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FAQs

What is the difference between the Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs at the Hobby School?

The Master of Public Administration focuses on the development of public service leaders. The curriculum combines challenging coursework in organizational behavior and leadership, change management, public policy implementation and public finance, among other necessary skills for effective leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors. Many MPA students are practitioners. Graduates include public and nonprofit managers, policy advisors, senior government officials and elected officials.

The Master of Public Policy focuses on the practical and applied dimensions of policy analysis, ethics and leadership principles and research methods. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines coursework in political science, economics, computer science, business and statistics. MPP candidates develop strong quantitative and data analysis skills and cross-disciplinary competence. Alumni hold positions as analysts, consultants, researchers, grant writers and professionals in various sectors.

Both programs are relevant to the broad profession of public affairs and share a single-minded mission of developing leaders to apply policy theory to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on communities.

 

Hobby School Graduate Programs Comparison Chart

Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Public Policy (MPP) Graduate Certificates
Program Emphasis

Graduates will be prepared to act as ethical and innovative leaders.

Focuses on the development of public service leaders through coursework in public management, strategic planning, budgeting for public agencies, program evaluation and policy implementation.

Graduates will be ready to address the most challenging policy issues. 

Focuses on strong quantitative and data analysis skills and cross-disciplinary competence, incorporating political science, economics, philosophy and statistics.

Provides professionals from various backgrounds with advanced training and instruction to enhance their careers.

Focuses on specializations with practical applications to provide specific skill sets and expertise in public policy and public administration.
Program Start Spring and Fall Spring and Fall Spring and Fall
Length Full-time Enrollment: Two years (four to five semesters)

Part-time Enrollment: Three to five years (six to 10 semesters)

Full-time Enrollment: Two years (four to five semesters)

Part-time Enrollment: Three to five years (six to 10 semesters)

Full-time Enrollment: One year (two semesters)

Part-time Enrollment: Two years (two to four semesters)

Location On campus with some online and hybrid courses available On campus with some online and hybrid courses available On campus with some online and hybrid courses available
Entrance Exam GRE waived if 3.3 or higher undergraduate GPA or completed a master’s or doctoral degree GRE waived if 3.3 or higher undergraduate GPA or completed a master’s or doctoral degree No
Classes 12 courses (36 credit hours) 13 courses (39 credit hours) 4 courses (12 credit hours)
Specialization/Electives A specialization and two elective courses A specialization and two elective courses One to two elective courses depending on the graduate certificate
Capstone Project Yes Yes No
Internship Requirement* Yes Yes No
Estimated Total Tuition and Fees Cost** Texas Residents: $17,200

Non-Residents: $36,000

Texas Residents: $18,500

Non-Residents: $38,500

Texas Residents: $6,000

Non-Residents: $12,000

Financial Support Hobby School and university scholarships, limited teaching and research assistant positions for second-year students and loans Hobby School and university scholarships, limited teaching and research assistant positions for second-year students and loans No financial aid is available for those earning graduate certificates
Application Deadlines Fall
  • Priority Deadline: March 1
  • International Applicants: May 1
  • Domestic Applicants: August 1

Spring

  • Priority Deadline: September 1
  • International Applicants: October 1
  • Domestic Applicants: December 1
Fall
  • Priority Deadline: March 1
  • International Applicants: May 1
  • Domestic Applicants: August 1

Spring

  • Priority Deadline: September 1
  • International Applicants: October 1
  • Domestic Applicants: December 1
Fall
  • Priority Deadline: March 1
  • International Applicants: May 1
  • Domestic Applicants: August 1

Spring

  • Priority Deadline: September 1
  • International Applicants: October 1
  • Domestic Applicants: December 1
Average Incoming Class Size Fall: 12

Spring: 3

Fall: 25

Spring: 7

Fall: 4

Spring: 2

Average Years of Professional Experience*** 5 years 2 years 5 years

* The Hobby School will assist students with internship placements. Those who are working may use their current position to fulfill the internship requirement if it’s related to public administration/public policy and approved by the Hobby School. For the MPP, the internship course and related assignments will still need to be completed.


** This is an estimate for tuition and fees prior to scholarships and financial aid and does not include housing, transportation, living expenses, books or other school-related expenses. Qualified non-Texas residents/international students can receive a scholarship that will reduce overall tuition and fees to match the Texas resident amount. This scholarship is renewed based on academic progress.


*** Approximately 50% of all Hobby School graduate students begin their graduate program immediately after completing their undergraduate program.

 

  • What employment opportunities do MPP graduates have?

  • Is the MPP program accredited?

  • How much is tuition and fees?

  • Does UH offer a PhD program in Public Policy?

  • What are the application deadlines for the graduate programs?

  • When are applications reviewed and when should an admissions decision be expected?

  • What are the application fees for the graduate programs?

  • What semesters offer admission to the graduate programs?

  • How should transcripts be submitted?

  • Who should submit the letters of recommendation?

  • What is a statement of purpose?

  • What specializations are offered in the MPP program?

  • Do you offer any dual degree programs?

  • How long do the graduate programs and graduate certificates take to complete?

  • Is there a minimum GPA requirement for the graduate programs?

  • Are there any required prerequisite courses needed for admission into the graduate programs?

  • What graduate-level tests are required for admission into the graduate programs?

  • Can I still submit GRE test scores even if I qualify for a GRE waiver?

  • What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?

  • What scholarships and other financial aid is offered?

  • Can the graduate programs be completed entirely online?

  • When are graduate program classes held?

  • What and when is the process for registering for classes as an incoming or current student?

  • What is the process for dropping classes?

  • Can I use my current job for the graduate program internship requirement?

  • Can I transfer courses from another graduate school?

  • Can the Hobby School's Certified Public Manager Program (CPM) tracks/courses count as transfer credit towards a Hobby School graduate program?

  • Where do I find deadlines for adding classes, dropping classes, applying to graduate, and other important enrollment and registration items?

  • How do I set up an academic advising appointment if I'm a current student?

  • What is the minimum graduate GPA to graduate?

  • What is the process for graduation and commencement?

  • Can I graduate with honors?

  • Who should I contact if I have any questions about the application process for the MPP and graduate certificate programs?

  • Where are Bates Building/Bates Law and Teaching Unit 2 located (Hobby School's current administrative office and classroom locations) and where is the best place to park?