Baker School Launches New Online Masters in Public Administration
Working professionals wanting to advance their public sector careers can now pursue a master’s degree without giving up their current roles. An online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree will be available this fall through the Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The degree program was created specifically for those wanting to maintain professional commitments and increase their effectiveness in the public sector.
The degree is designed for working professionals. It is flexible and guided, allowing students to balance their school, work, and personal lives. The goal is to equip graduates with a deep understanding of key principles of public leadership, financial and human resources management skills, and the analytical abilities required for innovative problem-solving.
“Offering an online master’s program aligns with our mission of graduating skilled, public problem solvers,” said Su Su, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies. “The online MPA allows us to expand educational opportunities for active public professionals. We look forward to welcoming a diverse group of students with strong ability and career potential who are committed to public service.”
Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and two years of professional experience. The curriculum consists of 36 graduate credit hours and includes an executive practicum. It is structured to use a team-cohort model with asynchronous content, offering connectivity and convenience. In addition, a 9-credit (3-course) concentration is required to complete the MPA degree. Available concentrations include policy analytics, non-profit management, economic and community development, and emergency management. This program results in the same Master of Public Administration degree as the full-time, on-campus MPA, which has been offered for over half a century with a highly successful alumni network.
Marianne Wanamaker, Dean of the Baker School, says, “For public servants who are interested in increasing their effectiveness in the public sector and in addressing our society’s greatest challenges, the Baker School is a place to work with exceptional faculty and to connect with other professionals with the same aspirations.”
The online MPA is offered through Vols Online, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s digital learning platform. As a leader in online education, Vols Online provides more than 70 fully remote Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees and certificates across many departments and colleges. An integral part of UT, Vols Online’s degree programs share the same faculty, education, degrees, and Volunteer spirit as the on-campus experience.
For more information on the MPA or any other online program, visit www.volsonline.utk.edu