Master of Public Administration program (MPA) 

About the Master of Public Administration

The 39 hour MPA is a general-purpose public management degree for individuals interested in careers in government or nonprofit organizations. Our curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to effectively manage and lead in today's public and nonprofit sectors with a special emphasis on the policy issues and challenges facing Memphis and the greater Mid-South region.

Program Mission

Promoting responsive, responsible and professional public service through teaching, research and community engagement using a practice-based curriculum centered on nonprofit and urban management.

Fully Accredited by NASPAA

The MPA program at the University of Memphis is fully accredited by  the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the international accrediting body for MPA programs worldwide. 

We know Memphis

Our program is tightly linked in with the Memphis community. Memphis is our laboratory for learning and doing. We connect our students to a large network of government and nonprofit partners through classes, internships, and special projects. 

A Flexible Program Built for all career stages

Our MPA student population has a mix of people at various career stages, from students fresh out of undergraduate programs to seasoned professionals with many years of experience.

• All traditional classroom-based courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals
• Many of our courses are also offered in online formats

What Can I Do With an MPA?

The opportunities are endless!

Contact Information
To know more about the Master of Public Administration, please contact:

Dr. John Topinka
University of Memphis
235 Browning Hall
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-3365
jptpinka@memphis.edu