Public Administration (MPA)

Master of Public Administration (PADMMPA)
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Urban and Public Administration
Program Webpage

Program Information

General Information

The Master of Public Administration Program at the University of Louisville is central to the University's urban/metropolitan mission. The academic curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in public and nonprofit administration and prepares graduates for placement and advancement in public, private and nonprofit sector careers. The MPA faculty also advances knowledge in the field of public administration through their theoretical and applied research. The MPA is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

The MPA requires 42 credit hours for completion. A student can enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis. Classes are offered in formats and at times that accommodate students who work full time. Traditional classes are offered Monday through Thursday, one evening a week, from 5:30 until 8:15 PM. Hybrid-distance courses have fewer classroom meetings. Some courses are offered entirely online.

The program includes faculty from various disciplines and is aimed at providing recent college graduates, public sector practitioners, and persons in related fields with a mix of theoretical knowledge and applied skills. The degree program is available to qualified individuals holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. No specific undergraduate major is required; however, coursework in economics and political science at the undergraduate level is helpful.

MUP/MA Programs

The Master in Public Administration Program offers joint degree programs with the Master in Urban Planning and the Master of Arts in Art (Creative) and Art History (Concentration in Critical and Curatorial Studies). For more information about the two dual programs please go to the program webpage.

Admission Requirements

The procedures for admission to the MPA program are as follows:

1. Submit a completed graduate application to the University of Louisville, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, Graduate Admissions (louisville.edu/graduate/apply). Program candidates may be admitted for fall, spring or summer semesters.
2. Official transcripts verifying the receipt of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution must be submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, Graduate Admissions.
3. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. An admission decision will not be made without the GRE scores. See web www.gre.org for further information about the GRE or call (800) GRE-CALL, (800) 473-2255.
4. A written personal statement is required. The statement should indicate why the applicant wishes to pursue the MPA degree.
5. Two letters of recommendation are required. Normally, at least one letter should be from someone who can comment on the applicant's academic performance.
6. International applicants are required to take the TOEFL examination if English is not their native language. Applicants who have not scored 550 or higher on the TOEFL (210 or higher on the computer-based version) may choose to apply to the Intensive English as a Second Language (IESL) Program. Successful completion of this program or passing the Exit Examination in the advanced level of IESL will constitute proof of English proficiency.

Program Requirements

The MPA requires 42 credit hours for completion: a core curriculum of 24 credit hours, including 6 credit hours of practicum internship or thesis; 12 credit hours from one of the THREE concentration areas; and 6 credit hours of electives.

MPA students may choose 6 credit hours of elective credits from among all PADM (Public Administration) or PLAN (Planning) courses.

One of the elective courses must be denoted as a methods course. For a list of all electives and identification of those courses that count as a methods course, consult the Student Guide available at the MPA home page: louisville.edu/upa/programs/mpa. 

MPA Concentrations

Students can choose one of three concentrations offered in the Program. A total of 12 credit hours is required for each concentration. Students may select among the recommended courses listed under each concentration. Students may substitute a course not listed with permission from the Director.

Concentration in Urban Governance

​Concentration in Nonprofit Management

Concentration in Sustainable Urban Development Specialization