Program Overview
The University of Vermont (UVM) Master of Public Administration (MPA) offers essential training for btoh emerging and seasoned professionals, and is your gateway to becoming an effective, innovative leader in public service.
We are committed to nurturing reflective practitioners and adaptive leaders who can drive positive change in an ever-evolving public service sector. Our program — Vermont’s only NASPAA-accredited program in public and nonprofit policy, affairs, and administration — is designed to meet the unique needs of Vermont’s public and nonprofit sectors while preparing graduates for impactful careers in organizations across the nation and around the world.
Join us to develop the skills, knowledge, and networks to make a lasting impact in your community and the world. Whether you aspire to lead in local government, serve at a state agency, join tribal or federal service, work with nonprofit organizations, or pursue a career in international development, UVM’s MPA program provides the foundation for success in public service leadership.
Mission
The UVM MPA prepares ethical, forward-thinking public service professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead effectively, promote sustainability, and enhance community resilience in an ever-changing world.
Vision
To become a catalyst for transformative public leadership, integrating academic excellence with real-world application in public service education.
Why Choose UVM’s MPA?
Vermont’s Living Laboratory with Broader Impact. Rooted in Vermont’s unique governance landscape, our program offers an unparalleled environment for hands-on learning. You’ll engage directly with public administration in action, preparing you for leadership roles across diverse communities.
Flexibility for All. Whether you’re a full-time student or a working professional, our program allows you to balance your education with other personal and professional commitments.
Transdisciplinary Approach for Complex Challenges. Our curriculum bridges theory and practice, preparing you to tackle intricate issues at the intersection of social, environmental, and economic systems, with a focus on sustainable solutions for people and planet.
Governance and Collaboration. Learn to navigate the intricacies of modern governance systems while embracing traditions of democracy and community collaboration, essential for addressing today’s public service challenges.
Core Values. Our program is built on principles of community engagement, ethical leadership, accountability, evidence-based decision-making, social responsibility, and resilience — values that are crucial for creating resilient and equitable communities.
Career-Ready Competencies. Develop essential skills across five competency domains: leading and managing in the public interest; participating in and contributing to the policy process; analyzing, synthesizing, and making evidence-informed decisions; articulating and advancing a public service perspective; and communicating productively across differences so that you’re prepared for the demands of a dynamic and changing environment.
Engage Faculty and Diverse Community. You’ll benefit from close interactions with experienced faculty and a diverse network of alumni and practitioners, offering rich opportunities for mentorship and professional growth in Vermont and beyond.
Meet our faculty
Spotlight: On The Ground
Read about how three UVM MPA students are using their studies to make real change in their local communities and beyond.
“The MPA program is like an MBA for the nonprofit sector,” explained MPA student Amanda Vincent, who works as the Town Administrator for Starksboro, Vt. She wears many hats at work: writing grant proposals, running audits, and attending town meetings.
She's pursuing an MPA degree to explore more possibilities in the nonprofit and government sector.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Christina Barsky
Christina Barsky considers herself a “prac-ademic.” The director of UVM’s Master of Public Administration program has a unique way of bridging theory and practice.
"She is one of the most phenomenal people I've ever met," said MPA student Zane Zupan, who was selected in 2026 as a Founder's Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration. "She invests so much time and energy in all of her people, all of her students, and it's really remarkable."
Dr. Barsky's research explores the dynamics of citizen-state interactions on the frontlines of civil society and offers actionable insight for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. She digs into the gendered nature of election administration, emotional labor of public officials, workforce challenges in public health during crises, and administrative burdens in rural disaster recovery.Read more about our MPA program director