Prepare for successful careers in the public and not-for-profit sectors through the development of managerial, communication and analytical skills with UMass Lowell's MPA.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Online
  • Degree
    MPA

MPA Overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UMass Lowell is designed to equip you with essential leadership and management skills to solve complex challenges in the public sector. This flexible program is designed for both aspiring professionals and current public servants seeking advancement. 

Our MPA offers an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing key areas such as public policy, organizational behavior and financial management. You'll conclude your studies with a capstone experience at a public or nonprofit agency, where you can apply newly acquired skills and knowledge while expanding your professional network. 

The program is available entirely online, and students may attend full- or part-time. 

Program Quick Facts

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
  • Available Entirely Online
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • Interdisciplinary Curriculum

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Interested in learning more about the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice? Call Mara, UMass Lowell's new Al Recruiter is ready for your questions.

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Public Administration Curriculum

The Master of Public Administration is a 36-credit master's degree.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

For Students entering Fall 2024 and beyond.

This program is 36 credits, consisting of 4 required core courses, 4 courses from the flexible core, and 3 courses from the general elective core, and 1 capstone course.

Required Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
MPAD.5010Foundations for Public Administration3
MPAD.5020Public & Non Profit Budgeting and Financial Management3
MPAD.5030Public & Non Profit Management & Leadership3
MPAD.5040
or
CRIM.5900		Data Analysis
or
Inferential and Descriptive Statistics		3
Total12

Flexible Core

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total12

Managing Resources - Choose 1
MPAD.5400Public Finance3
PUBH.5110Health Care Finance3
Managing People - Choose 1
MPAD.5300Gender and Administration3
CRIM.5200Administration of Justice3
CRIM.5210Managing Justice Organizations3
MPAD.5150Public and Non-Profit Personnel Management3
Managing Communication - Choose 1
MPAD.5120Communication Strategies for Public and Non-Profit Managers3
Managing Information - Choose 1
CRIM.5910Research Design3
CRIM.5920From Data to Practice3

General Electives

Please note these courses are subject to change and all courses may not be offered every semester. A student's selection of electives is based on consultation with their faculty advisors.
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
PUBH.5010Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health3
PUBH.5021Public Health Policy3
PUBH.5070Leadership and Management in Public Health3
ACCT.5010Financial Accounting2
CRIM.6500Violence in America3
PCST.5010Strategies of Conflict Transformation3

Capstone

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total3
MPAD.6010Capstone3

Other electives may be selected with approval of the graduate coordinator.

Total Credits = 36

Total number of courses = 12

Last updated: 4/5/24

Public Administration Career Outlook

  • +8%

    Projected job growth in New England (2022–2033)

    (Lightcast, 2024)

  • $110,500

    Median annual earnings for master's degree holders in New England

    (Lightcast, 2024)

Our Graduates Work As

  • City managers
  • Municipal department heads
  • Health and human service workers
  • Music and art educators
  • State government administrators
  • Founders of nonprofit community-based organizations

Hear from Alumni and Students

Parking & Transportation Manager Karina Cruz talks with a student employee at the Transportation Services Office
Karina Cruz
Public Administration

Karina Cruz appreciates the flexibility, small classes and in-depth administrative skills she’s learning, from how to change public policy to managing a diverse workforce.

It’s as versatile a degree as I need it to be.
Read More About Karina Cruz 
Jessica Amedee doing hurdles at a track event at UMass Lowell
Jessica Amedee '18, '20
Public Administration

Jessica Amedee interned at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce as the university’s first Civic Action Project fellow. The program for UMass graduate students in public policy and related fields introduced her to a network of inspiring professionals.

I met a number of people I would be able to reach out to. I also met great people from the other UMass campuses.
Read More About Jessica Amedee 
Sarah Golding sits in a colorful cafe at a table with her laptop
Sarah Golding '19
Public Administration

Sarah Golding works with young people transitioning to adulthood while coping with mental illness. She says the Master of Public Administration program is giving her the right balance of core administrative skills and deep knowledge to help her advocate for her clients.

There’s so much flexibility and it’s so interdisciplinary that you can take the classes that will best serve your needs.
Read More About Sarah Golding 
Ron Pannell chats with a woman at the bookstore
Ron Pannell '19
Public Administration

In the Master of Public Administration program, Ron Pannell is learning skills he can apply to his job in the Office of Student Engagement at Middlesex Community College – and later, in a housing agency.

The M.P.A. aligns with what I’ve already done in the field of education and provides flexibility if, later, I want to work in another area.
Read More About Ron Pannell 

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $600
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
  • Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
    • Master of Music Education
    • Master of Public Administration
    • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
    • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
  • Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
  • Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

  • Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
  • Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
  • TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

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Find Graduate Resources

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu