MPA FAQs

• Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with grades sufficiently high to indicate ability to pursue graduate work, typically a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
• MPA applicants may have an undergraduate degree in any field.
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the MPA program.

For more information about the admission process please visit the Graduate Admissions page. 

In general, applicants must submit the following:

• Online Graduate School Application, which includes a written statement indicating educational and career goals
• $60 non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions
• Three recommendations by qualified references that establish the applicant's personal qualifications for graduate work. Recommendations may be from professors, employers, and/or others who are acquainted with the prospective student's professional and/or academic work.
• Current resume

For more information about the admission process please visit the Graduate Admissions page. 

Most of the students in the School of Public Affairs program are already working full-time. Courses are offered during the evenings, weekends and online to help accommodate most work schedules.

Students should estimate that it takes three hours of outside work (e.g., readings, assignments, preparation for presentations) for each hour spent in class. Thus, during the fall or spring semester, the total workload should average around nine hours per week for each 3-credit course, though some weeks will be heavier than others.

Because the summer term is shorter in length, the workload is more highly concentrated and requires a somewhat larger time commitment over a shorter period.

• At UCCS, graduate students are considered to be full-time when taking five or more credit hours during fall or spring semesters or three or more credit hours during summer semester.

• If a full-time student takes 2 courses, or 6 credit hours, per semester and does not attend summer sessions, a typical occurrence, it will take that student at least 3 years to complete the MPA program (internships notwithstanding).

• Part-time students who complete only one course per semester, or those not able to attend every semester, will require longer to complete degree requirements.  

• Individual students should determine how many courses to take each semester based on their time commitments and obligations.

The cost of degree program will vary based on several factors such as residency status, number of credit hours taken per semester, online course fees, etc. The total cost for the degree program for in-state students is approximately $21,300 and for out-of-state students is approximately $43,100. Your specific costs may be more accurately estimated using the Bursar Office’s Estimate Your Bill tool. 

For more information about finances please visit the Graduate Admissions page. 

Pre-service students (those without at least one year of professional work experience in a public or nonprofit setting) are required to complete a three-credit internship course, bringing the total hours required for the degree to 39. 

Each student's application to the program is examined, and the MPA program director determines whether an internship is appropriate or should be waived. Approximately 25-30% of all Master of Public Administration (MPA) students are determined to be pre-service. Some students who are initially required to take an internship later obtain employment that would merit a waiver while still a student in the MPA program. In such circumstances, the student may apply for a waiver of the internship requirement by contacting the MPA program director.

Interns will not be placed until at least 9 hours have been completed in the MPA program. In the internship, students work part-time or full-time as interns for government agencies, legislatures, government-related organizations, and nonprofit groups. 

UCCS MPA students have completed internships in various organizations, including:

• City of Colorado Springs
• City of Longmont
• El Paso County Department of Human Services
• Pikes Peak United Way
• The Women's Resource Agency
• US Air Force Academy Endowment
• The Navigators