UTSA Master of Public Administration program receives reaccreditation

By Jesus Chavez
Marketing Associate

(July 23, 2013) -- The UTSA Master of Public Administration degree program in the College of Public Policy has received reaccreditation through the 2019-2020 academic year by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). It is one of only 10 NASPAA-accredited master's programs in public administration, affairs and policy in Texas.

"NASPAA accreditation is the global standard for quality public service programs," said Rogelio Saenz, dean of the College of Public Policy. "It is a distinction the program has worn proudly in the past and will wear with honor for years to come. The Master of Public Administration program has worked hard to ensure reaccreditation through intense self-study and reflection."

To earn NASPAA accreditation, the M.P.A. program submitted an extensive self-report and underwent a rigorous peer review process. For accreditation, the program must have met each of the Standards for Accreditation set by NASPAA. The nearly 300-page report was divided into Seven Standards of Excellence, which NASPAA reviewed. The self-report examined target areas within these standards such as program mission and history, faculty qualifications, faculty and student demographics, and student retention.

In addition to the self-report, a team of experts visited the program's facilities to ensure an environment conducive to excellence in public service education. Finally, NASPAA's official accreditation body, the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation, reviewed and approved UTSA's reaccreditation proposal.

"We are grateful to NASPAA for recognizing the department and M.P.A. program for its hard work and commitment to public service education," said Christopher Reddick, professor and chair of the Department of Public Administration. "Reaccreditation for our program means we have achieved a consistency of service and course excellence in our curriculum."

Founded in 1982, the UTSA Master of Public Administration degree program serves more than 160 enrolled students annually. Its mission is to educate responsible leaders and ethical public servants through a curriculum that incorporates research and practice. The program's graduates represent a wide range of professional and community backgrounds; many serve the public as leaders at the local, regional, national and international levels.

NASPAA-accredited programs must contribute to the research, knowledge and practice of public service. The purpose of accreditation is to promote and maintain educational quality for professional service degrees. NASPAA is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit master's degree programs in the United States. It is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education. NASPAA is the recognized accreditor for master's degree programs in public affairs.

>> Learn more at the UTSA Master of Public Administration degree program website, the UTSA Department of Public Administration website and the UTSA College of Public Policy website.