Graduate Program in Public Administration
This page contains the "old" MPA program requirements. The page is still useful for students completing the MPA under the old requirements.
Welcome
Welcome to The University of Montana's graduate program in public administration. This program leads to a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, which is typically required for entry level administrative positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program's purpose is to prepare college graduates for professional public service and to enhance the professional competence of mid-career public administrators. The MPA program is offered on campus in Missoula and online. The MPA Course Schedule contains both campus and online classes. Click here for a tentative schedule of campus and online MPA classes.
Mission Statement
The mission of the MPA program is to prepare students for administrative careers in public and nonprofit agencies by satisfying the knowledge and skill requirements of both pre-career and mid-career students. To fulfill this mission the program prepares students to do public service (perform administrative tasks in a competent manner) and to be public administrators (exercise leadership on behalf of important social and professional values). Emphasis is placed on developing management generalists rather than technical or policy specialists.
Program Size
The program is relatively small, with between seven and fifteen students admitted each year to the resident program in Missoula. The program is offered through the Department of Political Science and cores courses are taught by political science faculty.
MPA Program Admission Standards
The Department will recommend to the Graduate School full admission status for applicants meeting the following criteria:
- a sum of at least 1200 from the following equation: GRE verbal score + (undergraduate GPA x 200);
- strong evaluations by three persons qualified to judge applicant's academic potential; and
- a competent writing sample (300 words) concerning the applicant's objectives in graduate study.
The Department may recommend to the Graduate School provisional admission status for applicants meeting the following criteria:
- a sum of at least 1075 from the following equation: GRE verbal score + (undergraduate GPA x 200);
- strong evaluations by three persons qualified to judge applicant's academic potential; and
- a competent writing sample (300 words) concerning the applicant's objectives in graduate study.
Students admitted under provisional status may be elevated to full standing upon completion of nine (9) credits of coursework and a successful review by the Department faculty.
Other factors, as appropriate, may also enter into admissions decisions. These may include, for example, the number of years since the undergraduate degree was awarded and accomplishments during that period, a significantly higher GPA during the last two years of undergraduate study, or evidence regarding the rigor of the undergraduate degree.
The Application Process
Persons holding a baccalaureate degree from any regionally accredited college or university are eligible to apply. To apply, please submit the following items to the Department of Political Science:
- A completed application form and $45.00 application fee. The form is available from the Graduate School.
- One official transcript of previous college work.
- Evaluations by a minimum of three (3) persons qualified to judge your academic potential. The form is available from the Graduate School.
- Official scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). In some cases the LSAT, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB may substitute for the GRE.
- A written statement of at least 300 words stating your reasons for seeking the MPA degree and referring specifically to your professional goals and learning objectives.
Students may apply for either the fall or spring semesters. Applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee when they are completed. There is no specific deadline.
Graduate students may also take MPA courses prior to their admission to the MPA program by applying for graduate nondegree status. Up to nine (9) credit hours taken in nondegree status may be counted toward their degree with the approval of the MPA program director. To apply for graduate nondegree status, go to the Graduate School.
Program Requirements
The MPA program requires satisfactory completion of 36 semester credits as outlined below and submission of a student portfolio for faculty review.
- All students are required to complete the following (9 credits):
- PSC 501 Public Administration
- PSC 502 MPA Research Methods
- PSC 597 Applied Research Project
- All students are required to take at least 6 of the following courses (18 credits):
- PSC 463 Development Administration
- PSC 466 Nonprofit Administration and Public Service
- PSC 467 Advanced Nonprofit Administration and Public Service
- PSC 468 Public Policy Cycle
- PSC 503 Policy Analysis
- PSC 504 Organization Theory
- PSC 505 Budgeting and Finance
- PSC 522 Human Resource Management
- PSC 523 Administrative Law
- PSC 524 Management Skills
- PSC 525 Strategic Planning and Leadership
- PSC 526 Issues in State Government
- PSC 527 Performance Measurement
- PSC 595 Special Topics
- Students may complete their program requirements with 9 credits from any combination of the following:
- Approved electives in political science.
- Approved electives in other disciplines.
- Approved transfer credits.
- Independent study or internship credits
Note: All students without professional work experience are strongly encouraged to arrange an internship as part of the required 36 credits.
Internship
An internship may be particularly valuable to students without administrative work experience. Such students are encouraged to arrange an internship with a public agency (state, local, or national) or with a private, nonprofit association. The work of the intern must involve staffing, budgeting, policy formulation, or substantive line, staff, or auxiliary activities related to the mission of the organization. An internship within the legislative branch, if related to some aspect of administration, is also acceptable. Credit is not allowed for work positions already held by students. A student interested in an internship should, with his or her advisor's approval, complete the learning agreement provided by the Internship Services office and enroll in PSC 598. (1 credit for each 60 hours of work, up to 3 credits).
The Applied Research Project
All students are required to complete an applied research project, either individually or as a member of a team. The applied research project is designed and carried out in response to a clearly stated problem or need identified by a government or nonprofit agency. Normally students must complete 24 credits before undertaking an applied research project. Students with a project in mind should discuss it with their faculty advisor. If a project is sufficiently complex it may be carried out by a team of 2-4 students.
Students are expected to complete a research proposal in conjunction with PSc 502, Research Methods. The research proposal should be 4-5 pages in length and contain the following components: Problem Statement, Primary Research Questions, and Methodology. An example may be found at Research Proposal.
Students are required to enroll in PSC 597 Applied Research Project (3 credits) when conducting the research and writing the final report.
The applied research report is written for senior administrators in a simple, efficient, and straight-forward manner. The body of the report is typically less than 25 pages. It should include the following components: Problem Statement, Primary Research Questions, Methodology, Principal Findings, and Recommendations (or Conclusions). An example may be found at Applied Research Report.
Portfolio Evaluation
Students are to maintain a portfolio (e.g., a three-ring binder) containing at least one major work product from each course (e.g., term paper or other writing assignment). The portfolio must also contain the goals statement written at the time the student applied to the program.
Prior to graduation each student is to evaluate the contents of the portfolio and place in it a 2-3 page essay describing his or her professional growth and identifying areas of strength as well as areas requiring additional development. After this evaluation has been completed, the MPA faculty will also review the portfolio and write a statement regarding the student's professional growth.
Graduate School Rules
Be sure to acquaint yourself with Graduate School rules. Those regarding continuous registration and program completion within five years may be particularly relevant to you. These rules may be found at the Graduate School.
For Additional Information
Contact Professor Jeffrey Greene at 406-243-6181 or by e-mail.
