
Public Administration
Advancing Your Career
Our certificate and master's programs prepare pre-career and mid-career professionals for dynamic and impactful work in the public and nonprofit sectors by developing a core set of skills, scholarly knowledge, and applied and basic research. In all of our core classes, we emphasize the need for integrity, ethical conduct, serving the public interest, fairness, accountability and transparency in public service. Graduates serve as city managers, budget directors and policy analysts, to name just a few careers.
Best Value MPA Program in the nation
on average to complete degree
accredited MPA program in Montana
accredited MPA program within a school of law in the nation
Program Options
- 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 Administration 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.
Program Highlights
SEE MOREAlso 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.”




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.”