Graduate Programs

The Department of Public Policy offers two master degree programs and two graduate certificate programs:

• Master of Public Administration Program (MPA)
• Master of Arts in Survey Research Program (MSR)
• Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management (PFM)
• Graduate Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Managemen (PNPM)

Master of Public Administration Program (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Connecticut provides students with a dynamic and integrated approach to the field of public policy and management. Practical experiences are combined with theory, analysis, and case studies to make our program challenging and job-relevant. The MPA program prepares students for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors, as well as for private sector positions that are involved with the public service.

The MPA program teaches public management, analytical techniques, and public policy through a carefully planned curriculum. The curriculum is organized into:

The flexibility of the MPA program allows students to design their specific internships, concentrations, and capstone projects to best meet their interests and goals.

The Master of Arts in Survey Research Program (MSR)

The Master of Arts in Survey Research Program (MSR) provides students with a dynamic approach to the practice of survey research and related methodologies. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of survey research, drawing on the fields of public policy, political science, psychology, communications and marketing. As a result, it serves students with diverse interests and backgrounds. Graduates of the program work in the market research, public policy, political and social science arenas. It is designed to provide both a comprehensive understanding of the field of survey research and the specific skills necessary to become a successful survey researcher.

The MSR program is typically completed in one full-time academic year.

The MSR program attracts high caliber students from around the country and internationally, and provides a comfortable atmosphere for personal growth and recognition. The program's location near the state capital in Hartford places the students at the heart of the state's commercial and political center. In addition, it is in close proximity to both New York City and Boston.

The Department of Public Policy (DPP) offers a Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management (PFM). The Graduate Certificate is available to existing UConn students and working professionals. The PFM course of study is held at the Greater Hartford Campus in West Hartford, CT.

The objectives of the graduate certificate program in public financial management are to prepare professionals by education, outlook, and commitment for leadership positions in the finance areas of public and nonprofit organizations. Students in the certificate program will undergo a thorough course of study in this important sub-area of public policy and management.

There is a great need for well-prepared finance professionals. There are about 87,000 governments and about 1.2 million public benefit nonprofits in the United States. These organizations require professionals to manage their finances. The Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management is a response to this need for qualified professionals in this fast growing sector of the economy. Students completing the course of study will be equipped with the skills and competencies important for leading the finance function in public and nonprofit organizations. These competencies include: understanding of the proper ways to track revenue and spending, analytic tools necessary to analyze and maintain excellent financial position, understanding of the major financial issues facing public and nonprofit organizations, ability to assess and implement appropriate financial systems, and the education and outlook to act efficiently, effectively, and ethically.

The Department of Public Policy (DPP) offers a Graduate Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Management (PNPM). The Graduate Certificate is available to existing UConn students and working professionals. The PNPM course of study is held at the Greater Hartford Campus in West Hartford.

There are three tracks to completing the PNPM Certificate: Nonprofit Management; City Management and Urban Policy; and Public Policy and Management. The Certificate requires 12 credits (four courses) chosen in consultation with an academic advisor.