Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

The MPA curriculum combines core courses in public administration with applied electives and a capstone experience. Students study foundations of public administration, public policy analysis, public finance and budgeting, administrative law, organisational theory, and research methods. Coursework emphasises quantitative and qualitative techniques for decision-making, programme evaluation, and performance measurement.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Foundations of Public Administration: history and functions of public organisations, administrative theory and the role of the public manager.
• Public Policy Analysis: policy formulation, implementation, evaluation and the tools used to assess policy impacts.
• Public Budgeting and Finance: budgeting processes, fiscal management, revenue sources and financial reporting in the public sector.
• Administrative Law and Ethics: legal frameworks for public organisations, regulatory compliance and professional ethics.
• Research Methods and Statistics: research design, data collection and analysis techniques applied to public-sector problems.
• Human Resource Management in the Public Sector: personnel systems, labour relations and strategic workforce planning.
• Programme Evaluation and Performance Measurement: evaluation design, indicators, cost–benefit and cost–effectiveness analysis.
• Electives and Specialisms: options may include nonprofit management, urban and community development, emergency management, intergovernmental relations and grant writing.

Students typically choose between a practicum/capstone project or a master’s thesis, and many programmes offer part-time, evening or online course delivery to accommodate working professionals. Practical learning opportunities, such as internships or applied projects with local government or nonprofit partners, are commonly integrated into the programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate a satisfactory academic record. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic ability, relevant professional experience and readiness for graduate study. Typical documentation required includes official transcripts and a statement of purpose; some applicants may also be asked to provide letters of recommendation or a resume detailing public service or related experience.

Standardised tests may be considered but are not always mandatory; requirements vary by applicant profile and by department. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Applicants with limited academic preparation in quantitative methods may be required to take preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MPA commonly pursue leadership and management roles across the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Career paths include positions such as city or county administrator, policy analyst, budget analyst, programme manager, human resources director in the public sector, nonprofit executive director, grant manager and consultant specialising in public-sector reform or performance improvement.

The degree also prepares graduates for roles in intergovernmental agencies, healthcare administration, housing and community development, emergency management, and lobbying or advocacy organisations. Many students use the MPA to advance within their current agencies or to transition from specialised technical roles into broader management and policy positions.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers an MPA with a practical, career-focused approach and strong connections to government and civic organisations in the Montgomery region and the wider state. The programme emphasises small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with practitioner experience, providing mentoring and real-world perspectives.

The university commonly provides flexible scheduling, including evening and online options, to accommodate working professionals. Proximity to state and local government, nonprofit organisations and civic institutions supports internship placements and applied research projects. Students benefit from a learning environment designed to prepare public service leaders equipped to manage complex policy challenges and to advance ethical, effective governance.