The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Graduate College Division of Research, Graduate Studies & New Program Development
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
- 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:
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Personal Statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree indicating references to previous employment and experience.
- Three names of individuals who may be contacted for personal or professional recommendation.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study. For additional information, visit the Financial Documentation section of our website.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport. For additional information, visit the Immigration Documents section of our website.
UPDATE ON INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS FROM U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT:
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SEVP regulations prohibit the issuance of a Form I-20 based on conditional admission, effective July 13, 2016. University officials can only issue a Form I-20 when students have met all standards for admission for the program of study listed on the Form I-20. These standards for admission include any English proficiency requirements.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Aziza Zemrani
Phone: (956) 665-2545
Office: Edinburg Campus, LABN 229
E-Mail: aziza.zemrani@utrgv.edu
Deadlines:
Applications will be accepted year round and prospective students are encouraged to apply at least 2 months before classes start to ensure a timely application review. Applying early will also give prospective students the best opportunity to be considered for scholarships and other possible funding opportunities.
*Note: This program only admits applicants during Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II semesters.
| Residency | Per 3-Credit Hour Course | Semester (9-Credit Hours) | Total Estimated Cost |
| Texas Resident | $1,481.39 | $3,894.17 | $17,776.68 |
| Non-Resident/International | $2,708.39 | $7,575.17 | $32,500.68 |
*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.
Click here to view the program's course requirements from the current catalog.
