New Dual Degree as of 2024: MPA & Gerontology
Master of Public Administration (MPA)/Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG) Dual Degree
The School of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is ranked in the top 10 percent of the country, consistently garnering top national rankings in public administration graduate education. Our mission is to strengthen public service in a democratic and diverse society by educating students to manage and lead public and nonprofit institutions effectively, ethically, and democratically.
About our Program
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is the recognized graduate degree for professional positions focusing on public service. UNO’s MPA program was one of the first accredited graduate public administration programs in the United States. It has been offered in Omaha since 1970 and online for over 20 years. Typically, there are between 150 to 200 active students pursuing the degree. The MPA program affords students an environment that serves as an incubator for acquiring the skills necessary for their desired careers while developing a self-understanding that will enable them to succeed both professionally and personally. Students are assured of a high-quality degree program that not only meets but exceeds national standards of professional education.
Nationally Ranked Programs
UNO’s MPA program is ranked 26th best out of similar master’s programs across the country according to 2025 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News and World Report. Our areas of concentration are also ranked among the best in the country -- public finance and budgeting ranks 6th; local government ranks 11th; nonprofit management is 12th; public management and leadership ranks 31st.
Program-Specific Requirements
Application Deadlines (Spring 2025 and Fall 2025)
- Spring: October 1
- Fall: June 1
Other Requirements
- Statement of Purpose: The essay should be two to four pages (doubled-spaced) and answer the following questions:
- Please tell us about the factors in your background that will help us understand your interest in a profession in the public or nonprofit sectors providing advocacy and services for and on behalf of older adults and for individuals, families, organizations, and communities that support the older population.
- What are your professional goals? Ten years from now, what do you hope to be doing professionally?
- How can this dual degree from UNO help you to achieve these goals?
- Résumé
- Letters of Recommendation: Two academic/professional letters of recommendation are required.
Degree plan (for complete class descriptions, see UNO course catalog)
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PA Required Courses | ||
| PA 8050 | FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC ADMINSTRATION | 3 |
| PA 8090 | ORGANIZATION THEORY AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
| PA 8100 | ADVANCED MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP FOR PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS | 3 |
| PA 8300 | POLICY DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION | 3 |
| PA 8400 | PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT BUDGETING | 3 |
| PA 8410 | PUBLIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| PA 8530 | PLANNING AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| PA 8990 | CAPSTONE PROJECT IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| Gerontology Required Courses | ||
| GERO 8020 | INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
| GERO 8500 | POLITICS AND AGING | 3 |
| GERO 8730 | DYING, DEATH & GRIEVING | 3 |
| or GERO 8800 | GRADUATE SEMINAR IN THE AGING BRAIN | |
| GERO 8940 | GRADUATE PRACTICUM 1 | 3 |
| GERO 9110 | THEORIES OF AGING | 3 |
| GERO 9460 | SEMINAR IN AGING AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR | 3 |
| Gerontology Electives | ||
| Complete nine hours of GERO graduate courses, this can include thesis. | 9 | |
| Open Electives | ||
| Complete six hours of PA or GERO graduate level courses. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
Exit Requirement
Public Administration
- Capstone - 3 hours of PA 8990
Gerontology
- Thesis Option - GERO 8990 6 hours
- Non-Thesis Option - Comprehensive Examination
-
A thesis can be completed rather than practicum.
Contact us
Dr. Jodi Benenson| MPA Program Co-Chair | jbenenson@unomaha.edu | 402.554.2396
Dr. Jim Harrold | MPA Program Co-Chair & Academic Advisor | Jharrold@unomaha.edu | 402.554.6702