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Department of Political Science and Public Administration College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Public Administration

Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be the difference? For over 30 years, UAB's nationally ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program has prepared students for successful careers in public service where they can serve the greater good. We have graduates locally and across the country who have become successful leaders and managers in local, state, and federal government positions, in nonprofit organizations, and in private industry.

The MPA Program at UAB is accredited by the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards. Our MPA Program is among the best in the Southeast and has been ranked in the Top 75 MPA Programs in the country over the last several years, according to the US News and World Report.

MPA Program Mission

The UAB MPA Program is committed to excellence in graduate education through teaching, research, service, and practice. Through a knowledge- and skills-based curriculum informed by public values, the Program focuses on building the next generation of ethical, inclusive, and responsive decisionmakers who advance the public interest.

The UAB Advantage

The MPA Program at UAB is designed to help you succeed.

  • Networking. The MPA at UAB offers what many programs cannot: connections to people who make hiring decisions and opportunities to connect with government and nonprofit agencies in Alabama's largest metro area. We have a solid track record of helping our students obtain excellent career placements in public service positions locally and nationally.
  • A Program that Fits Your Life. Our program is designed with the busy professional in mind. All classes are offered in the evening, allowing our students to pursue their degree while maintaining full-time employment. In addition, some of our courses offer a mix of online and face-to-face instruction.
  • Experience. UAB's location in Birmingham offers opportunities for students to interact with a wide variety of public service professionals in the government and nonprofit sectors. Many of our courses are taught by those professionals. Our location also provides great opportunities for a wide range of internship placements. Our internship program has been recognized by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration for its excellence.
  • Mentoring. The MPA Alumni Society began a mentorship program in fall 2017 that gives students professional guidance to help them meet their career goals. Students who satisfactorily complete the program will also be awarded a professional development certificate.

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