Public Affairs (MPA)
Public Affairs (MPA)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a program leading to the degree of Master in Public Affairs (MPA). The MPA degree allows the student to select from two different tracks: Public Administration, and Public Policy and Management.
Public Administration is a discipline developed from the study of political science, management, and law. Public administration, both as scholarly study and professional preparation is interdisciplinary substance and methodology, borrowing from economics, sociology, psychology, business, and industrial engineering as well as political science and law.
The Public Policy and Management track has a dual-purpose mission: to conduct research into pressing policy issues and to share the findings with leaders and citizens in an effort to find viable solutions. Graduates will be skilled public managers with specific expertise in one of several policy areas.
The Global Security Studies and Leadership concentration prepares students for careers in intelligence, national security and other sectors of the global economy. This program will broaden the skill sets of students through focus on advanced research, effective team communication and critical analysis. The GSSL program will prepare students to work with people from different backgrounds, abilities, and knowledge bases.
- Ranked #79 among 300+ national universities by Washington Monthly in 2018
- Ranked 4th best college in Texas 2018 by BestColleges.com
- Accredited, cutting edge degree program
- Experienced, dedicated faculty
- Affordable tuition (ranked #1 in net price among national universities by Washington Monthly in 2018 and #3 most affordable university in America 2018 by BestValueSchools.com)
- Demonstrated student success in research, professional certification and career advancement
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. There is no application fee.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in public affairs, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Three names of individuals who may be contacted for personal or professional recommendation.
- Personal Statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree indicating references to previous employment and experience.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- For additional information, visit the International Admission page of our website.
To view a list of application deadlines and program contacts for our traditional programs, click here.
| Fall 2021-Summer 2022 Rates Tuition and Mandatory Fees | ||||
| Graduate | ||||
| Resident | Non-Resident* | |||
| Number of graduate course(s) (hours per course) |
Fall or Spring | Summer Session (each) | Fall or Spring | Summer Session (each) |
| One graduate course (3 hours a semester) |
$1,584.89 | $1,437.79 | $2,808.89 | $2,661.79 |
| Two graduate courses (6 hours a semester) |
$2,875.58 | $2,728.48 | $5,323.58 | $5,176.48 |
| Three graduate courses (9 hours a semester) |
$4,166.27 | $4,019.17 | $7,838.27 | $7,691.17 |
Fees included above:
- University Services Fee - $38.10 per hour ($457.20 maximum)
- Student Services Fee - $5.83 per hour ($69.96 maximum)
- Intercollegiate Athletics Fee - $15.00 per hour ($180.00 maximum)
- Recreation Fee ‐ $75 per Fall or Spring; $37.50 per summer term
- Medical Services Fee ‐ $30 per Fall or Spring; $15 per summer term
- Student Union Fee ‐ $30 per Fall or Spring; $15 per summer term
All resident tuition and mandatory fees shown above remain the same for hours over 20. Add $408 nonresident tuition for each hour over 20.
*Includes nonresident statutory tuition charges set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and subject to annual change.
Total does not include Lab and Supplemental Instruction Fees which vary by course, or Differential Tuition. To view graduate tuition and fees rates, visit UTRGV’s U Central.
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