M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
Master of Public Administration
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The UTC MPA program is designed to cultivate students' proficiency in core management and analytical skills, emphasizing the application of theory to practice, ethical leadership, and a commitment to the public interest. It prepares individuals to be effective leaders, managers, and analysts in a wide range of public and nonprofit agencies. The 36-credit hour program is structured with flexible class scheduling, including traditional classroom, online, and hybrid formats, often meeting in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Students can pursue a generalist MPA or choose to focus on specific areas such as Local Government Management or Nonprofit Management.
NASPAA-Accredited: The UTC MPA program holds the significant distinction of being NASPAA-accredited. NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) is the recognized global accrediting body for master's programs in public affairs. This accreditation signifies that the UTC MPA program meets rigorous, globally recognized standards for quality in public service education, assuring prospective students and employers that the program provides a high-quality, comprehensive education in public administration. It is the only NASPAA-accredited program in East Tennessee, highlighting its unique standing.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the UTC MPA program is designed to equip students with essential competencies for public service. It comprises eight core courses (23 credits) covering fundamental areas such as Public Administration Foundations, Organizational Theory and Administrative Behavior, Public Administration Research and Analysis, Program Planning and Evaluation, Budgeting and Finance in Public Agencies, Human Resources Management in Public Agencies, and Public Policy. In addition to core courses, students select four elective courses (12 credits) to meet their professional development goals, with options for focused study in areas like Local Government Management and Nonprofit Management. A 1-credit professional development experience, tailored for either pre-service or in-service students, completes the 36-credit requirement.
Research Focus: The UTC MPA program integrates a strong research focus, emphasizing the application of evidence-based solutions to public policy and administrative challenges. While it is not a "pre-Ph.D." program, it prepares students to conduct thorough analyses and develop corresponding solutions to pressing societal issues. Core courses like "Public Administration Research and Analysis" and "Program Planning and Evaluation" equip students with the methodological skills to assess policies and programs effectively. Faculty members often engage in research related to government-nonprofit relations, organizational performance, and information use in nonprofit organizations, providing opportunities for students to explore applied research in public service contexts.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the UTC MPA program is its robust engagement with the public and nonprofit sectors in the Chattanooga region and beyond. The program leverages the area's reputation for innovation in local government and its vibrant nonprofit sector, providing students with unique learning opportunities. Recent internship sites include the City of Chattanooga, various municipal entities, nonprofit organizations, and regional planning agencies. This direct connection offers invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their classroom learning to real-world administrative and policy challenges, build professional networks, and prepare for immediate impact upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The UTC MPA program, while primarily focused on public service within the United States, inherently fosters a global perspective by instilling principles of good governance, ethical leadership, and effective management that are universally applicable. Public administration often involves understanding and addressing challenges that transcend national borders, such as environmental policies, humanitarian efforts, and international development. The program's emphasis on preparing students to serve diverse constituencies and participate effectively in diverse decision-making groups also contributes to a broader understanding of global public service challenges and solutions, as many issues faced locally have global parallels.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 100.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's (UTC) NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) program are highly versatile professionals, well-prepared for leadership, management, and analytical roles across the public, nonprofit, and even some private sectors. Their training in policy analysis, financial management, human resources, and ethical governance equips them to tackle complex societal challenges effectively.
City/County Manager or Administrator: This is a top-tier role in local government. Graduates oversee the day-to-day operations of municipal or county governments, manage budgets, implement policies, and ensure efficient service delivery to citizens. They are the chief executive officers of their local government.
Program Manager/Director (Government or Nonprofit): These professionals are responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs or initiatives within government agencies (e.g., health, social services, environmental protection) or non-profit organizations. They ensure programs achieve their goals and are managed efficiently.
Budget Analyst/Financial Manager (Public Sector): Graduates work to allocate and manage public funds responsibly. They prepare, analyze, and monitor budgets for government agencies at local, state, or federal levels, ensuring fiscal accountability and efficient resource utilization. This often involves understanding complex financial regulations.
Policy Analyst: These roles involve researching, developing, and evaluating public policies for government bodies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. Graduates assess the potential impacts of policies, analyze data to determine their effectiveness, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
Human Resources Manager (Public/Nonprofit): Graduates apply principles of HR management, employee relations, talent acquisition, and compensation within government agencies or nonprofit organizations. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining an effective public service workforce.
Nonprofit Executive Director/Development Director: For those focused on the nonprofit sector, graduates can lead charitable organizations, overseeing operations, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial management. A Development Director specifically focuses on securing funding, managing donor relations, and leading fundraising campaigns.
Urban/Regional Planner: Graduates contribute to the sustainable development of communities by creating land-use plans, managing zoning, and addressing infrastructure needs. They work for municipal or regional planning commissions, balancing economic development, environmental concerns, and community well-being.
Emergency Management Director: These professionals are vital in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They develop emergency plans, coordinate resources across various agencies, and manage recovery efforts at local, state, or federal levels.
Compliance Officer (Government/Healthcare): Graduates ensure that public agencies, healthcare providers, or other organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards. They identify risks, develop compliance programs, and conduct audits to maintain legal and operational integrity.
Higher Education Administrator: MPA graduates can pursue careers in university administration, managing departments, programs, or student services. Their skills in organizational management, budgeting, and policy implementation are highly valued in academic environments.
