UNF’s public administration graduate program is only accredited program in NE Florida

UNF’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has recently earned NASPAA reaccreditation through 2027. UNF’s MPA program is the only accredited graduate professional program in public policy, administration and related fields in Northeast Florida. The program has held this elite accreditation since 1999. 

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the global standard in public service education. The Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) grants the NASPAA accreditation based on programs that demonstrate a substantial commitment to quality public service education by pursuing and achieving accreditation through rigorous peer review. To maintain the elite standing, COPRA reviews annual accreditation maintenance reports to determine ongoing conformity with NASPAA Standards. 

UNF’s MPA program has three specific concentrations: local government, nonprofit management, and public policy, with opportunities to take electives and concentrations from other graduate programs. Over 750 MPA alumni work in local, state and federal government, nonprofit organizations, the armed forces, and the private sector; and many have stayed to serve the Northeast Florida community.

The UNF MPA program caters to beginning and mid-career professionals, offering almost all courses in the evening with many hybrid and distance-learning options, to prepare students for successful careers as managers in the public and nonprofit sectors. While public administration is generally associated with a political science background, students from any discipline who are interested in public or nonprofit careers, or who are currently employed in the public or nonprofit sectors, are encouraged to apply.

The mission of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration is to serve the State of Florida through excellent educational opportunities involving teaching, quality research, and effective civic engagement. With excellent instruction as the highest priority, the department also supports extensive interaction with external constituencies through local, regional, state, and national professional service, and applied and theoretical research. 

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.unf.edu/coas/pspa/MPA/.