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Master of Public Administration: Local Government Management
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MPA with a Local Government Management concentration at UTC is tailored for individuals seeking to make a significant impact in city and county administration. It integrates foundational public administration principles with specialized coursework focused on the operational, financial, and policy aspects unique to local government. The 36-credit hour program offers flexibility with evening, online, and hybrid course formats, making it accessible for both pre-service students and working professionals. The program emphasizes practical application, ethical decision-making, and a deep commitment to serving the public interest at the community level.
NASPAA-Accredited: A defining characteristic of the UTC MPA program, including its Local Government Management concentration, is its NASPAA accreditation. NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) is the globally recognized accrediting body for master's programs in public affairs. This accreditation signifies that the UTC MPA meets stringent, internationally recognized standards for quality in public service education, ensuring that the program provides a high-caliber, relevant, and comprehensive education in public administration. As the only NASPAA-accredited program in East Tennessee, it holds a distinctive position in the region.
Curriculum: The curriculum is strategically structured to provide a robust understanding of general public administration while offering in-depth specialization in local government. Core courses (23 credits) cover essential 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. For the Local Government Management concentration, students complete four specific elective courses (12 credits) that delve into topics like Local Government Management Fundamentals, Anatomy of the City, and Community Economic Development. Students then select one additional course from options such as Administrative Law, Intergovernmental Relations, Government, Politics, and Policy in Metropolitan Areas, Public Sector Information Management, or Government and Nonprofits, providing a comprehensive understanding of local governance. A 1-credit professional development experience, which can be an internship or a tailored project, completes the 36-credit requirement.
Research Focus: The Local Government Management concentration integrates a strong applied research focus. While not centered on theoretical research, it emphasizes the use of data and analytical methods to solve real-world problems in local government contexts. Courses like "Public Administration Research and Analysis" provide students with the methodological skills to assess local policies, evaluate community programs, and analyze municipal data effectively. Students are encouraged to engage in practical research through their capstone experience, which might involve developing a comprehensive report for a local government entity or analyzing the feasibility of a new community initiative. Faculty expertise often includes areas like local government innovation, urban planning, and community development, providing rich avenues for applied research.
Industry Engagement: The UTC MPA program's Local Government Management concentration benefits from significant "industry" engagement, leveraging Chattanooga's reputation as an innovative city. The curriculum is directly influenced by the practical needs of municipal and county governments. Students gain invaluable hands-on experience through required professional development components, which often include internships with local government agencies, city departments, or regional planning organizations. These immersive experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world administrative and policy challenges, build robust professional networks, and gain firsthand insight into the daily operations and strategic planning of local government. The program actively collaborates with local government leaders, bringing practitioners into the classroom as guest speakers and mentors.
Global Perspective: While the core focus of the Local Government Management concentration is on domestic governance, it inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal principles of urban development, public service delivery, and community engagement. Many challenges faced by local governments, such as sustainable infrastructure, public health crises, and economic development, have global parallels. The program's emphasis on data-driven decision-making and adaptable management strategies prepares graduates to understand and potentially contribute to solutions for these issues in diverse international contexts. The study of comparative local governance models, even if not explicitly a course, can inform discussions and broaden students' understanding of best practices from around the world.
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 with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Local Government Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are exceptionally well-prepared for impactful careers in the administration and leadership of cities, counties, and regional entities. Their specialized knowledge in local governance, combined with a strong foundation in public administration, makes them highly sought after in a sector crucial to daily life.
Assistant City/County Manager: This is a very common and direct career path. Graduates serve as key support to the City or County Manager, assisting with daily operations, project oversight, policy implementation, and inter-departmental coordination. It's often a stepping stone to a full manager role.
Department Director (e.g., Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning): Graduates can lead specific departments within a municipal or county government. This involves managing budgets, personnel, operations, and strategic planning for essential public services like infrastructure, public spaces, or community development.
Urban/Regional Planner: These professionals are vital in shaping the future of communities. They work for local planning commissions to develop land-use plans, manage zoning regulations, address housing needs, and facilitate sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Budget Analyst/Fiscal Officer (Local Government): Graduates specializing in local government finance are crucial for ensuring the financial health and accountability of municipalities and counties. They prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, forecast revenue, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Economic Development Director: This role focuses on attracting businesses, fostering job creation, and promoting economic growth within a city or county. Graduates develop strategies, manage incentive programs, and work with local businesses to enhance the community's economic vitality.
Grants Administrator/Coordinator: Local governments rely heavily on grants for funding projects. Graduates can specialize in identifying, applying for, and managing federal, state, and private grants, ensuring compliance and effective use of funds for various community initiatives.
Human Resources Generalist/Manager (Local Government): These professionals handle HR functions specific to public sector employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, labor relations, and compliance with civil service laws for municipal or county employees.
Constituent Services/Public Information Officer: Graduates can serve as a crucial link between local government and its citizens. They manage public inquiries, address concerns, disseminate information, and often act as spokespersons, ensuring transparency and effective communication.
Special Project Manager: Many local governments undertake unique projects, from infrastructure improvements to community development initiatives. Graduates can lead these projects, coordinating cross-departmental teams, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring successful execution.
Emergency Management Coordinator: These professionals are critical for community safety. They develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, coordinate response efforts during crises (natural disasters, public health emergencies), and manage recovery operations for local jurisdictions.
