Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)
The Executive MPA is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals seeking to advance their careers and drive meaningful change in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students will demonstrate the ability to successfully complete graduate-level coursework, possess executive-level experience in the public or nonprofit sector, and show strong potential for future executive leadership. Expand your network through in-person opportunities while enjoying the flexibility of completing most coursework online.
Why EMPA?
- Highly Ranked and Accredited Program
Accredited and ranks #27 nationally and #1 in Colorado
- Tailored for Mid- or Senior-Level Professionals
For those with significant experience; enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and executive decision-making.
- Flexible Learning Modalities
Hybrid and online courses combine in-person learning and networking with flexible online learning.
- Reduced Credit Load
Receive six credits for professional experience, reducing coursework and fast-tracking your degree.
- Strong Networking Opportunities
Connect with experienced professionals across sectors, building lasting relationships.
- Diverse Faculty Expertise
Learn from renowned faculty with impactful research and real-world experience, engaging with current issues in public affairs and policy.
Curriculum (30 credits)
Professional experience at this level counts for two courses (6 credits), reducing the total number of credits to complete the program from 36 to 30, or from 12 courses to 10.
Extended Studies Courses (9 credits)
Three extended studies courses must be taken in a hybrid modality. Students start and finish the courses online, plus participate in required face-to-face intensives on-campus. These courses are charged at a higher tuition than the other seven courses of the program. Please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu to request pricing for these three courses.
- PUAD 5001- Introduction to Public Service
Requires 4 consecutive, in-person days in Denver, Colorado (3 credits, offered once a year in the summer semester) - PUAD 5002 - Organizational Management & Behavior
Requires 4 consecutive, in-person days in Denver, Colorado (3 credits, offered once a year in the Maymester) - PUAD 5010 - Rocky Mountain Leadership Program
Requires 4 consecutive, in-person days in Breckenridge, Colorado (3 credits,offered once a year in the fall semester)
Remaining Core Courses (9 credits)
Students work with the academic advisor to choose three (3) additional core courses from the list below. These courses are offered in person, online (asynchronous), or in a hybrid format, and are taken alongside students in the MPA Program.
- PUAD 5003 - Research and Analytic Methods
- PUAD 5004 - Economics and Public Finance
- PUAD 5503 - Public Budgeting and Finance
- PUAD 5005 - The Policy Process and Democracy
- PUAD 5006 - Public Service Leadership and Ethics
- PUAD 5008 - Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Elective Courses (9 credits)
Students work with their academic advisor to select three (3) elective courses that best meet their professional goals. These courses are offered in person, online (asynchronous), or in a hybrid format, and are taken alongside students in the MPA Program.
Executive MPA students interested in pursuing a concentration may do so only by taking additional courses. This brings the total credits to 33 – 36, also increasing the overall cost of the program.
Capstone or Thesis (3–6 credits)
During the final semester, students elect to take either PUAD 5361 - MPA Capstone Seminar (3 credit hours) or PUAD 6950 - Master's Thesis (3 - 6 credit hours). Students opting to complete a thesis must receive approval from the program director.
Application Deadlines & How to Apply
Admission applications for the executive MPA are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Please view the admission and application requirements for the MPA. Applicants should select the “Executive Master of Public Administration” program option in the admission application.
Cost
| Residency Status | Cost |
| Colorado Residents, WGRP Residents, Peace Corps | $27,600 |
| Non-Colorado US Residents/Intl. | $45,300 |
| Out of State, Online Only | $30,200 |
Cost of attendance includes a flat tuition for the 3 extended studies courses, PUAD 5001, PUAD 5002, and PUAD 5010. Please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu to learn more.
Please note that employees of the University of Colorado are not able to apply tuition assistance benefit to the following executive MPA course: PUAD 5001, PUAD 5002, and PUAD 5010. These courses are classified as "extended studies" and are not eligible for this benefit.
The three years I spent in the MPA program helped me to increase my empathy and see the world in a broader perspective.
Jeremiah Unger, Executive MPA ’23, Environmental Program Manager at Colorado Department of Transportation
I chose the EMPA because of its compelling courses and the way it fit my needs as a working professional and new father. I appreciate the flexibility, mix of modalities, and the diversity of community leaders in the classroom.
Daniel Viehland, Executive MPA Student