M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Public Administration
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), located in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a highly respected Master of Public Administration (MPA) program through its College of Arts and Sciences. This program is specifically designed to prepare students to excel as ethical and effective leaders, managers, and analysts within the public and nonprofit sectors. It is Northeast Florida's only NASPAA-accredited public policy and public administration degree program.
NASPAA Accredited: UNF's MPA program holds the prestigious accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA is globally recognized as the standard for public service education, signifying that the program has undergone a rigorous peer-review process and meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, student support, and outcomes. Graduating from a NASPAA-accredited program assures future employers that the degree meets field-wide standards of quality and that graduates are well-prepared for the profession, enhancing their employment opportunities.
Curriculum: The MPA program at UNF is a 42-credit-hour curriculum that can typically be completed in two years for full-time students or three or more years for part-time students, offering flexibility for working professionals. The core curriculum covers essential public administration topics, including an introduction to public administration in modern society, public administration research methods, human resource management, government budget and finance, administrative behavior, and a capstone seminar. Students then choose from various concentrations that align with specific career paths, such as Generalist Option, Health Administration, Local Government Policy & Administration, National Security, Non-Profit Management, or Public Policy. This allows for specialization while maintaining a broad understanding of public service.
Research Focus: The UNF MPA program integrates a strong research focus throughout its curriculum, emphasizing the use of data and evidence-based decision-making in public service. Courses like "Public Administration Research Methods" and "Research Design" equip students with the analytical skills needed to understand and conduct research. Faculty members within the Department of Political Science and Public Administration are engaged in research, often exploring topics in American political behavior, public policy, and public management. This active research environment helps ensure the curriculum is current and prepares students to critically analyze complex public issues and contribute to public sector knowledge.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MPA program maintains strong industry engagement through its connections with government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Northeast Florida. The program aims to prepare students for direct employment in these sectors, and the university's Career Services actively works to connect students and alumni with employers. This includes providing resources for networking, recruiting events, and job boards. The concentrations offered within the program, such as Local Government Policy & Administration and Non-Profit Management, are directly tailored to the needs of these industries, ensuring graduates have relevant skills and knowledge for real-world application.
Global Perspective: The MPA program at UNF incorporates a global perspective by providing students with an understanding of governance and public administration in modern society, which inherently involves international contexts. While not a primary focus of the program, topics such as comparative public administration can be offered as electives, allowing students to explore how public policies and administrative practices differ across countries. The curriculum's emphasis on public policy and its societal impact often includes consideration of global trends and challenges, preparing graduates to work in an interconnected world, whether in international non-governmental organizations or government roles that deal with global issues.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 500 required.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 298 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a highly versatile graduate degree, preparing individuals for impactful leadership and management roles across the public, non-profit, and even some private sectors. The program's NASPAA accreditation signifies its commitment to quality and relevance, ensuring graduates possess the skills needed to address complex societal challenges and improve communities.
City/County Manager or Administrator: These top executive roles in local government involve overseeing the daily operations of a city or county, implementing policies set by elected officials, managing municipal departments, and ensuring the efficient delivery of public services.
Policy Analyst: Working for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, Policy Analysts research, evaluate, and recommend public policies. They analyze data, assess policy outcomes, and provide insights to policymakers on various social, economic, or environmental issues.
Program Manager/Director (Public & Non-Profit): These professionals oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of specific programs or initiatives within government agencies or non-profit organizations. They ensure programs meet their objectives, manage budgets, and lead teams dedicated to community improvement or public service.
Budget Analyst/Financial Manager (Public Sector): MPA graduates with a focus on public finance are critical in managing public funds. They analyze budget proposals, forecast financial needs, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure compliance with government financial regulations.
Non-Profit Executive Director/Development Director: In the non-profit sector, MPA graduates can lead organizations as Executive Directors, responsible for overall operations, strategy, and fundraising. Development Directors focus specifically on securing funding through grants, donations, and fundraising campaigns.
Human Resources Manager (Public Sector/Non-Profit): These roles involve managing human capital within government agencies or non-profit organizations. Responsibilities include recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, all within the unique context of public service.
Urban/Regional Planner: Urban Planners contribute to the development of land use plans for communities, cities, and regions. They work with government officials and the public to ensure sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation, often integrating public policy and community engagement principles.
Emergency Management Director: With a growing need for resilience, Emergency Management Directors prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and crises. They develop emergency plans, coordinate resources, and lead response efforts at local, state, or federal levels.
Social and Community Service Manager: These managers work on the front lines of public administration, addressing issues like homelessness, elder care, and youth services. They identify service gaps, propose solutions, and manage community outreach programs, often for non-profit agencies.
International Development Specialist: For those interested in a global impact, MPA graduates can work with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs to address global challenges like poverty, health, or education. This involves program management, policy implementation, and collaborative efforts across national borders.
