Newsroom :: UMT’s Master of Science in Public Administration Degree Launched

ARLINGTON, Virginia, August 1, 2006 – UMT's Vice President, Dr. C. Eric Kirkland, announced that UMT has received approval from the Distance Education and Training Council to offer a Master of Public Administration degree.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate degree designed specifically for managers in public and nonprofit organizations and individuals who desire to work in the public sector. The public sector plays an important role in the effective functioning of society. UMT, located near the center of the federal government and the headquarters of many nonprofit organizations, is committed to providing the best distance education program for these busy professionals.

Public sector managers deal with complex, high-impact issues that require expert judgment in a wide variety of areas. Public administrators lead a large and small public-service organizations including federal, state and local government agencies; community organizations; charities; and foundations.

The MPA provides students with the knowledge, theories, and practical insights to do an outstanding job, performing their duties in government agencies and not-for-profit organizations.

To earn the MPA, students must complete a minimum of 33 semester credit-hours. The curriculum is divided into six core courses and five concentration courses in public administration. The following courses are available:

Core Courses
Mgt 200. Business Basics
Mgt 210. Quantitative Methods in Decision-making
Mgt 220. Information Technology
Mgt 250. Project Management
Mgt 254. Contracts & Procurement
Mgt 230. Leadership and Organization

Concentration Courses
Mgt 270. Principles of Public Sector Management
Mgt 271. Structure and Function of Government
Mgt 272. The Budget Process
Mgt 202. Business Law and Ethics
Mgt 279. Management of Major Programs

UMT also offers an Executive Certificate in Public Administration. This certificate program requires students to complete the concentration courses shown above.

UMT is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. UMT offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs for working adults with specializations in business administration, computer science, general studies, information technology, management, project management, and acquisition management. See www.umtweb.edu for more information.