Admission Standards and Procedures

The Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration admits students for fall, spring, and summer semesters each academic year, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission standards for the Master of Public Administration are:

1. Fulfillment of university requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
2. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0

Applicants must also provide the following documents to be considered for admission to the program:

1. Transcripts of all post-secondary institutions attended.
2. A personal statement that discusses career goals and educational objectives.
3. A current resume or CV.
4. Contact information for at least two references who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation.

Meeting the minimum departmental standards does not entitle an applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only ensures consideration of the application.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of thirty-nine (39) semester hours. Twenty-four (24) hours are taken in the core curriculum; twelve (12) hours of electives, plus a three (3) hour internship or field project.  An individual course plan is designed for each student and approved by the student’s academic advisor, and can follow either a generalist course of study, or focus on one of two tracks: social justice, or fundraising and philanthropy. 

The core curriculum is as follows:

• PADM 7641 - Thry/Prac Nonprofit Adm ** Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7642 - Res Dev Nonprofit Org ** Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7643 - Semn Nonprofit Adm&Philanth ** Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7644 - Nonprofit Branding and Storytelling Credit Hours: 3
• PADM 7601 - Research Methods Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7605 - Human Resources Admin ** Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7612 - Program/Policy Evaltn Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7607 - Public Mgmt Leadership Credit Hours: (3)

Other Requirements

1. The capstone project must be successfully completed during the calendar year in which the student expects to graduate. Students must also successfully complete  PADM 7607 - Public Mgmt Leadership , during the calendar year in which the student expects to graduate.
2. Preservice students must enroll in PADM 7610 Internship Public Admin  (3 Hours) and the internship placement should relate to the student’s concentration and career goals. Students must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours prior to enrollment in PADM 7610. Midcareer students may substitute a 3 credit hour Independent Study or other elective.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students

If a student has taken graduate courses at The University of Memphis as a non-degree-seeking student, the student may apply a maximum of 9 credit hours toward his/her degree requirements. The grade in each course applied must be at least a “3.00.” The Coordinator of Graduate Studies must approve all course work taken as a non-degree-seeking student.