Public Administration and Wildlife Biology
Lead the Way
Recognizing an increasing demand for careers in wildlife biology and public and nonprofit administration, the University of Montana’s Master of Public Administration and Wildlife Biology programs created a joint degree. The program is the first of its kind in the country. The program, referred to as a “4+1” program, allows UM students to earn both a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology and a two-year master’s degree in public administration at an accelerated pace of just five years instead of the usual six.
Best Value MPA Program in the nation
wildlife biology program in North America
MPA program in Montana
accredited MPA program within a school of law in the nation
Degrees
- Public Administration Certificate Master's
- Nonprofit Administration Minor Certificate
- Public Policy Certificate
Joint Degrees
- J.D./Master of Public Administration Master's Doctorate/Specialist
- Master of Public Administration/Master of Public Health Master's
- Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology/Master of Public Adminsitation Bachelor's Master's
Outside the Classroom
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Pi Alpha Alpha
University of Montana’s Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha (UMPAA) fosters innovative applied learning experiences and scholarship in public administration, policy and affairs. By serving the students, alumni and associates of the University of Montana, UMPAA strives to enhance the experiences of its members and community by providing opportunities for professional development, applied learning and networking through academic and professional support.
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American Fisheries Society
Get involved, advance your career goals, and have fun as part of the oldest and largest society for professional fisheries scientists in the world. The UM subunit of AFS is open to all UM students. UM AFS provides members with a way to learn more about local fisheries issues, make contacts with professionals, learn about current internships and job announcements, and get involved with local conservation efforts like river cleanup, restoration projects and even a fishing trip or two.
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The Wildlife Society
The Wildlife Society is an international scientific and educational organization serving the resource management fields. TWS develops and promotes responsible stewardship of wildlife resources and the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend; undertakes an active role in preventing human-induced environmental degradation; increases awareness and appreciation of wildlife values; and seeks the highest standards of professionalism in all activities.
Program Highlights
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Also in the Law School
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Max S. Baucus Institute
The work of the Max S. Baucus Institute is an extension of the important bipartisan, consensus-building public service Ambassador Baucus exemplified during his long and distinguished career. Situated within the law school, the Baucus Institute is where policymakers, lawyers, politicians, leading academics and students interact on a global scale.
What Our Graduates Say
about our programs.
Shelby Moore
Executive Director at Heartlinks Hospice and Pallative Care
MPA, Nonprofit Administration
“I was privileged to learn from Dr. Rinfret and Dr. Brewer. They always taught courses with angles that were applicable to the nonprofit sector. I think about those case studies all the time, and they’re relevant in my work every day.”
Sam Scott
“The MPA Program has been an amazing experience, helping me to better serve my community and become a more effective public servant.”
Kali Wicks
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
MPA
“I love what I do, I love policy development, I love meeting with people and hearing different ideas and working on solutions. On the city commission, I learn something new every day and really enjoy interacting with people in the community.”
Kat Cowley
Founder, UM Food Pantry Supervisor
MPA
“There just weren’t resources available. So I wanted to make sure that we had resources, and that I could be there to give my lived experience.”
