The University of Montana’s MPA program is the only accredited program in the state of Montana. The program's curriculum is designed to be flexible for pre-career and mid-career professionals interested in public and nonprofit careers. The MPA program is offered online, in person or a combination. The MPA degree requires completing 36 credits of course work and a portfolio project/exit interview. The MPA program offers one specific specialization/concentration in nonprofit administration. Students, with the MPA director’s approval, can create an individualized specialization or simply take outside electives upon completion of required core courses (18 credits).

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of public administration, we collaborate with departments across campus to ensure student success in their future or current careers. Here are suggested websites for outside electives for MPA students at the graduate level: Department of Political Science, Law and/or Public Health.

Mission, Vision and Public Service Values

Mission Statement

To provide an innovative public service education for pre-career and in-career public and nonprofit administration students with an emphasis on cultural awareness, collaboration, and applied learning experiences.

Vision

To become the premiere life-long learning experience in the Rocky Mountain West for public service professionals.

Public Service Values

Our public service values serve as guideposts that inform how we apply our MPA mission to inform decision making.

1. Equity: We believe our commitment to cultural awareness across curriculum and scholarship challenges us to reflect and rethink accepted forms of oppression often found in considerations of efficiency and effectiveness. 
2. Serving the Public Interest: Senator Baucus firmly believes “public service is the highest calling.” We believe training current and future generations about the importance of serving the public ethically is essential to serving the public interest.
3. Fairness: One out of three Montanans live more than 60 miles from a college or university. We believe fairness requires public education offers course delivery that is flexible, accessible, and affordable.
4. Integrity: We believe collegiality in the workplace, classroom, and society is essential to a functioning civil society and is driven by decency and respect.
5. Accountability and Transparency: We believe individuals and institutions should be responsive and accountable to the public for their decisions.

Registration

Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive a NetID and 790 number. Online students are required to complete the distance learner form. All students should set up their UM email accounts and contact Curry Health Center to ensure their medical records are up to date and accurate. Meet with the MPA Director to discuss degree planning. Then, log onto Cyberbear to sign up for classes.

Sample Sequence of Classes

The MPA program offers core classes at least two times per year, rotating online and in-person offerings. Each student is different in terms of course load per semester.

In order to receive financial aid, a student must be enrolled in six credits or two classes. Full-time is considered three classes or nine credits per semester.

We have two curriculum samples (subject to course rotation) to provide you a guide of when to take classes. This is subject to when you start the program. Meet with MPA director to complete an individualized plan.

NAASPA Accreditation

The MPA program is accredited by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NAASPA), which is the global standard in public service education. It is the membership and accreditation organization of graduate education programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration, and public and nonprofit management. Its nearly 300 members — located across the U.S. and in 14 countries around the globe — award MPA, MPP, MPAff and similar degrees.