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Masters Degree in Public Administration

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College of Liberal Arts and Social Science

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Masters Degree in Public Administration

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The AUM Master of Public Administration program prepares students for management positions in the nonprofit sector and various administrative and management opportunities in local, state, or national government. The program equips students to be effective administrators and policymakers in today’s complex and changing public policy environment.

The mission of the Auburn University at Montgomery MPA program is to prepare students with diverse backgrounds and experiences for successful policymaking and administrative careers at the local, regional, and national levels. Through excellent teaching, research, academic collaboration, community engagement, and service the program provides students with the critical knowledge, professional skills, and public service values required to assume leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. Key hallmarks of the program are its emphasis on the importance of an understanding of the normative, constitutional, and participatory aspects of active citizenship, and the broader challenges facing public policy and administration in the contemporary world.

Recent graduates have been admitted to various graduate programs and/or taken positions with job titles such as:

  • Communications Coordinator, Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools
  • Communications and Development Associate, Arise Citizens’ Policy Project
  • Budget Analyst, City of Novi, Michigan
  • Revenue Compliance Officer, Alabama Department of Revenue
  • Medicaid Administrator, Alabama Medicaid Agency
  • Assistant Director of Public Relations, Alabama Association of School Boards
  • Legislative Analyst, Alabama State Department of Education
  • Personnel Analyst, Alabama State Department of Personnel

AUM also offers two, four-course certificates in Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation and State and Local Administration. This is an option for current MPA students as well as individuals not enrolled in the MPA program.

  • What kind of electives are available? Elective classes include Organization Theory and Behavior, Public Policymaking, State and Local Government, Issues in Public Administration, Intergovernmental Relations, Grants and Contracts, and more.
  • What sort of expertise does your faculty have? Faculty expertise includes ethics, program evaluation, organizational behavior, budgeting, financial management, urban politics, state and local government, policy analysis, regulatory policy, and nonprofits.
  • How could this program impact my career? Our graduates pursue a variety of careers in law, government, education, nonprofits, consulting, journalism, policymaking, and lobbying. Some continue their education in programs such as the Auburn University-AUM Joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration and Public Policy.
  • Other than politics as a career, why should I select this program? As part of a liberal arts education that enhances skills in analytical reading, research, analysis, and writing, those with an advanced public administration degree are good candidates for leadership positions in consulting, government, the foreign service, and nonprofit administration.
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Why AUM?

Our differences are our strengths!

Award-Winning

AUM is honored to have received many national and regional awards over the years. U.S. News & World Report named AUM one of its Top Public Schools for 2021, and Yahoo! Finance honored us as one of the Most Affordable Universities for 2021.

Affordable

We think a high-quality, graduate education should be affordable. Tuition rates for many of our programs are lower than at comparable universities. In addition, scholarship or other kinds of tuition assistance may be available.

Close-Knit

AUM offers a close-knit community where students and faculty get to know each other by name and develop valuable professional networks. We are able to keep class sizes small to facilitate group projects and personalized learning.

Career-Focused

We understand that one of the main reasons you are here is to expand your career options. That’s why our programs are practical and often apply to your current work situation. You’ll also have the opportunity to get valuable career assistance.

We Have the Answers

Ask Us Anything

Check out Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth on this page to begin exploring your options. Contact us so we can get you the answers you need.

Tuition at AUM is one of the most affordable in the state. The department awards scholarships to new and continuing students who meet certain requirements. Some research assistantships are also available as well as the Graduate Focus Scholarship.

Full-time students usually take at least three courses in the fall and spring semesters and can complete the program in four semesters. Most students opt to take fewer courses per semester and complete the program within six to eight semesters.

Students are not required to have a political science degree. Other requirements may apply. See application instructions for details.

Application Requirements

Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. See the program’s application instructions for details on the application process. Students are encouraged to start the program in the fall if possible, but are welcome to begin in the Spring term.

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Why I chose the Master Degree Program in Public Administration.

Crystal Mann
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Degree Options

Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth

With this master’s degree, you have many career possibilities. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or another source, if noted). 

Career/Job TitleEntry-level EducationJob Growth 2020-2030Annual Median Salary
Political ScientistMaster's degree9% (As fast as average)$122,510
Urban and Regional PlannerMaster's degree7% (As fast as average)$78,500
Policy AnalystMaster's degreeNot available$76,162 (indeed.com)

Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Available data represents job titles across industries and may not be specific to your job category.

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Quick Facts

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

At AUM’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, you will have powerful learning experiences, working side by side with professors who have real-world experience.

Our academic departments include Communication and Theatre, Criminal Justice, Economics, English and Philosophy, Fine Arts,  History and World Cultures, Political Science and Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, and Army ROTC. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.

Official Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Modality

This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.

In-Class
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