About the Program

Our comprehensive online MPA program is designed to equip aspiring public service professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to make a meaningful impact in public administration. The online MPA program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals and individuals seeking flexibility in their graduate education. You can pursue your MPA degree virtually through our interactive and engaging online learning environment, accommodating current commitments. Our esteemed faculty, experienced practitioners in the field will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of public administration, policy analysis, budgeting, leadership, ethics, and more.

What to Expect

You can expect a rigorous yet flexible learning experience as a student in our Online MPA program. You will be able to connect with a diverse cohort of fellow professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages networking and peer learning. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing you to apply what you learn to real-world scenarios immediately. Throughout the program, you will engage in stimulating discussions, case studies, and interactive projects that sharpen your critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

Admission Requirements

GRE Score Required

A preferred Verbal GRE score of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 150), Quantitative GRE of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 141), and combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1,000 (Revised GRE Test Combined: 291). Under certain conditions, the GRE requirement may be waived. Read below:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 based on the last 60 hours of course work as calculated by the Graduate School
• Strong Letters of Recommendation (3 required)
• Essay of approximately 250 words: Why do you want to earn a master's degree in the program for which you are applying and what relevant background and experience do you bring to the program.
• Non-native English speakers only: TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Complete online application and submit application fee.

Submit official transcripts

• U.S. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all senior or four-year institutions are required. Official transcripts are those mailed directly to The University of Texas at Arlington Office of Graduate Studies by the Registrar of the institution of attendance OR official original "issued to student" transcript with the official university seal and signature of the Registrar of the institution of attendance. Official original "issued to student" transcripts may be mailed or hand-carried to the Office of Graduate Studies.
• UTA Transcripts: The Office of Graduate Studies has access to UTA transcripts. Therefore, currently or previously enrolled UTA students do not need to request their UTA transcript be forwarded to the Graduate School from the UTA Office of Records (Registrar.)
• Foreign Country Transcripts: Official foreign country transcripts or marksheets and diplomas are those bearing the original seal of the institution and the original signature of the Registrar or responsible head of the institution. Those not issued in English must be accompanied by an exact word-for-word original English translation bearing the original university or translation agency attestation. Upon written request original documents will be returned to the applicant.
• Send transcripts to: Office of Graduate Studies, UTA Box 19167 (701 S. Nedderman Dr. Davis Hall, Room 332, Arlington, TX 76019)

GRE Waiver

The MPA program waives the requirement that an applicant take the GRE under any of the following conditions:

• A 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA based on the last 60 hours of course work AND at least three years professional non-profit or public service work experience (as judged by the MPA admission committee. Applicants should submit a supporting resume or other relevant documentation to the MPA Graduate Advisor)
• A completed graduate degree from an accredited program in a related field such as, but not exclusively, political science, economics, urban planning, social work, criminal justice, and sociology OR a 3.0 or better after 12 hours of coursework in the accredited graduate degree program.
• A completed UTA B.A. or B.S. with 3.0 or higher GPA
• An equivalent GMAT or LSAT score from an exam taken within the last two years preceding the time of application.

Information for Permanent Residents and International Applicants

At this time, the program is only open to United States Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) and individuals who hold an H1-B Visa. In addition to items 1 through 3 above, the following materials must be submitted:

• Lawful Permanent Residents: Submit a copy of your Resident Alien Card (green card).
• International Applicants (H1-B Status): Submit proof of current visa status.
• The TOEFL or IELTS is required if an applicant's native language is not English or if the applicant does not hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. However, students may apply without the TOEFL or IELTS GRE and be considered for provisional admission. While there is no guarantee that provisional admission will be granted, if it is approved, take the TOEFL or IELTS right away. It typically takes 10-15 business days for scores to be sent after they are requested and an additional two weeks for processing after receipt in the Office of Graduate Studies. You must take the test in time for your results to arrive and be processed in the Office of Graduate Studies before completion of the second course. Those wishing to pursue a waiver of this requirement should contact the graduate advisor.

Types of Admission Decisions

1. Unconditional - An applicant who meets all requirements is normally considered for unconditional admission.
2. Probationary - An applicant who does not meet all requirements for unconditional admission nevertheless may show promise for successful graduate study and, upon recommendation of the appropriate Committee on Graduate Studies and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, may be granted probationary admission.
3. Provisional - An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission upon recommendation of the appropriate Committee on Graduate Studies and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
4. Deferred - If an applicant does not present adequate evidence of being able to supply required application materials or must complete additional preparatory work before their admissibility can be determined, the admission decision may be deferred until records are complete.
5. Denied - If an individual fails to meet more than one of the admission standards of the department to which he or she applied and the admission committee feels that there is insufficient basis to justify a probationary, provisional or deferred admission recommendation. As the admission process is competitive, students meeting basic admission requirements who are less well qualified than other applicants may also be denied admission. Please see this link for more detailed information about the Types of Admission.

Graduate Internship

The UTA MPA program offers an exciting opportunity to intern for one semester to gain public sector professional experience. The internship is required for individuals with less than 1 year of professional public sector work experience. The internship may be waived if you meet the criteria outlined in the internship waiver section.

This internship course is designed for students to earn 3 credit hours for completing a one semester internship leading to public sector professional experience. There are no prerequisites that must be met before entering an internship or enrolling in URPA 5360; therefore, you can immediately begin an internship within your first semester and thereafter.

Applying for Internship Credit

Internships must be approved by the program. You must submit an Internship Agreement Form describing the duties and hours with a signature from the sponsor before registration for internship credit. At the end of the internship, you must complete and submit an Internship Report on their experiences and the sponsor must complete and submit an Internship Performance Evaluation verifying the internship requirements have been met. Both these forms must be submitted to the MPA Director by the end of the semester in order to receive credit and a grade.

Internship Agreement

1. Intern Performance
2. Evaluation
3. Internship Repot

Internship Waiver

URPA 5360 (Internship) can be waived by newly admitted students and current students who have previously earned at least 1 year of professional public sector work experience. The procedure that must be followed by every student wishing to pursue the waiver is as follows:

1. Submit an Internship Waiver Form to your Graduate Advisor with signature and all necessary information
2. Attach a professional resume, illustrating at least one year of professional experience of public sector work
3. Once approval or denial decision is made, you will then be notified as to whether or not the URPA 5360 – Internship course will be waived.