Type of Degree

M.P.A., Accelerated Entry into Master's Program

School or College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program Format

On-campus, Full-time

Credit hours to graduate

36 total program credit hours

UVM Master of Public Administration: Cultivating Public Service Leaders for People and Planet.

Program Overview

The University of Vermont’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, housed in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, is your gateway to becoming an effective, innovative leader in public service. As Vermont’s only NASPAA-accredited Master’s program in public and nonprofit policy, affairs, and administration, our top-100 ranked program is essential training both emerging professionals and seasoned leaders across the Green Mountain State and beyond.

Why Choose UVM’s MPA?

Vermont’s Living Laboratory with Broader Impact. Rooted in Vermont’s unique governance landscape, our program attracts an unparalleled environment for hands-on learning and direct engagement with public administration in action, while preparing you for leadership roles across diverse communities 

Flexibility for All. Whether you’re a full-time student or a working professional, our program accommodates your needs, allowing you to balance your education with other personal and professional commitments

Transdiciplinary Approach for Complex Challenges. Our curriculum bridges theory and practice, preparing you to tackle intricate issues at the intersection of social, environmental, and economic systems, with a focus on sustainable solutions for people and planet 

Focus on Governance and Collaboration. Learn to navigate the intricacies of modern governance systems while embracing traditions of democracy and community collaboration, essential for addressing today’s public service challenges 

Core Values in Action. Our program is built on principles of community engagement, sustainability, innovation, ethical leadership, and inclusivity – values that are crucial for creating resilient and equitable communities 

Career-Ready Competencies. Develop essential skills in leadership, public policy analysis, financial management, and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring you’re prepared for the demands of a dynamic and changing environment 

Engage Faculty and Diverse Community. Benefit from close interactions with experienced faculty and a diverse network of alumni and practitioners, offering rich opportunities for mentorship and professional growth in Vermont and beyond 

Program Highlights 

  • NASPAA-accredited curriculum aligned with global standards 
  • Emphasis on sustainable practices and innovative governance solutions 
  • Opportunities for community-engaged projects and internships 
  • Focus on ethical leadership and social responsibility
  • Cutting-edge courses in areas like resilience planning and sustainable development 

At UVM’s MPA program, we’re committed to nurturing reflective practitioners and adaptive leaders who can drive positive change in an ever-evolving public service sector. Our program is designed to meet the unique needs of Vermont’s public and nonprofit sectors while preparing graduates for impactful careers in organizations across the nation and around the world.

Join us to develop the skills, knowledge, and networks to make a lasting impact in your community and the world. Whether you aspire to lead in local government, serve at a state agency, join tribal or federal service, work with nonprofit organizations, or pursue a career in international development, UVM’s MPA program provides the foundation for success in public service leadership.

Ready to shape the future of public service and contribute to a sustainable, just world? Discover how UVM’s MPA program can propel your career forward.

Concentrations

Customize your MPA

We believe in empowering you to shape your education to match your unique curiosities and career goals. While our MPA program doesn’t offer formal concentrations, we provide a flexible and innovative approach through stackable graduate certificates and credentials.

Elevate your Leadership: Vermont Certified Public Manager Program

Boost your public management skills with the Vermont Certified Public Manager ® (VCPM) Program certification. The VCPM is a nationally accredited management development program for current public sector professionals and is ideal for MPA students seeking practical, real-world management skills. 

Combine your MPA with VCPM to excel in public service leadership, gaining both theoretical and hands-on management expertise. With the VCPM you can transfer up to six credits into the MPA, a graduate certificate, or other UVM graduate program as appropriate. 

Enhance Your Expertise with Graduate Certificates 

Our graduate certificates allow you to specialize in specific areas of public administration, giving you a competitive edge in your chosen field. With careful planning, you can earn a certificate alongside your MPA, often without additional coursework.

Available Certificates

Tailor your MPA experience with one of these cutting-edge graduate certificates:

Double the Impact, Not the Workload

Many courses in these certificates can count towards both your MPA and the certificate, maximizing your educational investment and career potential. This efficient approach allows you to gain specialized knowledge without extending your time in the program

Tailor your Experience: Why Choose a Certificate or Credential?

  • Cultivate knowledge in niche areas of public administration
  • Showcase specialized skills to potential employers 
  • Stay ahead of emerging public sector trends
  • Tackle complex challenges with transdisciplinary approaches
  • Earn nationally recognized credentials to boost your career

Ready to craft your unique MPA journey? Explore UVM’s graduate certificates and discover how you can make your public service education as distinctive as your career aspirations.

Curriculum

Shaping Public Service Leaders

Our MPA curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in public service leadership. With a balance of core courses and electives, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of public administration while tailoring your education to your specific interests and career goals.

Program Structure

Total Credits Required: 36

Core Courses: 24 credits 

Develop a strong foundation in essential public service principles and practices 

Elective Courses: 12 credits 

Customize your learning experience with courses that align with your career aspirations 

Core Courses

The 24 credits of core courses you will complete cover critical areas of public administration.

  • Foundations of Public Administration
  • Organizational Theory and Behavior
  • Research Methods
  • Public and Nonprofit Management
  • Policy Systems
  • Community Economic Development
  • Public Administration Capstone
  • Internship

Electives

Choose from a wide range of electives to deepen your expertise. Complete 12 credits in areas such as 

  • Community Resilience 
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Environmental Policy
  • Public Health Administration 
  • And more! 

Ready to embark on your public service leadership journey? Explore our curriculum and discover how UVM’s MPA program can help you achieve your goals.

UVM's Course Catalogue 

Deadlines

January 15: Priority deadline fall admission and limited funding consideration
May 1: Recommended deadline for Fall admission
October 1: Recommended deadline for Spring admission
March 1: Recommended deadline for Summer admission

Admissions

We welcome diverse perspectives and experiences in our MPA program, whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional. Here’s what you’ll need to know about joining our community of public service leaders:

What You’ll Need

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • Three letters of recommendation highlighting your learning potential, motivation, and experience (academic, professional, or community-based references are welcome!)
  • A current resume or CV
  • A personal statement outlining your career goals and how the MPA aligns with your public service aspirations 

What Makes Our Program Unique 

  • We value public service experience in all forms (paid, volunteer, or internship)
  • Whether you’re starting your career or seeking advancement, our program is designed to meet your needs 
  • Flexible evening course options to accommodate working professionals 

Additional Considerations

  • GRE scores are not required 
  • For limited funding opportunities, you may submit a writing sample and evidence of research experience 

International Applicants

If English isn’t your primary language of instruction or your undergraduate degree wasn’t in English, please submit TOEFL (minimum 90 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (minimum 110) scores. For visa deadline information, please visit the University of Vermont International Student Admissions page.  

Prerequisite Courses 

To ensure a strong foundation, you’ll need to complete these courses by the end of your first year in the MPA program:

  • One course in macro or microeconomics 
  • One course in American government or U.S. history 
  • One statistics course 

Don’t have these prerequisites? No problem. You can still apply and complete them as you begin your MPA journey. Options include taking classes at UVM, Community College of Vermont, or completing CLEP exams. 

Accelerated Master’s Program for Current UVM Students

Are you a current UVM undergraduate? You might be eligible to apply for our Accelerated Master’s Program, allowing you to start your MPA earlier and potentially save time and tuition costs.

Equity and Representation

We are committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those traditionally underrepresented in and marginalized from public service leadership roles.

Ready to take the next step in your public service career? Whether you’re looking to start, change, or advance your career, we’re excited to review your application and hope to welcome you to our program. 

Outcomes

Our MPA graduates are making a difference across various sectors of public service. From local government to international organizations, UVM MPA alumni are leading the way in creating positive change for a sustainable future.

Making an Impact in Public Service

Our program alumni excel in diverse roles across public, nonprofit, and private sectors:

  • Government agencies (federal, state, local)
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Healthcare administration
  • Educational institutions 
  • Environmental organizations
  • International development agencies 
  • Consulting firms 

Our graduates consistently secure meaningful positions in their chosen field. Recent placements include:

  • Executive Director, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
  • CEO, United Way of Northwest Vermont
  • Director, Consumer Assistance Program, Vermont Attorney General
  • Communications Director, NY State Senator’s Office
  • Program Manager, Population Media Center
  • Town Administrator, Town of Waitsfield
  • Innovation Team Project Manager, Resonance Global 

Ready to join a network of public service leaders making a real impact? Discover how a UVM MPA can launch your career in public service 

Costs and Funding

We believe that investing in your MPA is an investment in your future as a public service leader. We’re committed to making education accessible through competitive tuition rates and various forms of support options.

Tuition and Fees 

For the 2024-25 academic year 

  • Vermont Residents: $742 per credit hour 
  • Out-of-State Residents: $1,872 per credit hour 

Additional Fees 

  • Comprehensive Fee: Ranges from $10 to $1,086 based on the credit load 
  • Graduate Student Senate Fee: $15 to $25 based on credit load 
  • UVM Health Fee: $431.50 if enrolled in 5-8 credits and purchasing UVM health insurance 

UVM Graduate College Tuition and Fees