Master of Public Administration
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Welcome to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. We offer graduate-level training for students who seek careers in public service.
Our Mission
To prepare students to excel in the leadership and management of public and nonprofit organizations through a curriculum that emphasizes the linkage between theory and practice, critical thinking and analysis, interpersonal and communication skills, ethics, and stewardship. We strive to help students develop a strong foundation in program and policy management skills. Further, our curriculum seeks to raise the awareness and appreciation of the complex relationships between governmental entities and between government, the nonprofit sector, and society at large.
General Program Information
To complete the MPA degree program, all students must earn a minimum of 36 semester hours including 24 hours of core courses and 12 hours of elective coursework. In addition, pre-service students (those who have little or no prior significant experience in public or nonprofit agencies) complete an internship in an applied setting, allowing them to gain valuable public service experience.
We offer two concentrations. The Concentration in Local Government Management, introduced in the Fall 2009 semester, responds to a growing need for individuals prepared to manage public resources, programs, and policies at the local government level. The Concentration in Nonprofit Management is offered for those students who are primarily interested in the nonprofit sector. We also offer the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, an 18 credit hour program, for students who wish to improve their management skills without earning the MPA degree.
