UNM Online

Learning Goals

Upon completing the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, graduates will have honed a broad range of skills and competencies essential for public service. They will be adept in ethical leadership, effective communication, networking, and critical thinking, with a strong public policy and administration foundation.

Key competencies include

• working with and managing diverse teams and projects,
• strategic planning,
• evidence-based decision-making,
• and financial management.

Graduates will also possess a heightened cultural competence and learn to apply policies and practices that enhance diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and access in their organizations and communities. 

This array of theoretical knowledge and practical skills ensures that graduates are well-prepared for dynamic and impactful careers in public service.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate grade point average for the last 60 hours or an overall major grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.

The Application Process

Applicants to the School of Public Administration must submit the following:

• Letter of Intent (2-3 Pages)
• 3 Letters of Recommendation (provide recommenders' email addresses)
• Resume
• Upload one unofficial transcript from EACH academic institution attended or submit each official transcript to the Office of Admissions. Mailing Address: PO Box 4895, Albuquerque, NM 87196-4895 or apply@unm.edu for electronic files.
• Online Application Fee

Where to Apply

All applications are submitted and reviewed online. Click here to submit your MPA graduate application. Only complete applications are considered for admission and decisions are emailed.

Application Deadlines

SPA has rolling admissions but encourages anyone to apply to be reviewed before the admitting semester. Applications submitted by the following dates are prioritized: 

• Fall Semester — July 1 
• Spring Semester — December 1

Degree Requirements

Graduating from the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program requires students to successfully complete 42 credits of coursework with a minimum grade of B, covering various subjects in public administration, ensuring a thorough understanding of the field. The coursework includes completing a capstone project, which serves as a culminating experience where students apply their accumulated knowledge and skills to address a real-world problem in public, nonprofit, or tribal administration, demonstrating their ability to integrate their learning practically. Students without relevant professional experience are required to complete a practicum as part of the coursework. Those with experience may request a waiver.

Master of Public Administration Core (21 credit hours): 

Master of Public Administration Practicum (3 credit hours): 

Students must have completed at least 21 credit hours of PADM coursework before enrolling in PADM 555 MPA Practicum.

Master of Public Administration Electives (15 credit hours): 

The online Master of Public Administration program requires 15 credit hours of electives. The School of Public Administration is committed to offering pathways toward online degree completion, however, students may not have access to their specific choice of online elective every semester.

Elective courses are always selected in consultation with the SPA Graduate Advisor. Electives consist of any PADM courses outside the core, practicum, and capstone/professional paper/thesis curriculum. If you are interested in a graduate course outside of PADM course offerings, please submit an elective substitution form for approval to spadvise@unm.edu.

Master of Public Administration Capstone/Professional Paper/Thesis (3 credit hours): 

Three options to complete your MPA graduate degree