Master of Public Administration
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Welcome to the MPA Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Our mission is 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.
To complete the MPA 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 no prior significant experience in public or nonprofit agencies) are required to complete an internship.
We offer two concentrations. The Concentration in Nonprofit Management is offered for those students who are primarily interested in the nonprofit sector. The Concentration in Local Government Management, introduced in the Fall 2009 semester, responds to a growing need for individuals prepared to manage public resources at the local government level. We also offer the Certificate in Nonprofit Management for students who wish to improve their management skills without earning the MPA degree.
