Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree addresses the specific needs of those pursuing a career in governmental or non-profit administration, and provides preparation for those interested in doctoral level study.  With most courses offered in the evenings, the program is designed for both individuals who recently completed undergraduate degrees and returning students.  It is structured to foster public service leadership by teaching students how to confront theory with practice and practice with theory.

The MPA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), a distinction enjoyed by only about one-fourth of all Master's programs in public administration in the United States .

The MPA is a two-year professional degree. All MPA students complete a common set of six core courses in public management and policy. A minimum of 42 credit hours, which includes either an internship or thesis, and a final oral examination, are required for the MPA. The program is designed in such a way that full-time students who enter in the fall semester can receive their degree in two years or five semesters. 

The MPA faculty brings a variety of perspectives to the program and endeavors to share the latest scholarship and the most pressing issues with students through courses and projects. The faculty encourages MPA students to think critically and creatively in addressing public concerns and problems. Case studies and practical exercises provide students opportunities to apply and revise knowledge developed by others. The small size of the program encourages close interaction among MPA students and between faculty and students.

The MPA program also offers joint degrees with the Department of Criminal Justice and the Department of History.  For more information on those joint degree programs, see the links below.

Prospective students are encouraged to review the program requirements in the NMSU Graduate Catalog.  For additional information, contact the MPA Director, Dr. Diane Prindeville, at 575-646-4935 or dmprinde@nmsu.edu.

• MPA Degree Requirements

• MPA Advising Form

• Joint MPA/MCJ Advising Form

• Joint MPA/Public History Degree

• MPA Internship Guidelines

• MPA Examination Process

• Government Department
  Graduate Catalog

NMSU Graduate School

Apply to the Graduate School at http://gradschool.nmsu.edu/admit-form.html