Department of Government - Programs of Study - Masters of Public Administration

The program offers broad-based training in management, research methods, policy analysis, personnel, and budgeting, plus background in the political, social, economic, and legal context of public administration. MPA graduates are equipped to pursue a variety of administrative and analytical positions in government and nonprofit agencies. See employment list of recent graduates.

The program is designed to develop the insights and skills needed to plan and formulate policy, and to organize, manage, and implement programs and operations. The program is guided by visions developed through the MPA Board of Advisors comprised of internal and external stakeholders (See Mission Building Power Point for details about mission building the process). Through a combination of required and elective courses, students have the option of specializing in one of three tracks: nonprofit management, community planning and development, or public management and policy. Students interested in the combination of the above three tracks can choose the Generalist track. Also Information Management specialization can be arranged for students interested in managing information in the public and nonprofit sector. Dual degree in Health (in conjunction with the UAB school of public health) and Law (in conjunction with Samford University, Cumberland School of Law) are available.

Completion of the program normally requires four semesters of study (with one/two class in the summer). Courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students who are employed. Those students in the program without previous work experience are required to complete a supervised internship. The MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The program has joined the NASPAA's Global project initiative expanding the role of the MPA graduates to the international arena.

Faculty research interests include public management, economic and community development, ethics and personnel administration, intergovernmental relations, organizational development, urban planning, health and welfare policy, information technology and electronic governance.

Students maintaining the highest academic standards may be inducted into the UAB Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the honor society for public administration. Inductions are held each year in conjunction with a spring reception.

The program enjoys the support of a strong alumni association sanctioned by the National Alumni Society. Our students benefit from the continuing participation of our graduates through donations, mentoring, and job placement. Their efforts have yielded a scholarship fund and the Wayne Campbell A+ Award, both of which benefit MPA students. For detail program descriptions go to online catalog.