MPA Public Administration at University of Idaho

Programme overview

Leadership in the public sector demands a broad understanding of management. The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree is for students interested in careers in the management of local governments and communities. In this program, you can expect to improve your practical and analytical skills while earning real-world experience you need to land a job and successfully manage public organizations. On-campus and online M.P.A. degrees are offered.

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include POLS 5550 Public Administration Theory; POLS 5570 Governmental Budgeting; POLS 5580 Research Methods for Local Government and Community Administration; POLS 5650 Local Government Law; POLS 5720 Local Government Politics and Administration; POLS 5750 Public Personnel Administration.

Career pathways

However, the skills you’ll gain will make you competitive for careers in non-profit, state and federal agencies. Related occupations listed for this programme include General and Operations Managers; Transportation and Storage Managers; Supply Chain Managers; Postmasters and Mail Superintendents; Social and Community Service Managers; Regulatory Affairs Managers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Education level: Bachelor’s degree; GPA: 3.0; GRE: No; TOEFL/IELTS: 96/7.0; Number of references: Three. Applicants must also meet University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies admission requirements.

USD 7,500 a year (2026-27). Online option, fall and spring only; $3,750 per semester across two semesters. Institutional program fee charged in lieu of tuition; the page labels it 'tuition and fees' and states the web-based course fee of $35 per credit is not included. Source

Entry terms: fall (August start), spring (January start) and summer (mid-May start). Fall 2027 applications are open and the university admits on a rolling basis.

Graduate priority dates for full consideration for admission and funding: fall Jan. 15, spring Sept. 1, summer Jan. 15. Domestic deadlines: fall July 30, spring Dec. 1. International deadlines: fall Apr. 15, spring Oct. 1. Programme-specific deadlines take precedence. The online application fee is $50 (non-refundable); GRE only where a programme requires it.

Law (JD): apply through the LSAC portal; the Fall 2027 application opens Sept. 1, 2026 and the final deadline is June 30, 2027. The application fee is $50 (waived through Jan. 15, 2027).

Apply through the official page: https://www.uidaho.edu/graduate-studies/admissions

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