Overview
The University of Miami MPA program offers students a comprehensive understanding of what is needed to be an effective public service leader. Students in the program will gain knowledge related to the most critical aspects of public administration including, but not limited to, budgeting, human resource management, leadership, and managing diverse communities. They will also develop skills in program evaluation, statistical analysis, economic analysis, communication, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, all of which are necessary in the public sector workforce.
Admission Requirements
In cooperation with the College of Arts and Science, the Department of Political Science, the Graduate Program will review applicant files and make admissions decisions.
Requirements for Admission Include:
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Completion of an application
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A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
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A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. (In order to limit class size for maximum teacher-student exchange, the MPP program will give preference to students with above average GRE scores, excellent letters of recommendation, and superior writing skills)
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Two letters of recommendation
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Statement of Purpose
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPA Core | ||
| POL 601 | Budget and Financial Management and Administration (MPA Core) | 3 |
| POL 606 | Organizational Dynamics and Management | 3 |
| POL 608 | Equity and Diversity in Public Administration | 3 |
| POL 610 | Statistics for Politics and Public Administration | 3 |
| POL 622 | Introduction to Graduate Public Administration | 3 |
| POL 647 | Human Resource Management in Public Service | 3 |
| POL 657 | Ethical and Managerial Issues in Government, Business, and Non-Profit Organizations | 3 |
| POL 6## | (Public Affairs Practicum (Course Proposal in Progress)) | 3 |
| or POL 656 | Public Service Internship | |
| Specialization | ||
| POL 637 | Public Sector Economics (renaming Public Sector Economics) | 3 |
| POL 646 | Public Policy Process and Implementation | 3 |
| POL 660 | Public Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- **
Completion of core and specialization course requirements can be modified by the POL Department in consultation with the student’s career goals and interests.
- ***
The practicum course credit can be fulfilled with a research credit or internship with POL department approval
- ****
All other requirements as stated in sections Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree and General Information.
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Sample Plan of Study: Masters in Public Administration
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
| POL 601 | Budget and Financial Management and Administration | 3 |
| POL 622 | Introduction to Graduate Public Administration | 3 |
| POL 660 | Public Program Evaluation | 3 |
| POL 637 | Public Sector Economics | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| POL 610 | Statistics for Politics and Public Administration | 3 |
| POL 646 | Public Policy Process and Implementation | 3 |
| POL 608 | Equity and Diversity in Public Administration | 3 |
| POL 606 | Organizational Dynamics and Management | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Year Two | ||
| First Semester | ||
| POL 657 | Ethical and Managerial Issues in Government, Business, and Non-Profit Organizations | 3 |
| POL 647 | Human Resource Management in Public Service | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Public Affairs Practicum or Internship | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- **
Completion of core and specialization course requirements can be modified by the POL Department in consultation with the student’s career goals and interests.
- ***
The practicum course credit can be fulfilled with a research credit or internship with POL department approval
- ****
All other requirements as stated in sections Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree and General Information.
Mission
The Master of Public Administration program seeks to provide the highest quality graduate education for current and prospective public service officials in government and nonprofit organizations. The program strives to achieve local, state, and national prominence through a contemporary curriculum, innovative instruction, scholarly and applied research, and service to key stakeholders. Program activities are designed to develop and enhance management skills essential to public and nonprofit organizations oriented toward a diverse metropolitan environment.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to assess, develop, and understand how public administrators contribute to the policymaking process. This will enable them to effectively contribute to this process in their future careers.
- Students will learn about leadership and develop the skills they need to be effective and ethical leaders in their organizations.
- Students will learn, demonstrate, and apply the necessary professional skills aligned with the needs of the public sector, such as analytical reasoning, verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking, data-informed decision-making, and evaluation.
- Students will understand the unique circumstances of local, regional, state, and federal public management and the associated challenges of policymaking at those levels.
