MPA
Public Administration
Application Deadline
Contact Information
Admission Requirements
Additional Requirements
- Interest in public service as reflected in the statement of intent and resume.
- All admitted MPA students are required to pass basic preparation courses and proficiency exams by July 1. The courses are offered online and information will be sent upon admission.
- Commitment to not be employed during the first semester of the program
- Applicants with degrees that have been awarded outside of the US must complete a foreign credential evaluation with IERF and request to have the official report sent electronically to BYU Graduate Studies (before the application deadline) in order to be considered eligible for admission. Please be aware that IERF process can take up to a month to complete.
- Students are required to attend and participate in all New Student Orientation Activities (typically held the week before school starts).
- Strong computer skills
- Interest in public management as reflected in a statement of intent.
- The MPA program has no required prerequisite coursework. However, we strongly recommend that applicants complete the following undergraduate courses: economics, statistics, and accounting. Students who have taken these classes enter the program better prepared for graduate courses in these areas. Students must also be comfortable with the basic tasks and functions in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Resume
- Employment History
- 3 Letters of recommendation
Program Requirements
All entering MPA students are required to enroll in the core program classes during the first semester of the program. Other required core classes are taken throughout the MPA program. Students will select a sector (local government, state and federal government, or nonprofit) during their first semester, and take courses from the sector area and elective courses to prepare for a career where they can effectively administer in government and nonprofit organizations.
Because of the intensity of the courses and the number of hours spent in teamwork outside the classroom, students cannot work during the first semester of the program.
The full-time MPA program is designed to provide an understanding of the essential body of knowledge and to develop the basic skills needed for professional management. Such essentials include quantitative analysis, managerial economics, organizational behavior, strategy, human resource management, accounting, budget and finance, ethics, and communication. These skills are taught through practical class and field experiences, case studies, formal and computer simulations, and special workshops and seminars. Second-year courses are designed around an individual’s desired sector and skill areas. Sectors include local government, state and federal government, and nonprofit. Skills include resource development, program management, and finance. By selecting a sector and a skill area, students are uniquely prepared for a career where they can effectively administer in government and nonprofit programs.
Requirements for Degree
Required courses: MPA 520, 608, 612, 626, 630, 631, 632, 640, 641, 643, 644, 646, 647, 662, 680, 681, 683, 684
Sector and skills courses: MPA 604, 615, 617, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 638, 650, 653, 654, 655, 656, 659R, 675, 676, 690R
The preceding does not represent the full range of requirements and opportunities in the program. See professors, academic advisor and career services director for greater detail.
Because of the intensity of the courses and the number of hours spent in teamwork outside the classroom, students cannot work during the first semester of the program.
The full-time MPA program is designed to provide an understanding of the essential body of knowledge and to develop the basic skills needed for professional management. Such essentials include quantitative analysis, managerial economics, organizational behavior, strategy, human resource management, accounting, budget and finance, ethics, and communication. These skills are taught through practical class and field experiences, case studies, formal and computer simulations, and special workshops and seminars. Second-year courses are designed around an individual’s desired sector and skill areas. Sectors include local government, state and federal government, and nonprofit. Skills include resource development, program management, and finance. By selecting a sector and a skill area, students are uniquely prepared for a career where they can effectively administer in government and nonprofit programs.
Requirements for Degree
- Credit hours: 58
- Required courses: 40 credit hours
- First-year program: courses in economic decision making, decision analysis, organizational behavior, communication, administrative environment, budgeting, statistics, finance, program evaluation, and career preparation.
- Second-year program: courses in ethics, legal issues, and human resource management, and a capstone course.
- Sector and skill courses. By selecting a sector (local government, state and federal government, or nonprofit) and a skill (resource development, program management, or finance) a student takes 15 credits to prepare for a specific career path.
Required courses: MPA 520, 608, 612, 626, 630, 631, 632, 640, 641, 643, 644, 646, 647, 662, 680, 681, 683, 684
Sector and skills courses: MPA 604, 615, 617, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 638, 650, 653, 654, 655, 656, 659R, 675, 676, 690R
The preceding does not represent the full range of requirements and opportunities in the program. See professors, academic advisor and career services director for greater detail.
Program Outcomes
Public Service Values
BYU MPA graduates demonstrate an understanding of, passion for, and commitment to public service values, including reverence for the dignity and worth of all people and dedication to ethical governance.
Quantitative Analysis
BYU MPA graduates are skilled at evaluating programs and policies. They know how to gather data, correctly analyze it, and employ the analysis to recommend policy and programmatic action in public service organizations.
Communication
BYU MPA graduates effectively convey verbal and written information with the polish and professionalism appropriate for the public service context. They listen to and promote understanding among people with diverse viewpoints.
Teamwork & Collaboration
BYU MPA graduates know how to leverage the power of a team. They conduct effective, agenda-based team meetings, and promote mutual accountability with teammates and collaborative partners.
BYU MPA graduates demonstrate an understanding of, passion for, and commitment to public service values, including reverence for the dignity and worth of all people and dedication to ethical governance.
Quantitative Analysis
BYU MPA graduates are skilled at evaluating programs and policies. They know how to gather data, correctly analyze it, and employ the analysis to recommend policy and programmatic action in public service organizations.
Communication
BYU MPA graduates effectively convey verbal and written information with the polish and professionalism appropriate for the public service context. They listen to and promote understanding among people with diverse viewpoints.
Teamwork & Collaboration
BYU MPA graduates know how to leverage the power of a team. They conduct effective, agenda-based team meetings, and promote mutual accountability with teammates and collaborative partners.
Program Stats
Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
Total Students
174.0
International
37.0
Male
83.0
Female
91.0
LDS
169.0
BYU Undergraduate
54.0
Three Year Average Test Scores of Admitted Student
GMAT Composite Score
480.0
Five Year Average of Graduated Students
Average Years to Degree
1.89
Graduated Per Year
18.6
GMAT Quantitative Percentile
67.5
Five Year Average of Admitted Students
Applied Per Year
83.2
Admitted Per Year
58.8
Percent Admitted
70.67
Average GPA
3.33
Courses and Faculty