All students must meet the Requirements for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Pathway
Overview
The Accelerated Master’s Pathway in Public Administration (AMP-MPA) offers University of Vermont students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate program of study in 5 years. The AMP-MPA allows students to jumpstart their public service careers and equips them with the skills necessary to tackle real-world problems – from environmental sustainability and social justice to effective government and thriving communities. The AMP-MPA welcomes student from a wide variety of majors, including administrative, behavioral, health, environmental, organizational, social science and related disciplines. Application to the program is typically made during a student's junior year. More information on the AMP-MPA can be found on the Master of Public Administration website.
Specific Requirements
Minimum Degree Requirements
Successful completion of 36 credits, including:
| Requirement Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | ||
| PA 6010 | Foundations of Public Admin | 3 |
| PA 6020 | Org Theory & Behavior | 3 |
| PA 6030 | Research & Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| PA 6050 | Public and Nonprofit Budgeting | 3 |
| PA 6060 | Policy Systems | 3 |
| PA 6260 | Community Economic Development | 3 |
| PA 6750 | Public Administration Capstone | 3 |
| PA 6991 | Internship | 3 or 6 |
| An approved sequence of elective courses which may include up to 12 credits of course work from approved disciplines related to public administration | 12 | |
The internship is a graduation requirement for all students who enter the MPA without at least 1 year (12 months) of full-time professional experience in the public, nonprofit, or public affairs sector. Students who believe their prior experience fulfills this requirement can submit their resume and complete an internship waiver request form for consideration. Please note that an approved internship waiver does not eliminate or reduce any academic credit requirements.
The Public Administration Capstone is designed to provide MPA students with a summative experience that ties learning competencies to evidence drawn from their course of study. This is done through the development of a professional portfolio. This course counts as the “comprehensive exam” for the MPA.
Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination requirement is met when a student completes the Public Administration Capstone. The Public Administration Capstone is designed to provide MPA students with a summative experience that ties learning competencies to evidence drawn from their course of study.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Public Administration
36 academic credits are needed (12 courses) to earn an M.P.A. including the following eight core courses:
PA 6010 Foundations of Public Administration
PA 6020 Organizational Theory and Behavior
PA 6030 Research and Evaluation Methods
PA 6050 Public and Non-Profit Budgeting
PA 6060 Policy Systems
PA 6260 Community and Economic Development
PA 6750 M.P.A. Capstone
PA 6991 Internship
With guidance from their advisor, students select 12 additional credits within the MPA program or other academic units at UVM to complete their course of study. The UVM MPA does not offer explicit specializations; however, students may pursue courses with a common thread or focus and can tailor their elective coursework to explore their interest. Students may also choose to pursue a Certificate of Graduate Studies as an additional credential to fulfill elective requirements, although this may require additional coursework beyond the 36-credit program.