Admissions into this degree program has been paused for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Juneau, e-Learning

The master program in public administration provides a strong interdisciplinary context in which to pursue the study of policy formation, implementation, and administration. 

Application Requirements

Admission to the Master of Public Administration degree requires the following:

1. Mandatory advising with the M.P.A. director
2. A completed online application at http://uaonline.alaska.edu
3. $60 application fee
4. Official academic transcript indicating baccalaureate degree sent directly to UAS
5. Professional resume or vita
6. Two page (approximately 1,000 words) statement of professional objectives describing past public and non-profit experiences, outlining professional goals and stating how the M.P.A. program will help achieve your professional objectives
7. Three recommendations addressing professional dispositions on special forms provided by the UAS M.P.A. program

Items 1-7 are required for a complete application file. If you wish, you may submit any other documentation which you feel is relevant. Items 4 and 5 may be submitted by e-mail. See Graduate Study – Admissions for more information.

Candidates for the Master of Public Administration degree must satisfy all University graduate degree requirements in this catalog as well as the specific program requirements in this section. A minimum of 36 approved credits is required for the degree, in addition to evidence of practical experience in public or non-profit administration.

In order to permit students to pursue individual interests, a limited substitution of required courses is possible. Course substitutions must be approved by the student’s advisor and the program dean. The student’s approved program of study is reflected in the Application for Advancement to Candidacy.

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To qualify for graduation from the M.P.A. program, students must complete the Capstone course with a grade of B or higher.

Master of Public Administration Concentrations

M.P.A. students have the option to use their electives to establish a concentration in Higher Education or Rural Development.

 Concentration in Higher Education

This concentration focuses on higher education institutions and the organization development processes, contemporary theories and practical considerations including leadership styles and administrative processes with an emphasis on  Alaska and the Yukon Territories.

 Concentration in Rural Development

The Rural Development concentration has a special focus on needs of indigenous and other rural communities, including management of tribal governments, community organizations, and indigenous-controlled profit and non-profit corporations. Coursework for this concentration is offered by e-Learning technologies through the Rural Development program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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To be selected in consultation with the UAF Rural Development Advisor and M.P.A. Program Director.

Upon graduating from the MPA program, students will be able to learn, value, and demonstrate the
following:

1. Identify and analyze a current issue in public policy or public administration through integrating relevant theory and practice.
2. Integrate knowledge across public administration areas and select and apply appropriate frameworks to identify and address public administration problems and opportunities.
3. Examine specific topics in public administration through the lens of core MPA program areas especially addressing the interconnected nature of public organizations.
4. Integrate findings on democracy, including the political environment and civic engagement, using multiple perspectives and praxis as a framework to analyze a public program or organization.
5. Demonstrate professional writing skills, effective communication, and the ability to present, using best practices in public administration.