Political Science and Public Administration

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• M.P.A.
• Certificates
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http://www.uab.edu/mpa

Chair: Robert Blanton, Ph.D.

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers a graduate program of study leading to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.

UAB's nationally ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Our MPA program prepares students for successful careers in public service where they can serve the greater good. We have graduates locally and across the country who have become successful leaders and managers in local, state, and federal government positions, and in nonprofit organizations.

On This Page

• MPA Program Mission
• Degree Requirements
• Grade Policies
• Admission Requirements
• Financial Aid
• Internships and Placement
• Accelerated Learning Opportunities
• Joint Degree Programs
• Certificate Programs
• Contact Information

Grad Degree Offered Info

Degree Offered:	MPA
Director:	Erin L. Borry, Ph.D.
Phone:	(205) 996-2159
E-mail:	borry@uab.edu
Website:	http://www.uab.edu/mpa

MPA Program Mission

In line with the mission of the University, the MPA program is committed to excellence in graduate education through teaching, research, service, and practice. The program focuses on building the next generation of global leaders and responsible decision makers by enhancing their intellectual and social capacities through knowledge and skills provided within the framework of public service values embedded in the MPA curriculum. The Master of Public Administration Program prepares individuals for positions of leadership in the public and nonprofit sectors. It is a professional graduate degree for both pre-career students and in-service administrators. The program is designed to develop the insights and skills needed to plan and formulate policy, and to organize, manage, and implement programs and operations. The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Its Board of Advisors consists of internal and external stakeholders comprised of community members, alumni and students.

The MPA curriculum is designed to ensure that students achieve competency in five domains:

• To lead and manage in public governance.
• To participate in and contribute to the policy process.
• To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
• To articulate and apply a public service perspective.
• To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Degree Requirements

Students in the MPA program must complete a total of 42 semester hours or the equivalent, while maintaining a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and in accordance with the MPA Program Grade Policy. Students without professional public service experience are required to do a three-hour internship in addition to required coursework. Previous graduate work at UAB or another NASPAA-accredited MPA program may be credited toward the degree if it is directly applicable. Students may select the thesis option or the non-thesis option.

Grade Policies

Graduate School Policy

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout the duration of the program in accordance with Graduate School policies. If students fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for any semester, they will receive a warning letter via email from the Graduate School. If the GPA remains below 3.0 for two (2) consecutive semesters, the student will receive a notification email from the Graduate School and be placed on academic probation. Students on probation must then make a 3.0 or better semester average for each succeeding semester that their overall cumulative average is below 3.0. Students are removed from probation when their cumulative average is 3.0 or above. If they make below a 3.0 average while on probation, they are dismissed. When students repeat a course, the last grade will be utilized to calculate their cumulative GPA.

Program Policy

In addition to complying with the Graduate School policy, students must earn B or better in at least seven (7) of the eight (8) core MPA courses. Upon receiving the first grade of a C in any core course, a student will be placed on probation in the program. A student who makes a second grade of C or below in any core course is subject to dismissal from the program, regardless of the overall GPA. After receiving a second C, a student may retake either of those two courses, in accordance with Graduate School guidelines, and must do so the next semester. If the student earns a grade of B or better during the retaken course, they must file a grade replacement application with the Graduate School. If that application is approved, they will be allowed to continue their coursework and remain in the program. Please note: a grade of F given for academic misconduct is not eligible for replacement.

Admission Requirements

Because of its multidisciplinary nature, persons from all undergraduate majors are considered for admission to the MPA Program. The MPA Program accepts applications for fall, spring, and summer admissions. All applications must be made online by visiting the UAB Graduate School website. 

Applications for the MPA Program must include:

• Undergraduate transcripts (and, if applicable, graduate transcripts);
• Statement of interest that addresses this prompt:
  • In 1-2 single-spaced pages (300-600 words), please share why the MPA degree at UAB is right for you. Address your public service values and motivations, ways you want to make change, and vision for your career after obtaining your MPA degree. If you have prior academic deficiencies, please also address those in this statement;
• and two (2) letters of recommendation that meet the below criteria:
  • If possible, both letters should come from academic references (which may include professors and faculty advisors) and account for your academic performance and commitment. If one or both letters are not from academic references, they must be professional references. These letters must come from someone who was in a supervisory position in which you were their subordinate in either a work or volunteer capacity. They need to list in what capacity they know you (employee, subordinate, volunteer, etc.). Letters from peers, co-workers, friends, etc. are not acceptable.

An ideal candidate for the program has an undergraduate and/or graduate GPA of around 3.0, strong letters of reference, and a statement of interest that strongly reflects a desire to serve the public interest. 

Grad Additional Info

Deadline for Entry Term(s):	Each semester
Deadline for All Application Materials to be in the Graduate School Office:	Fall: August 1, Spring: December 1; Summer: April 1
Number of Reference Letters Required:	Two

Financial Aid

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration has a limited number of graduate assistantships awarded on a competitive basis, which can be awarded during any semester as vacancies occur. The Department has two scholarships which are awarded on a competitive basis each spring. Other financial resources are available through the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Internships and Placement

Students may apply for an internship placement at any time. A few paid opportunities do arise, although the majority of internships are non-paid. Typical placements are in city and county government, planning departments, public health agencies, social service agencies, state government agencies, and various nonprofit organizations. The Department has placed several students in the prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program, which provides an excellent opportunity for eventual employment in the federal government. Students are also encouraged to seek assistance with UAB Student Career and Professional Services in Hill Student Center for career planning and placement. The faculty/program manager in the program also assists students in job placement. Please click here to see what some of our graduates are doing now.

Accelerated Learning Opportunities

Early Acceptance Program

The MPA Program participates in UAB's Early Acceptance (EA) Program. The EA Program is designed for academically superior high-school students and allows these students to be conditionally admitted into the MPA Program at the same time they are admitted to an undergraduate program. EA students must maintain a 3.5 undergraduate GPA at UAB to gain admission to the MPA program. EA students are required to take PSC 101: Foundations of American Government and recommended to take PSC 310: American Public Policy and PSC 323: Public Administration and Policy. 

Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) Program

The MPA Program participates in UAB's Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) Program. The ABM program allows for undergraduate students to take up to four (4) courses (12 credit hours) that count toward both their Bachelor's and MPA degrees. Undergraduate students seeking admission to the MPA ABM program must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 with 60 hours of undergraduate work completed (a a minimum of 36 hours must be completed at UAB). In addition, ABM students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while in the ABM program.

Joint Degree Programs

Coordinated MPA/MPH Program

The MPA/Master of Public Health (MPH) is designed to train individuals for administrative positions in public health and related health organizations. The Master of Public Administration degree prepares students for careers as administrators in public and nonprofit agencies, and the Master of Public Health provides a background in public health principles and programs. Students must apply and be accepted into both programs, meeting each program's entry requirements. Students are required to complete a total of 64-65 semester hours for the coordinated degree. Students complete 10 courses (30 credit hours) in the MPA Program; seven (7) core MPA courses, two (2) MPA electives, and MPA 697 Graduate Learning Portfolio. The remaining credit hours are completed in the MPH Program. Full-time students should be able to complete all degree requirements within three (3) years.

Coordinated MPA/JD Program

The MPA program at UAB and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University offer a coordinated MPA/JD program. The offering of this dual degree reflects recognition of the complex interrelationship between the legal system, public policy analysis, and public management. It will be particularly applicable to those pursuing careers in government and/or public interest law. Students must apply and be admitted to the MPA and JD programs separately. MPA/JD students complete 10 courses (30 credit hours) in the MPA program: eight (8) core MPA courses, one (1) MPA elective, and MPA 697 Graduate Learning Portfolio. Close communication with both programs is required. Depending on prior experience, a field placement/internship may be required.

Coordinated MPA/MSCJ Program

The MPA/Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is targeted toward individuals who wish to gain competencies in public management and the theory/practice of criminal justice. Students must apply and be accepted into both programs, meeting each program's entry requirements. Students are required to complete a total of 60 semester hours—30 hours from each program—for the coordinated degree. The MPA portion of the degree requires completion of six (6) core MPA courses, three (3) MPA electives, and MPA 697 Graduate Learning Portfolio. Full-time students should be able to complete all degree requirements within three (3) years.

Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

For students interested in managing nonprofit organizations, the program offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Students seeking admission into the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management must apply to the UAB Graduate School by visiting https://www.uab.edu/graduate/admissions. Contact the MPA Program Manager for additional information regarding the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Graduate Certificate in Public Management

For students interested in managing public organizations, the program offers a Graduate Certificate in Public Management. Students seeking admission into the Graduate Certificate in Public Management must apply to the Graduate School by visiting https://www.uab.edu/graduate/admissions. Contact the MPA Program Manager for additional information regarding the Graduate Certificate in Public Management.

Contact Information

For additional information, please visit the UAB MPA Program website: www.uab.edu/mpa. Inquiries concerning program admission or other questions about the program should be directed to the MPA Program Manager.

Carin Mayo, MPA Program Manager
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
University of Alabama at Birmingham
HHB 415, 1401 University Boulevard
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1152
(205) 975-3413 or (205) 934-2339
ccmayo@uab.edu