Program Admission

Applicants must satisfy admission requirements of the Graduate School and receive favorable endorsement from the public administration faculty. Admission will be based on:

1. Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
2. Previous education and/or experience via a resume.
3. Two letters of reference.
4. Ability to articulate career goals and education objectives via a personal statement.
5. OPTIONAL. Standardized Examination (not required for acceptance into program).

Inquiries can be directed to mpa_admissions@memphis.edu

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 - Nonprofit Financial Leadership ** Credit Hours: (3)
• PADM 7645 - Social Justice and Nonprofit Advocacy 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 Service 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 Svc Leadership , during the calendar year in which the student expects to graduate.
2. Preservice students must enroll in PADM 7610 Internship Public Svc  (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.