Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Overview

USF Master of Public Administration: Who We Are

Since 1977, USF's MPA program has been training students for work in the public and nonprofit sectors. Courses for our 39 credit hour program (36 credit hours for students holding public or nonprofit sector management positions) are only offered on the Tampa campus. With an enrollment of approximately 70 masters students, we are able to offer small class sizes (10-25 students) and one-on-one advising.

To accommodate working students, our courses are primarily offered on-campus in the evenings. We offer some online course options, but we do not offer an exclusively online MPA degree at this time.

Mission Statement

The USF Master of Public Administration (MPA) program provides quality education to prepare students for professional positions in public service. The program trains students to use applied managerial skills, enhanced analytical decision-making, and improved capacity to understand governance and policy issues and solve real-world problems. As part of this mission, the MPA program inculcates a sense of public spirit and trains students to acquire the skills and values needed to act in an ethical manner, engage our communities, respect diversity, and to nurture a sense of accountability and responsibility as public servants.

Vision Statement

The USF MPA program's vision is to be the program of choice in the communities we serve. We aim to inform policy through applied scholarly work, and to maximize engagement with our communities through the use of applied class projects, internships, and the development of mutually beneficial exchanges with practitioners.

Costs of Attendance

View the graduate tuition and fees cost per credit hour.

Time to Completion

Full-time students can complete this program in two years. Part-time students may need three to four years, depending on how many credit hours they take each semester.

Click here to learn more about our program's student completion rates and refer to image for employment rates.

Real World Experience

Students gain practical experience in many ways. Class projects often involve collaboration with local governments or nonprofit agencies. A mentorship program allows students at all stages of their careers to partner with senior administrators in the region. And our internship program, recommended for all students and required for those who do not have relevant management experience, is often a stepping stone to employment. Recent internship placements have included the cities of Largo, Oldsmar, and Temple Terrace; Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties; nonprofits like Connect For More; and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

Take the Next Step in Your Public or Nonprofit Sector Career

With an MPA degree from USF, you can pursue a career in local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or special service districts. Our students have been very successful in finding employment within a year from graduating. This degree also enables you to continue studying public affairs with doctoral programs, including a Doctorate in Public Administration or a Ph.D. in public policy and administration.

Apply to USF today! Your MPA, Your Way

See the MPA 2023 Student Handbook or MPA Flyer for more information.

Read our latest MPA Fall 2023 Newsletter.