Program Overview
Creating Effective Local Leadership
Learn to lead by gaining the intellectual and practical skills needed to serve the public interest through positions in local governments and communities. You will gain hands-on experience through internships and opportunities to network with town and community leaders. The MPA program is available on campus and online.
Fast Facts
- 100% job placement rate and paid internship for graduates.
- Close student interaction with faculty who have a wide range of expertise.
- Local/community government focus.
- Professional, terminal degree.
- Available on campus or online.
- Full and part-time online students pay a set-rate tuition.
4+1 Accelerated MPA
Those intending to enroll in the 4+1 Accelerated MPA should contact the Director of Graduate Studies before submitting their application.
The University of Idaho also offers a one-year Master of Public Administration (4+1 MPA) for current University of Idaho students through the Department of Politics and Philosophy. This shortened MPA program is for those interested in careers in local government and public sector broadly including nonprofit sector, and is suitable for students who are committed to uninterrupted transition to grad school and who wish to earn a master’s degree in one year. The U of I 4+1 MPA is an accelerated version of the MPA degree with the same requirements as that of the regular MPA degree.
Current U of I students with bachelor’s degree in any major having 3.0 undergraduate GPA or better can apply for 4+1 MPA. Continuous University of Idaho enrollment from undergraduate to 4+1 MPA is required. No other specific undergraduate preparation is required. In addition to receiving expedited admission, students enrolled in 4+1 MPA are eligible for undergraduate tuition for one year and are allowed to share maximum 6 undergraduate credits of 400-level or above earned with letter grade B or better for both undergraduate and MPA degrees. Students can also reserve up to 6 graduate 500-level credits earned with letter grade B or better during their undergraduate to count toward their 4+1 MPA.
Career
Current Job Openings and Salary Range
- 43,504 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI
- $72K Entry-Level
- $100K Mid-Level
- $205K Senior-Level
Career Options
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- General and Operations Manager
- Legislator
- Public Relations Manager
- Transportation, Storage, or Distribution Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Postmaster and Mail Superintendent
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Emergency Management Director
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Compliance Manager
- Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist
- Survey Researcher
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Nuclear Technician
- Communications Teacher, Postsecondary
- Art Director
- Public Relations Specialist
- Eligibility Interviewer, Government Program
Regional Employment Trends
2022 423K
2026 432K
Employment trends and projected job growth in ID, WA, OR, MT & HI
Degree
Degree Prep
Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation and a 300 - 500 word statement of purpose directly to the Department of Politics and Philosophy.
Degree Roadmap
Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and of the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs Research (Thesis
on thesis option).
- M.P.A. Brochure
- M.P.A. Handbook
This degree is offered both on campus and online. Inquire about online degree.
Financial
Scholarships
Some teaching assistantships are available.
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences provides annual scholarship awards totaling approximately $1,600,000. For information on specific scholarships, please contact the college.
Financial Aid
To learn more about FAFSA deadlines and processes, available scholarships, and financial aid program types and eligibility requirements, please visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office.
Get Involved
Internships
Internships are required as part of the degree program; a waiver is possible for relevant work experience.
The University of Idaho (U of I) is a public land-grant research university located in Moscow, Idaho. Established on January 30, 1889, and opening its doors on October 3, 1892, it was the state's sole university for 71 years until 1963
Overview
- Type: Public land-grant research university
- Enrollment (Fall 2023): Approximately 11,849 students, including 9,796 undergraduates and 1,929 graduate students
- Campus Size: 1,585 acres
- Mascot: Joe Vandal
- Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division I FCS – Big Sky Conference
Academics
U of I offers over 200 areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students . The university comprises ten colleges and schools, including:
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
- College of Art and Architecture
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Law
- College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
- College of Natural Resources
- College of Science.
Campus and Facilities
The Moscow campus features:
- Administration Building: An iconic Collegiate Gothic-style structure with an 80-foot clock tower .
- Bruce M. Pitman Center: A hub for student services, including financial aid, admissions, and student media.
- Kibbie Dome: A multi-purpose indoor stadium for various sports and events.
- Arboretum and Botanical Garden: A 65-acre site with diverse plant species .
