Program Overview

School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program in partnership with the City of Dallas.

Program Overview

The MPA program is designed to strengthen the City's internal leadership pipeline by providing a rigorous and accessible path for employees to pursue advanced training in public service and management.

Program Structure

The program has a two-year structure, allowing employees to take two courses each semester while continuing to work full-time serving Dallas residents.

Program Details

• The program is operated by the University of Texas at Dallas through its Public and Nonprofit Management faculty.
• The City awarded the university a five-year contract to operate the program.
• Recruitment for the inaugural cohort began in April 2023, and the first class launched in Fall 2023 with employees representing a range of City departments.

Graduates

The inaugural cohort included employees from various City departments, such as:

• Jerry Crayton Budget Management Services
• Gregory Evans Dallas Fire Rescue
• Dwight Freeman Dallas Fire Rescue
• Evan Handeland Budget Management Services
• Robert Kober Dallas Fire Rescue
• Lauron Lawrence 311/Communications Department
• Kevin Oden Emergency Management & Crisis Response
• Scott Pacot Dallas Fire Rescue
• Liliana Perez (Garza) Planning & Development
• Tameka Willams (Harris) Courts and Security
• Corey Womack Dallas Fire Rescue

Program Impact

The program aims to build capacity, invest in people, and strengthen the future of public service in Dallas. A second cohort has already begun the program and is expected to graduate in Summer 2027.