Public Administration, MPA (Online)
The MPA Online is a professional degree program designed to prepare students for careers in public service through a program of study that integrates the theory and practice of public administration.
Program overview
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree for working professionals is a cohort-based, online executive degree program designed to enhance opportunities for individuals in public service through a program of study that integrates the theory and practice of public administration. The program aspires to produce graduates who are literate in public administration, have the skills to be effective managers of organizational resources, and possess the analytical abilities to be creative problem solvers.
Concentrations
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) online program offers four career-focused concentrations designed to deepen your expertise. Students can choose from Policy Analytics, Economic and Community Development, Emergency Management, or Nonprofit Management.
Whether you’re interested in harnessing data for policy decisions, supporting economic growth, leading during crises, or managing nonprofit organizations, each concentration complements the program’s core curriculum. All courses are designed with working professionals in mind.
View our concentrations
Policy Analytics
The Policy Analytics concentration equips students to harness data to generate insights and solutions to pressing public problems. With advanced training in data analysis, visualization, and policy evaluation, students are prepared to analyze public policy problems using cutting edge techniques and to communicate their insights to a broad audience.
HBS 503 Administrative Law and Regulatory Policymaking: Legal foundations of the administrative state. Agency implementation of legislation through rulemaking, enforcement, and adjudication. Legislative oversight, executive control, and judicial review of agency actions.
HBS 512 Research Design and Data Acquisition: Methods for planning and executing research from experiments to case studies. Development of research questions and hypotheses, measurement issues, and validity of inferences. Basic assumptions and techniques of research in public policy including measurement, analysis, acquiring and reporting data.
HBS 513: Data-Driven Decisions: Methods and analytic tools used to translate data into models and forecasts to support public decision-making. Emphasis on econometric and simulation approaches, including linear regression and maximum likelihood methods.
Earn an optional Policy Analytics Certificate
HBS 514: Policy Communication and Data Visualization
Approaches to communicating complex scientific and policy information to varied audiences, media training, as well as data visualization strategies and techniques.
Economic and Community Development
The Economic and Community Development concentration prepares students to evaluate government decisions on economic growth, land use planning, and the delivery of public services. By combining policy analysis with applied economic tools, this concentration prepares graduates to work at the intersection of public policy and economic development, leading initiatives that drive growth and foster vibrant communities.
HBS 503 Administrative Law and Regulatory Policymaking: Legal foundations of the administrative state. Agency implementation of legislation through rulemaking, enforcement, and adjudication. Legislative oversight, executive control, and judicial review of agency actions.
HBS 544 Planning and Land Use: Regional planning within a legal, regulatory, social, and political context. Environmental and sustainable development. Role for public, private, and nonprofit entities in affecting regional performance. Project evaluation, economic impact analysis, economic development incentives, including tax-increment financing and development impact fees and taxes. Community engagement. Land use regulation and zoning.
HBS 523 Regional Economics: Sources of regional economic growth and development and the spatial distribution of people (including migration) and business. Effects of policy on regional economic activity, urban/rural land use, and the role of public infrastructure. Regional spillovers and policy coordination.
Earn an optional Economic & Community Development Certificate
IAC 504 The Art of the Possible: Conflict, communication, consensus building, and compromise in public policymaking. Emphasis on case studies.
Emergency Management
The Emergency Management concentration equips students with the knowledge and skills to prevent, plan for, respond to, and recover from disasters and complex crises. Students explore hazard analysis and management, strategies for collaboration and communication during crises, and approaches to preparedness and risk mitigation, building the capacity to lead effectively in high-stakes environments.
HBS 503 Administrative Law and Regulatory Policymaking: Legal foundations of the administrative state. Agency implementation of legislation through rulemaking, enforcement, and adjudication. Legislative oversight, executive control, and judicial review of agency actions.
HBS 535 Emergency Management: Existing policies and agencies in the area of emergency preparedness and response at the federal, state, and local levels. Emphasis on case studies of past incidents, emergencies, disasters, and catastrophes.
HBS 534 Public Organization, Theory, and Behavior: Examination of organizational theory and behavior with emphasis on implications for public management. Includes theories of decision-making, leadership, communications, and group dynamics.
Earn an optional Emergency Management Certificate
HBS 537: Leading Across Difference
Leading and managing diverse teams to achieve collective goals.
Nonprofit Management
The Nonprofit Management concentration prepares students to lead with impact in mission-driven organizations. Designed around the unique challenges and opportunities of the nonprofit sector, this concentration covers strategy, fundraising, social innovation, and effective governance, equipping graduates with the skills to advance organizational success and strengthen communities.
HBS 503 Administrative Law and Regulatory Policymaking: Legal foundations of the administrative state. Agency implementation of legislation through rulemaking, enforcement, and adjudication. Legislative oversight, executive control, and judicial review of agency actions.
HBS 536 Nonprofit Management: An overview of the history, scope, and management of not-for-profit organizations.
HBS 534 Public Organization, Theory, and Behavior: Examination of organizational theory and behavior with emphasis on implications for public management. Includes theories of decision-making, leadership, communications, and group dynamics.
Earn an optional Nonprofit Management Certificate by Selecting One of These Courses
HBS 537: Leading Across Difference
Leading and managing diverse teams to achieve collective goals.
ALEC 520: Leadership Development in Organizations and Community NonProfit
Application of concepts related to developing leaders for organizing and maintaining extension and community nonprofit organizations. The foundation of this course is grounded in traditional and contemporary leadership philosophies and practices but emphasizes leadership in agricultural professions.
Custom concentrations are available in consultation with an advisor or director. For more information, please reach out to Student Success at bakerstudents@utk.edu
Curriculum
Core Courses (21 credit hours)
- HBS 501 Perspectives on the Policy Process (3 credit hours)
- IAC 501 Ethical Leadership in Public Affairs (3 credit hours)
- HBS 504 Public Administration (3 credit hours)
- HBS 512 Research Design and Data Acquisition (3 credit hours)
- HBS 531 Public Management (3 credit hours)
- HBS 532 Public Financial Administration (3 credit hours)
- HBS 533 HR Management in Public Organizations (3 credit hours)
Executive Practicum
A 6-credit-hour practicum is required for all students. For the practicum, students must design and implement a project for their current employer or identified organization. Students will work on their practicum over two semesters, being enrolled in 3 credit hours each semester. The Executive Practicum serves in place of a comprehensive exam or internship/capstone requirement for the in-person MPA degree.
Hear from the Director of MPA Online, Dr. Tara Bryan
Why Earn Your MPA Online at the Baker School?
The MPA online is a wonderful opportunity for working professionals to advance their careers in public service. Our asynchronous online format allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule. You’ll learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world public service expertise to every lesson, and you will have multiple opportunities to engage and network with other public service professionals across the country, both online and in person.
What can you do with an MPA after graduation?
An MPA prepares individuals for leadership, management, and policy analysis roles within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and more. Graduates with an MPA can work as city managers, policy analysts, program directors, or consultants, focusing on improving public services, managing budgets, and implementing social or environmental policies.
Featured Courses
Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take. For a full list of courses, visit the graduate catalog.
HBS 523 – Regional Economics
Sources of regional economic growth and development and the spatial distribution of people (including migration) and business. Effects of policy on regional economic activity, urban/rural land use and the role of public infrastructure. Regional spillovers and policy coordination. Prerequisite HBS 521 or equivalent.
HBS 535 – Emergency Management
Existing policies and agencies in the area of emergency preparedness and response at the federal, state, and local levels. Emphasis on case studies of past incidents, emergencies, disasters, and catastrophes.
HBS 534 – Public Organization, Theory, and Behavior
Examination of organizational theory and behavior with emphasis on implications for public management. Includes theories of decision-making, leadership, communications, and group dynamics.
HBS 512 – Research Design & Data Acquisition
Methods for planning and executing research from experiments to case studies. Development of research questions and hypothesis, measurement issues, and validity of inferences. Basic assumptions and techniques of research in public policy including measurement, analysis, acquiring, and reporting data.
Asynchronous Format
Our asynchronous online format allows you to complete coursework on your schedule. No need to rearrange your life to move forward in your career. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, you can learn when it works best for you.
Taught by Experienced Faculty
You’ll learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world public service expertise into every lesson. In addition to dynamic coursework, you’ll have the chance to participate in Baker School events, connecting your learning to timely issues and thoughtful leadership.
Engage and Network
Throughout the program, you’ll engage and network with other public service professionals across the country. These relationships extend beyond the classroom, creating valuable connections that support your goals and expand your career opportunities.
Learning Experience
- Students typically spend 7 hours per week on coursework, including readings, discussions, and assignments. The flexible, asynchronous format allows you to plan your study time around your personal and professional responsibilities, making it manageable and consistent week to week
- Throughout the semester, there will be opportunities to have synchronous touch points with the instructor and your classmates.
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue a Master of Public Administration degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.