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Director: Patrick O'Donnell, PhD
810.766.6628
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Program Manager: Linda Blakey
810.766.6628
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umflint.edu/mpa

Why UM-Flint

What Sets UM-Flint's Educational Administration (MPA) Program Apart?

RACKHAM

The University of Michigan-Flint’s Master of Public Administration program has its own rich legacy bolstered by that of the U-M’s Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. For those seeking to learn from and alongside the best administrative talent in the country, this is the graduate program for you. Learn more about the Rackham Graduate School here. 

FLEXIBLE FORMAT

To accommodate busy working professionals, UM-Flint’s WebPlus Online/Weekend MPA program provides a flexible, part-time format (over two years, 36 credits) that blends online coursework with monthly classes on the UM-Flint campus the second Saturday of each month.

EXPERT FACULTY

Educational Administration courses are taught by expert faculty who bring working knowledge and experiences to their instruction. You’ll learn the real-world applications of your classroom lessons from professors who are committed to mentoring and supporting you throughout your educational journey and beyond.

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

The Educational Administration program’s in-depth curriculum is rigorous, challenging, and well-rounded. Courses develop your broad base of knowledge as well as a specialized understanding that prepare you to succeed as a leader in educational administration. Course and project work provides you with an informed perspective on the range of challenges and responsibilities facing P-12 education today.

SMALL COHORTS

You’ll complete the program with a small cohort of 20-30 fellow students who share your passion for educational excellence. This cohort structure enables you to develop a strong support network for personal and professional development.

PATH TO DOCTORATE

The Educational Administration program provides excellent preparation for students who plan to pursue higher degrees, including the Education Specialist and Doctor of Education at UM-Flint.

RESULTS
  • Graduates of this program are awarded a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan’s nationally recognized Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
  • The MPA in Educational Administration is approved by the Michigan Department of Education for Principal Preparation.
  • Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to apply for the mandatory School Administrator Certificate.

Courses

Required Courses/Course Sequence

Fall (First Year) 6 credits

  • PUB 500 - Politics, Policy, and Public Administration (3)
  • PUB 567 - The Principalship (3)

Winter (First Year) 7 credits

  • PUB 550 - Leadership Theory and Practice (1-3)
    or
  • EDL 510 - Leadership Theory and Practice (1-3)

&

  • PUB 563 - Introduction to School Law (3)
    or
  • EDL 520 - Introduction to School Law (3)

&

  • PUB 582 - Schools and Communities (3)
    or
  • EDE 502 - Schools and Communities (3)

Spring/Summer (First Year) 7 credits

  • PUB 550 - Leadership Theory and Practice (1-3)
    or
  • EDL 510 - Leadership Theory and Practice (1-3)

&

  • PUB 566 - Curriculum Development (3)
    or
  • EDL 529 - Curriculum Development (3)

&

  • PUB 594 - Grantwriting and Administration in Public and Nonprofit Agency Settings (3)
    or
  • EDL 545 - Grantwriting and Administration in Public and Nonprofit Agency Settings (3)

Fall (Second Year) 6 credits

  • PUB 508 - Evaluation of Services and Programs (3)

&

  • PUB 564 - School Finance and Business Administration (3)
    or
  • EDL 525 - School Finance and Business Administration (3)

Winter (Second Year) 7 credits

  • PUB 550 - Leadership Theory and Practice (1-3)
    or
  • EDL 510 - Leadership Theory and Practice (1-3)

&

  • PUB 568 - Instructional Practice and Evaluation (3)
    or
  • EDL 540 - Instructional Practice and Evaluation (3)

&

  • PUB 592 - Clinical Practice in School Administration (3)
    or
  • EDL 660 - Clinical Practice in School Administration (3)

Spring/Summer (Second Year) 3 credits

  • PUB 501 - Administrative Organization and Behavior (3)

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 36 credits

Additional information on the Educational Administration (MPA) including course descriptions can be found in the catalog. 

Admission

Requirements

Applying

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

  • Application for Graduate Admission
  • $55 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Statement of Purpose describing your reasons for pursuing the degree
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of your potential for advanced academic study
  • Copy of Teaching Certificate
  • International Students: Submit additional documentation. Visit umflint.edu/international for details. This program is an online program. Students admitted to this program are not eligible to obtain a student visa (F visa). Students with all other visa types are eligible.

Application Deadlines

The program has rolling admission and reviews completed applications each month. A new cohort begins each September.

Application deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall (early deadline*) - May 1
  • Fall (final deadline) - August 1

*You must apply for admission by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

View the EDU MPA Brochure

Rackham Graduate School

This program is part of the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School. To view the Rackham calendar of events click here. Follow Rackham on Social Media.

 

Patrick O'Donnell, Ph.D.

Dr. Patrick O'Donnell is the director of the MPA in Educational Administration.  Learn more about his education and research interests.

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Teacher with Students

Educational Leadership Pathway

The Educational Leadership Pathway provides a clear and practical route for educators to advance in their careers by connecting three graduate programs at the University of Michigan-Flint. The Pathway is made up of three levels of graduate degrees in Educational Leadership:

  • MPA in Educational Administration
  • Ed.S.
  • Ed.D.

More

Tricia Hill, MPA

Hometown: Clio

The Educational Administration program is set apart because of the high quality instruction from the professors. They realize we are working adults, and in turn try to incorporate our experiences and practices into the coursework. In each class, we focused our projects on current issues in the work place; this helped us to see how theory and current laws and practices were reflected in our everyday environments. I have held the position of Curriculum Director and am currently serving the Genesee Intermediate School District as the Executive Director for Countywide Programs. In the Educational Administration program I learned a great deal about leadership theories and practices, as well as the operations of an organization, which have been very beneficial in my roles since obtaining my degree.