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Public Administration Program

Program Information/Masters of Public Administration

The Public Administration Program offers a multi-disciplinary course of study leading to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The MPA degree is primarily designed to prepare individuals for successful leadership roles and management careers in the public sector. Students enrolled in the MPA Program pursue careers in local, state, or federal agencies of government, non-profit organizations, and special service districts. Additionally, the MPA degree prepares individuals for further academic study leading to the Doctorate in Public Administration or the Ph.D. in public policy and administration, as well as in a variety of other disciplines.
The Program serves two types of students, 1) individuals currently employed in public service positions who may wish to pursue the MPA in order to broaden their educational backgrounds, prepare themselves for increased job responsibilities, or change career paths. Such in-service students currently make up the majority of the MPA student body, and 2) pre-service students who have recently completed a bachelor's degree and wish to use the master's degree to gain entry into a professional career track.

Admissions
Admission decisions to the MPA Program are based on an overall assessment of an applicant's potential for successfully completing the MPA degree. General admission criteria include scores obtained on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), performance as an undergraduate student, life experience/work, and letters of recommendation. Specific criteria are:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university.

Please Note: The MPA Program’s policy differs from the University’s in that the MPA Program requires a 3.00 Grade Point Average, and a minimum of 1000 on the GRE (verbal and quantitative sections combined). This provision applies to all applicants, including those who have already completed courses on a non-degree-seeking basis within the MPA curriculum. Regardless of GPA, applicants scoring an 850, or below, on the GRE are routinely required to retake the exam.

  1. Two letters of recommendation, one from a faculty member familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential. Should the applicant be unable to provide the letter from a former professor, with the director's approval, letters from other sources will be accepted.
  2. The submission of a one-page career statement detailing the applicant's career goals and aspirations, including how the applicant believes the MPA degree can help to facilitate those goals.
  3. A statement describing an applicant's current and/or past managerial work experience in the public sector.
  4. Approval by the MPA admissions committee and, if deemed necessary, an admissions interview.
    Applicants lacking the background necessary for graduate study in the MPA Program, may be asked to take additional undergraduate courses prior to admission.
  5. 5. The GRE is a required element for MPA admission. However, at the discretion of the MPA program, it may be waived under certain conditions. Examples where GRE waivers may be waived include:
  • Applicant already possesses a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university.
  • A written application by the student and a current resume indicating senior level experience.
  • Five years or more of practical, professional experience at a senior level (to be determined upon review of documentation by the admissions committee). Individuals with less than five years of senior/executive level experience generally will be required to take the GRE.
  • Documentation of past experience through letters of recommendation from senior management, and
  • Approval of the Public Administration Admission committee; decision to be made on a case by case basis. (Additional documentation and a personal interview may be required)

Applicants who have completed either USF’s Graduate Certificate in Public Management or Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and have an overall GPA of 3.5 or better for their respective certificate program.

Applicants seeking GRE waiver consideration are advised to speak with the Public Administration Director prior to developing their written request for GRE waiver consideration.  A decision regarding the merits of each GRE waiver will be determined by an MPA admissions committee.

For further information, contact the Public Administration Director, Dr. John Daly.
Click for information to apply online.
Application Deadlines
Fall--March 15
Spring--October 15
Summer--March 1
Degree Requirements
For most students, the MPA curriculum consists of 45 credit hours. However, the credit hours may vary according to the exit requirement chosen by the student. Pre-service students must complete a 6 credit hour supervised internship (PAD 6946: Internship in P.A.) in addition to completing their coursework.
Students selecting the Capstone course (PAD 6056: The Practice of Public Management) must complete 9 core courses (27 credit hours), 5 electives (15 credit hours), and The Practice of Public Management (3 credit hours).
Students selecting the Problem Report must complete 9 core courses (27 credit hours), 4 electives (12 credit hours), and 3 credit hours for (PAD 6909) Problem Report.
Students must receive a "B-" or better in all core courses and The Practice of Public Management, as well as for the Problem Report.

For a form which will assist in keeping track of requirements for the MPA, click on the following link:
Graduation Certification Form
University of South Florida
Department of Government and International Affairs
Master of Public Administration Program, SOC 107
4202 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33620-8100
PH: (813) 974-2510
Loc: SOC 395