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
| 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