Master of Public Affairs
Master of Public Affairs (MPA). The Master of Public Affairs degree is equivalent to a Master of Public Administration degree in all aspects other than the name. The MPA degree at UT Dallas is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
The Master of Public Affairs program advances excellence in public service. The program accomplishes this mission through three sets of activities aimed at preparing its students to serve as capable and ethical stewards of the common good. It imparts essential knowledge, competencies and perspectives to a diverse array of future and current professionals in government and nonprofit organizations. It supports the wider community through in-service professional and leadership training, policy and management analysis services, and production of new knowledge through practice-centered research.
Total MPA program enrollment typically ranges from 60 to 80 students
36 credit hours are required to complete the program. A 3-credit hour internship is required in addition to the 36 credit hours for students without professional experience in the public or nonprofit sector.
Applicants should submit the following items through the on-line application system at UT Dallas Graduate Admission for Master of Public Affairs
- A graduate school application form
- An admission essay (a personal statement outlining the applicant’s background, education and professional objectives).
- A resume.
- Transcripts of an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 grade point average.
- Three letters of recommendation.
The Program offers the FastTrack program to help qualified undergraduate students enter the MPA program. FastTrack students may take 15 hours of MPA courses in their senior year. These courses count toward both their undergraduate degree and the MPA degree.