled in the MPA Early Entry Program can enroll in up to 12 hours of graduate courses which will save them time and money.
Tuition Costs:
View the official tuition costs for graduate students. Please note that tuition and fees for non-residents from any state contiguous with Arkansas (LA, MS, MO, OK, TN, & TX) are the same as in-state tuition.
DEI Initiatives: Read about UA Little Rock’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity.
Internships
Internships are optional for MPA students who enter the program without practical work experience in either a government or non-profit organization. However, the MPA program does provide other venues for acquiring experiential learning experiences. For example, we try to place as many students as possible in paid graduate assistantships for students who enter the program without practical work experience in public or nonprofit organizations either in a funded GA position on campus or externally funded GA position off-campus.
All of our GA placements provide practical, first-hand experiences that will help build career path connections. All MPA students are also strongly encouraged to participate and volunteer for leadership positions in various student and local organizations to supplement their overall professional development along with their academic courses.
