Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Oklahoma is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to changing public service environments and to work collaboratively to solve problems in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Mission

The mission of the MPA program is to provide a robust curriculum that is sensitive to the diverse perspectives present in Oklahoma, preparing graduates to provide leadership and analytic skills within their communities, generating knowledge relevant to public service based on rigorous research, and engaging the community in teaching, research, and service activities.

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MPA program, students must meet the Graduate College admission requirements. The MPA admissions committee requires all students to submit the following materials with their online application:

• Current résumé
• Statement of about 1,000 words or less articulating the applicant's specific preparation for graduate study, proposed fields of study and area of focus, and career aspirations
• Two letters of recommendation from persons in a position to speak knowledgeably about the applicant's academic ability

The GRE is not a requirement for admission. Applications are accepted for summer, fall, and spring admission terms during the academic year.

Degree Requirements

The MPA degree requires the minimum completion of 36 hours of graduate credit. At least 24 of those hours must be in Public Administration/Public Policy graduate coursework offered by the Department of Political Science. The MPA degree program features great flexibility with course scheduling. However, the first six credit hours of coursework must be P SC-prefixed courses.

MPA Degree Structure

• Required courses: 15 hours
• Concentration courses: 9 hours
• Electives: 12 hours Total hours for MPA: 36 hours

Required Courses

• P SC 5003 – Introduction to Public Administration (3 hours)
• P SC 5143 – Program Evaluation & Applied Policy Analysis (3 hours)
• P SC 5363 – Public Financial Management (3 hours)
• P SC 5913 – Introduction to Analysis of Political & Administrative Data (3 hours)
• P SC 5963 – Capstone in Public Administration (3 hours)

Concentrations

All students are required to select one concentration and complete nine hours within the concentration area. The concentrations are:

1. General/Standard
2. Non-Profit Management
3. Public Management
4. Public Policy

Student Profile

The enrolled student profile for Fall 2024 includes:

• Active Student Population: 28
• Average Overall Graduate GPA: 3.88
• Average Age: 30
• Female: 64%
• Oklahoma Resident: 86%
• Non-Resident: 14%
• Non-US Citizen: 0%
• Hispanic Ethnicity, of any race: 14%
• American Indian or Native Alaskan, alone: 11%
• Asian, alone: 4%
• Black or African American, alone: 7%
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, alone: 0%
• Two or More Races: 18%
• Race Unreported: 0%
• White, alone: 57%

Length of Degree

The MPA degree requires completion of 36 hours of graduate credit. A full-time student taking nine hours during the fall and spring semester can complete the degree in two years. A part-time student taking six hours during the fall and spring semester can complete the program in three years.

Cost

The estimated total cost of the degree is:

• Resident: $18,032
• Non-Resident: $43,160
• International: $43,315

Financial Aid

Types of aid for graduate students include:

• Federal Grants
• Tribal Grants and Resources
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Department of Political Science-MPA Scholarships
• GI Bill
• Graduate Assistantships
• Loans

Faculty

The OU-MPA faculty includes six nucleus faculty members pursuing active teaching and research portfolios. Many of the MPA faculty lead affiliated research units or hold leadership positions with the University.

Placement

The career path of recent MPA graduates at OU is varied and reflective of students’ own interests and career aspirations. The majority of graduates seek careers in the public sector, specifically in federal, tribal, state, and local government. Other graduates pursue careers in the nonprofit or public sector.

Resources

Resources available to MPA students include:

• Academic Calendar
• Accessibility and Disability Resource Center
• Department of Political Science Course List
• Graduate College Forms
• Graduate College Bulletin
• Graduate Student Other Sources of Funding
• IPPRA Graduate Research Assistantship
• MPA Graduate Student Guide
• Political Science Graduate Scholarships
• Steps to Degree

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.