Public Administration (M.P.A.)
M.P.A. Public Administration
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.
| Degree | Hours | Concentration | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.P.A. | Hours 39 | Concentration No concentration | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.P.A. | Hours 39 | Concentration No concentration | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.P.A. | Hours 39 | Concentration Applied Research Project | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
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 us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Sherri Mora
sm43@txstate.edu
512.245.7427
Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC), Room 355
Advisor Support
Dodie Weidner
dw29@txstate.edu
512.245.7582
Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC), Room 355
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
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.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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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.
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Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- 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.
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Test Scores
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.
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Documents
- 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.
- 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:
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Work Experience
If you do not have public sector experience, you will be required to complete a three-hour internship course.