masters-public-administration

Public Administration

UBalt students in the Master of Public Administration program

Why This Degree is For You

Learn to Lead Effectively

The demands placed upon public administrators in government and nonprofit organizations have never been greater. To effectively navigate the complexities of a changing society, these leaders must continuously adapt and innovate. Our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to equip you with the essential skills to learn to lead effectively. A program designed with working professionals in mind, our fully accredited, nationally ranked MPA program is highly flexible.

 

This program was the first in the state to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).  

Law, Justice and Public Affairs

Law, Justice and Public Affairs

Program Type

Master of Public Administration
MPA

School

College of Public Affairs

Locations/Format

UBalt Campus

Cost

Tuition and Fees
UBalt offers regional, in-state tuition for select out-of-state areas.

Requirements

All Degree Requirements

A 36-Credit Program

  • 27 Core Credits
  • 9 Specialization Credits
  • 3 Internship Credits*

* May be waived.

No test requirements for admission.

Quick Links

Apply Now

Admission and Aid

 

UBalt 100 Celebration

MAster of Public Administration (MPA)

Public administrators in government and nonprofit organizations must continuously evolve to meet the new challenges of a changing society. Our 36 to 39-credit* MPA program prepares you to do just that. You can complete your degree in a blended synchronous environment, connecting on-campus and online students to prioritize flexibility and accessibility. (*The 3-credit internship requirement may be waived by the program director for those with pertinent experience.)

 

NASPAA logoThis program was the first in the state to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). See the NASPAA Member Code of Good Practice. 

 

You will reflect critically on the role of public administration in a democratic society, the role you can play in applying our constitution and what your civic responsibilities are, as a public servant. You can choose your path with one of six specializations:

Learn more about the Admission Process.

 

U.S. News Public Affairs Badge 2024

among the best.

The University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs is ranked in the 2024 edition of U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Schools, for best graduate schools in public affairs.

Video Decoration
Denisha Hobbs MPA
Enrolling in The University of Baltimore's MPA program has opened many doors for Denisha Hobbs who knows the fellowships and internships she experiences today will help put her ahead in the workplace.

What Our Graduates Do

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree opens doors to a diverse range of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sector.

Common Roles

  • City/County Manager
  • Budget Analyst
  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Public Health Administrator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Grant Writer
  • Program Evaluator
  • Government Affairs Director
  • Compliance Officer
Alicia Ryan laughs while sitting in the Diversity and International Services office.

MPA student uses personal experience to fight for change

It's really nice to be part of a group of people who want to make UBalt a better place, and also are committed to doing so.
Alicia Ryan B.A. '24, MPA student
Read Full Story

Program Spotlight

MPA alumni, students and faculty are making an impact in big and small ways. Their actions and voices matter so we are shining the spotlight on a few.
Michael Raup, Jr.

Michael Raup, Jr.

MPA student
"The MPA program is about reinventing oneself to adapt to the needs of an ever-changing interconnected world. I believe this is a key differentiator of UBalt's program compared to other MPA programs in the area, including those in Washington, D.C. Learning how to innovate myself to become an effective leader in the future is one reason why I decided to attend The University of Baltimore."
Emmanuel Welsh, MPA '16

Emmanuel Welsh, MPA '16

Appointed Board of Public Works Executive for Governor Moore
Emmanuel Welsh, MPA ’16, was recently appointed board of public works executive for Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Welsh previously served as chief of staff, deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to former state comptroller, Peter Franchot. Welsh is also a former Schaefer Center for Public Policy Fellow, and now serves on the Center’s advisory board.

Admission Requirements

  • a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university or an undergraduate degree and a B average in 12 credits of graduate study
  • proficiency in the use of office computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and database programs, and of the internet
  • Applicants who do not meet all of these qualifications may, with the approval of the program's admission committee, be accepted if there is space available. Additional criteria may apply; see the UBalt Graduate Catalog for further information.

Application deadlines:

  • fall semester admission: rolling
  • spring semester admission: Dec. 1
  • summer session admission: April 1
    (Core courses are offered online only during summer session.)

Applications received after the deadline dates will be considered depending on availability of space, strength of your credentials and sufficiency of time for processing.

  • The University of Baltimore (Baltimore)
  • Fully online
  • Let us know when you are ready to earn your master's degree by applying to the program. Our online application will only take you a few minutes to complete. Before you submit the application, you’ll be asked to use your credit card or bank account to pay the $50 application fee.
  • A Statement of Personal Interest can be submitted electronically as part of the online application.
  • Insider tips: The earlier you apply and submit a completed application, the faster you’ll receive an admission decision. Each one of your supporting admission documents may be sent individually. Your admission portal will keep track of what the UBalt Admission team has received.
    • When you attend an information session or discuss your application with an Admission counselor be sure to get your application fee waiver code and save yourself $50.
  • Have two professors or employers submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters should be sent in a sealed envelope with signatures across the sealed portion.
  • Submit your resume/C.V., which should include the following: names of employers, dates of employment, job titles and brief descriptions of job responsibilities.

The University of Baltimore
Office of Graduate Admission
101 W. Mt Royal Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201

documents@ubalt.edu

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply today.

 

Program Contacts

Featured faculty image

Joseph Adler

Lecturer
jadler@ubalt.edu
410.837.4703
Faculty Profile

Al Gourrier

Associate Professor
agourrier@ubalt.edu
410.837.6122

John Callahan

Emeritus Executive in Residence
jcallahan@ubalt.edu
301.738.6144

Larry Thomas

Professor
lthomas@ubalt.edu
410.837.5361

Kelechi Ekpagu

Associate Professor
kekpagu@ubalt.edu
410.837.5601

C. Alan Lyles

Professor
calyles@ubalt.edu
410.837.6101

Heather Wyatt-Nichol

Associate Professor
hwyatt-nicol@ubalt.edu
410.837.6173

Ed Gibson

Associate Professor
egibson@ubalt.edu
410.837.6117

Lorenda Naylor

Professor
lnaylor@ubalt.edu
410.837.6089

Ann Cotten

Executive Director, Schaefer Center
acotten@ubalt.edu
410.837.6185

Isiah Brown

Lecturer
ibrown@ubalt.edu
410.837.6368

Tylis Cooper

Academic Adviser
tcooper@ubalt.edu
4108376197

 

 

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