Public Administration (M.P.A.)

M.P.A. Public Administration

The program cultivates practical, research-oriented students for careers as reflective practitioners guided by democratic values, integrity, and service.
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Program Overview

Public administration faculty have been recognized nationally for their contribution to outstanding teaching, research and service. The faculty lead practical research projects to inform public management and public policy in the region. The M.P.A. program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Course Work

The master of public administration degree is a 39-hour program consisting of core courses and electives in areas such as: general public administration; local and state government management; urban policy and planning; environment, energy and sustainability; nonprofit sector leadership; human resources; and labor relations. A 3-hour public service internship is required for pre-service students who lack public sector experience. The M.P.A. program offers three pathways to graduation. Students can choose either the thesis option, comprehensive exam pathway or the applied research project as their culminating experience.

DegreeHoursConcentrationThesis OptionMinor Option
Degree
M.P.A.
Hours
39
Concentration
No concentration
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.P.A.
Hours
39
Concentration
No concentration
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.P.A.
Hours
39
Concentration
Applied Research Project
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor

What Our Alumni Say

"The program completely changed the trajectory of my career. In addition to forging valuable relationships and expanding my public administration knowledge base, I also developed in-demand research skills which increased my marketability."

— Denise Upshaw, M.P.A. Class of 2021

Program Details

Public administration program graduates are employed in administrative leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. Many M.P.A. graduates have pursued doctoral education upon graduation.

Program Mission

A flexible program with courses delivered in multiple modalities designed for full-time and part-time students, the M.P.A. program offers:

  • Individual attention - Students work on research under the direction of a faculty member. M.P.A. students have won national and regional research awards.
  • Professional development - M.P.A. students and faculty are active leaders in regional professional associations and networking groups. Faculty of practice and a manager in residence help mentor students in the program.
  • Internship opportunities - Pre-service students have internship placement opportunities in state and local government and the nonprofit sector. These internships are often paid and provide meaningful management and policymaking experience.
  • Employment opportunities - Students have excellent opportunities for job placement in one of the nation's fastest-growing regions.

Career Options

M.P.A. graduates have successful careers in management positions in city, county, state and national government, as well as the private and nonprofit sectors. Their achievements reflect the diversity, challenges and opportunities in the public sector, and these alumni are a valuable resource to current M.P.A. students and faculty. The M.P.A. program director and the career support area faculty coordinators provide internship and job placement assistance.

Program Faculty

The program's faculty brings a wide range of perspectives, skills and experiences to the classroom. Some faculty members have significant experience in local, state or national government. The faculty consists of scholars whose accomplishments include books and journal articles published in top-tier journals in the field, government-funded research and sponsored projects, conference papers, technical reports and presentations. The program's faculty also encourage student research and publication in professional journals and student participation in professional development activities.

Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Nandhini Rangarajan
nr11@txstate.edu
512.245.3285
Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC), Room 355

Advisor Support
Dodie Weidner
dw29@txstate.edu
512.245.7582
Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC), Room 355

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Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?

Application Deadlines

DeadlinesU.S. CitizenInternational
Deadlines
Fall - Priority
U.S. Citizen
February 1
International
February 1
Deadlines
Fall - Standard
U.S. Citizen
June 15
International
June 1
Deadlines
Spring
U.S. Citizen
October 15
International
October 1
Deadlines
Summer I
U.S. Citizen
April 15
International
March 15
Deadlines
Summer II
U.S. Citizen
June 1
International
No Admission

This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.

Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee
      OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)

    If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement, official GRE scores (general test only) are required. 

    Effective Fall 2024

    • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

  • GRE

    • GRE not required

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
      • minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    Review important information about official test scores.

    • Statement of purpose (two pages in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced with one-inch margins and your full name in the header) addressing the following:
      • your academic interests, your personal and professional experiences relevant for graduate work, your motivations and your accomplishments
      • your potential as a graduate student and your readiness for graduate school
      • your interest in the M.P.A. program at Texas State and why you would be a good fit
      • your aspirations and the specific goals you plan to achieve by being part of this program
    • Two letters of recommendation

    Review important information about documents.

  • If you do not have public sector experience, you will be required to complete a three-hour internship course.

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