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.
- #1 in Texas for Lowest Net Price – Washington Monthly, 2022
- #2 Top Texas Public University -Washington Monthly, 2022
- #3 Among National Public Universities for Least Student Debt -U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- #4 for Awarding Master’s Degrees to Hispanic Latino Students -Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine, 2022
- Top 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas -EDSMART.ORG 2021
For more information on UTRGV’s notable achievements and recognitions visit our Reputation site.
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:
Step #3: Admission Requirements & Courses
Select one of the options below to view the program’s admission requirements and courses from the current graduate catalog.
Public Affairs with a Concentration in Global Security Studies and Leadership (MPA)
Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Administration (MPA)
Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Policy (MPA)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.
For estimated costs visit Tuition and Fees.
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