All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree
Overview
The University of Vermont’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, housed in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, is a gateway to becoming an effective, innovative leader in public service. As Vermont’s only NASPAA-accredited Master’s program in public and nonprofit policy, affairs, and administration, the program is essential training both emerging professionals and seasoned leaders across the Green Mountain State and beyond. More information on the 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.
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 MPA including the following 8 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 Public Administration - Capstone
PA 6991 Internship
With guidance from their advisor, students select additional 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.