Rise to new heights in public administration.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program offers students hands-on experiences and opportunities for meaningful public service involvement through partnerships with government agencies, judicial bodies, and nonprofits across Southern Colorado and beyond. Our online platform provides immersive learning experiences directly relevant to real-world careers.
- Career-Relevant Courses — Get hands-on experience applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Military Friendly — The MPA is an accessible degree aligned with common civilian career paths for servicemembers.
- Online Learning — Study fully online with full-time and part-time options.
- NASPAA Accreditation — The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) has accredited our high quality MPA program.
Master of Public Administration
100% Online or Hybrid
Delivery Method
$710*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$811*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
36-39
Credit Hours
18-24 Months
Average Completion Time
Online Dual Master's Degrees
UCCS offers two dual degrees with the Master of Public Administration:
- Public Administration + Criminal Justice
Earn your master’s in both public administration and criminal justice in just 54 credit hours, as opposed to 72 credit hours if each degree was pursued separately.
- Public Administration + Sociology (Hybrid)
Earn your master’s degree in sociology alongside the public administration program in just 53 credit hours, as opposed to 66 credit hours if each degree was pursued separately.
Add a Related Certificate
Gain a competitive edge in the job market. MPA students can also customize their degree program by concurrently earning a distinguishing graduate certificate in the following areas:
- Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Grant Writing, Management and Program Evaluation
- National Security Intelligence
- Nonprofit Management
The online UCCS MPA program has made all the difference in achieving my professional goals. The coursework, combined with mentorship from the faculty, helped me build a foundation in community outreach, program development, and advocacy. Now, as a public service leader, I work on initiatives that expand access to housing, healthcare, and social services to underserved populations.
– Rubba A. '20, Alum, Master of Public Administration; Senior Public Health Planner, El Paso County Public Health
Careers in Public Administration
Advance your career goals. A public administration degree prepares you for roles in government at the local, state and federal levels (including the military), nonprofits at all levels (including international), and research and consulting.
Where did UCCS MPA graduates go with their degrees?
National, State, and Local Government
International Government
US Military
Domestic and International Nonprofits
Research and Consulting
Education
Apply Now
Request more information and start the admissions process by filling out the form on this page. Our team will answer your questions about the program and help you prepare to complete the application.
Public Administration Admissions
Request more information and start the admissions process by filling out the form on this page. An enrollment navigator will answer your questions about the program and help you prepare to complete your application to the MPA program.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process. However, submitting your application by the preferred deadlines is advisable.
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
- Summer 2025 – July 9, 2025
- Fall 2025 – August 25, 2025
- Spring 2026 – January 20, 2026
- Summer 2026 – June 15, 2026
- Fall 2026 – August 24, 2026