Program Overview

A master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha is more than just a professional degree. It’s a gateway to transforming society through a career in public service. It’s a chance to develop your own intellectual identity. It’s a way to gain exposure to people who are already guiding communities, operating nonprofit agencies or helping others in emergency services.

Our mission is to strengthen the public service in a democratic and diverse society by educating students to manage and lead public and nonprofit institutions effectively, ethically, and democratically. Our alumni work in a variety of areas including: federal, state, and local governments; in nonprofit organizations delivering services such as health care, youth and human services, and community development; in international development; and in public service-related private businesses.

Local Government Concentration

Local governments provide the most essential of public services, such as health and safety, transportation, sanitation, environmental, and utilities. Public administrators play a critical role in the delivery of these services and the management of local government organizations in North America and around the world. They hold a variety of professional positions, including chief administrative officer, city manager, staff assistant, program specialist, planner, and policy analyst, just to name a few. Because local governments function so close to the citizens they serve, administrators need special management skills, like citizen engagement and community development. The local government concentration in the UNO MPA program, develops competencies to work in and succeed in this level of government. Opportunities for internships, networking with city administrators, and courses through the UNO Urban Studies program helps round out those skills. Occupational projections show growth in the local government management field. UNO MPA graduates work in local government around the country.

Students in the concentration will select additional electives based on areas of interest. Possible electives are not limited to but can include additional graduate courses in aviation, public administration, urban studies, or emergency management. Students work with their advisors on selecting electives that best meets their career and academic goals.