Public Administration, MPA and Gerontology, MA

Vision Statement

The Master of Public Administration and MA in Gerontology dual degree program is a collaborative effort between the School of Public Administration and Department of Gerontology. The dual degree offers interdisciplinary preparation in the fields of public administration and gerontology leading to both the master of public administration and master of arts in gerontology degrees with fewer required hours than it would take to obtain these degrees independently.

The program prepares students to assume leadership in the public service sector, specifically in administrative and policy work with governmental units and nonprofit organizations, while providing advocacy and services for and on behalf of older adults and for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities that support the older population.

Students pursuing this program must complete 57 total hours and can be pursued both online or in person.

Program Contact Information

Public Administration

James Harrold, PhD, Advisor
402.554.6702
jharrold@unomaha.edu

Gerontology

Lindsay Wilkinson, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.2272
lwilkinson@unomaha.edu

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025 and Fall 2025)

Spring: October 1
Fall: June 1

Other Requirements

Statement of Purpose: The essay should be two to four pages (doubled-spaced) and answer the following questions:
- Please tell us about the factors in your background that will help us understand your interest in a profession in the public or nonprofit sectors providing advocacy and services for and on behalf of older adults and for individuals, families, organizations, and communities that support the older population.
- What are your professional goals? Ten years from now, what do you hope to be doing professionally?
- How can this dual degree from UNO help you to achieve these goals?
Resume
Letters of Recommendation: Two academic/professional letters of recommendation are required.

Degree Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
PA Required Courses
PA 8050	FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC ADMINSTRATION	3
PA 8090	ORGANIZATION THEORY AND BEHAVIOR	3
PA 8100	ADVANCED MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP FOR PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS	3
PA 8300	POLICY DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION	3
PA 8400	PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT BUDGETING	3
PA 8410	PUBLIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT	3
PA 8530	PLANNING AND EVALUATION	3
PA 8990	CAPSTONE PROJECT IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION	3
Gerontology Required Courses
GERO 8020	INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS	3
GERO 8500	POLITICS AND AGING	3
GERO 8730	DYING, DEATH & GRIEVING	3
or GERO 8800	GRADUATE SEMINAR IN THE AGING BRAIN
GERO 8940	GRADUATE PRACTICUM ¹	3
GERO 9110	THEORIES OF AGING	3
GERO 9460	SEMINAR IN AGING AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR	3
Gerontology Electives
Complete nine hours of GERO graduate courses, this can include thesis.		9
Open Electives
Complete six hours of PA or GERO graduate level courses.		6
Total Credits		57

¹: A thesis can be completed rather than practicum.

Exit Requirement

Public Administration

Capstone - 3 hours of PA 8990

Gerontology

Thesis Option - GERO 8990 6 hours
Non-Thesis Option - Comprehensive Examination