University of North Texas 
Graduate Degrees
Prepare for leadership and management roles in public and nonprofit organizations with a UNT MPA. Our program emphasizes ethical, accountable, and inclusive governance. Established in 1961, the MPA program boasts over 1,400 alumni in various public service sectors. It’s ranked #7 nationally in local government specialization and #1 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report. Our MPA prepares you for a successful career in public service, with specializations in:
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Finance
- Emergency Management
- and Human Resources
Ph.D. in Public Administration and Management
Explore cutting-edge research and advanced theoretical knowledge with our Ph.D. in Public Administration and Management. This selective program admits a small cohort each Fall, ensuring personalized attention and collaborative opportunities with faculty. Focused on research-oriented careers, the program offers specializations in:
- Urban Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Financial Management
- and Emergency Management
Leveraging the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as a dynamic research environment, our distinguished faculty provide a supportive foundation for students aiming to become future academic leaders and scholars.
Undergraduate Degrees
The Department of Public Administration has two undergraduate degree programs - Bachelor of Arts degrees in Urban Policy and Planning and Nonprofit Leadership Studies. Both programs have a minor option in addition to the minor in public administration. The department also offers two certificate programs in volunteer management and alternative dispute resolution.
Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership Studies (NPLS)
The NPLS program at UNT prepares you for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations. With the growing demand for skilled nonprofit professionals, our graduates are well-equipped to lead community-based organizations at local, national, and international levels.
An education in Nonprofit Leadership Studies equips students with these core competencies:
- Financial Management & Budget Analysis
- People Management & Ethical Leadership
- Analytical Thinking in Cross-sector Relationships
- Administration & Nonprofit Management Principles
- Fundraising & Donor Cultivation
A degree in Nonprofit Leadership Studies makes you competitive for many positions, including:
- American Red Cross
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Humane Society
- United Way
NPLS FAQs
Nonprofit organizations are tax-exempt businesses that serve the public good. Examples of nonprofit organizations include charities, hospitals, universities, animal shelters, relief groups, and churches.
Currently, over two million nonprofit organizations operate in the United States and employ nearly 10% of the country's workforce. Since 2008, growth in jobs and wages in the nonprofit sector has surpassed that in both the government and private industry (Urban Institute, 2011).
You must be enrolled at UNT in order to take Nonprofit Studies courses. These courses are not offered through continuing education.
Four graduate courses in Nonprofit Studies are offered by the Department of Public Administration:
* PADM 5040 - Nonprofit Management
* PADM 5700 - Public-Nonprofit Partnerships
* PADM 5700 - Fund Development in Nonprofits
* PADM 5700 - Capacity Building in Nonprofits
Graduate students may also elect to take Nonprofit Studies courses offered by the Department of Community & Professional Programs at the undergraduate level; however, they will not receive graduate credit for these courses.
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Policy and Planning (UPOP)
With a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Policy and Planning, you'll be equipped to shape the cities of tomorrow. This program empowers you to:
- Design Public Spaces
- Develop Effective Transportation Systems
- and Tackle Pressing Environmental Issues
Right now, UNT Urban Policy & Planning graduates are working at the following:
- City of Denton
- City of Grapevine
- City of Lewisville
- City of Saginaw
- Crown Castle
- Los Angeles Housing Compliance
- North Central Texas Council of Governments
- Popken Development
Some of our graduates chose to further their education, and in addition to our US News & World Report-ranked MPA program, they have been accepted to:
- Columbia University, Master of Urban Planning
- The University of Iowa, Master of Architecture
- University College London, The Barlett School of Architecture
- University of Amsterdam
- University of Hawaii
- University of New Mexico, Master of Architecture
- University of Illinois, Urban-Champaign, Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- University of Southern California, Sol Price School of Public Policy, Master of Urban Planning
- The University of Texas, School of Architecture
The Urban Policy and Planning Degree Program really inspired me in pursuing a career in mitigation work. The passion instilled by my professors and the depth of knowledge imparted, prepared me well for succeeding in this complex career field. The lessons learned in project management, leadership, data analysis, teamwork, and collaboration has been invaluable in my role as an Emergency Management Planner.
Minors & Certificates
Enhance your major with minors or certificates from the Department of Public Administration to build valuable skills and knowledge. Whether you're preparing for law school or seeking to gain leadership and management expertise, adding a minor in Urban Policy and Planning or Nonprofit Leadership Studies will strengthen your resume, expand your skill set, and offer new insights into creating a better society.
Additional Information:
For more information about our undergraduate programs and certificates, please fill out our form, and Laura Keyes, the undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Public Administration, will be happy to assist you.
Undergraduate Coordinator
The Center for Public Management
The Center for Public Management at UNT plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborations with educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to enhance the quality of education and provide lifelong learning and professional development opportunities.
The Center offers specialized programs to meet the training requirements of the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA). Our investment training covers essential topics such as:
- Investment Controls
- Security and Strategy Risks
- Market Risks
- Diversification of Investment Portfolios
- Compliance with the PFIA
Our programs are designed to equip trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to manage public investments effectively and ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
Admissions FAQs
Success at UNT involves showing up for class, finding support from others, taking control, being prepared, getting involved, and being persistent. We want you to succeed and have got lots of resources and people who want to help. Listed below are some resources you might find helpful. More resources are available at "Succeed at UNT."
Undergraduate Admissions - Apply to UNT through this site. You may also schedule a campus tour, register to attend UNT Preview, or make friends with other students new to UNT through Facebook.
- MyUNT - UNT students use this site to register for their classes, check grades, make payments, check the status of their financial aid, evaluate their instructors, etc.
- UNT Office of the Registrar - This site provides information on a range of important topics including: student records, transcripts, graduation, residency requirements, veterans benefits, excess hours, and the academic catalog.
- Transfer to UNT - Learn more about how to transfer to UNT. This site also has information on GPA requirements, transfer credits, and cost.
- Veterans Center - This site provides information on paying for college using the GI Bill, services for veterans and military personnel, and the Veterans Center.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships - This site provides valuable information about scholarship opportunities as well as the types of financial aid available to students.
- Student Accounting and Cashiering - Find information about UNT tuition and fees, as well as information about payments, refunds, and tax information.
- Student Money Management Center - The center sponsors workshops and provides resources that will help you manage your financial resources.
Canvas - This system is used to access your online classes. Instructors in traditional face-to-face courses may also use it to post assignments and grades, give exams, and provide links to videos or other material.
- Learning Center - The Learning Center provides supplemental instruction, tutoring, learning workshops, and a host of other services to help you maximize your academic potential.
- UNT Library - Access UNT's library resources online to search for books, videos, and journals and learn more about library hours and services.
- Writing Lab - Provides free tutoring and other resources available to help you improve your writing skills.
- Center for Leadership and Service - Provides opportunities for volunteering that will help engage you with the community.
- UNT International Affairs- International Affairs helps coordinate exchange programs, faculty-led study abroad, trans-national and international internship opportunities, and service learning experiences to help you receive a globally-relevant education.
- Counseling and Testing Center - The Counseling Center provides professional and career counseling, consultation, mental-health screenings, educational programs, and referral services; whereas the Testing Center provides a range of services including traditional admissions and career testing.
- Disability Accommodation - Learn about the services and resources available to students with disabilities as well as how to apply for disability accommodation at UNT.
- Psychology Clinic - Provides access to a variety of services including, counseling, psychological testing, and biofeedback techniques.
- Substance Use Resource and Education Center - Free access to assessment and education from a licensed specialist.
- Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities - The center provides education on students' rights, referrals for violations of the Student Code of Conduct, etc.
- Dean of Students - Provides student absence notification, hardship withdrawals, and oversees the Student Life Offices.
- Office for Academic Integrity - Provides information about the Student Standards of Academic Integrity and the process to investigate and resolve instances of student academic dishonesty.
- Student Legal Services - Access to free legal advice for civil and consumer complaints for students.
- Handshake - Access to UNT's database of all student employment opportunities, including on- and off-campus jobs. To be considered for any of the positions, you must apply through the Eagle Network.
- Internship Opportunities - Learn about internships related to your field of study. These positions can be part-time or full-time and can begin at any time during the year.
- UNT Career Center - Get help planning your career, learn how to write a resume and cover letter, and practice interviewing. You can also find student employment opportunities and career planning events on this site.