Blue MPA

Overview

This degree program merges the accelerated online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with either the Ocean Policy and Science Graduate Certificate or the Ocean Science Graduate Certificate. This program will provide students with up-to-date knowledge in ocean sciences, public management, and/or policy analysis.

Designed for students interested in entering or advancing in public service-related management careers, or developing policy analysis skills that can be used to shape public policy, this program leads to an MPA degree conferred by the University of Rhode Island. This program helps professionals advance their skill sets for a variety of ocean-related career positions such as:

  • Federal, State, and Local Agency Management
  • Nonprofit Management and Advocacy
  • Policy Analysis
  • Financial Management
  • Municipal Planning
  • Program Management
  • Contract Specialist
  • Grant Writer

Courses

Students pursuing this MPA degree can choose one of two tracks:
Blue Public Management or Blue Policy Analysis

Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887

Admissions

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, or a similar field (STEM)
  • Personal statement
  • Online interview
  • GRE NOT REQUIRED

*Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission — please contact online@uri.edu before applying to discuss the GPA requirement.

Spring 2025 Dates

11/26Application Deadline
1/7Classes Begin

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Blue MPA Track Options:

Track:Blue Public Management
Ocean Science Graduate Certificate
or
Ocean Policy & Science Graduate Certificate
Ocean Science Graduate Certificate
OCG 501: Physical Oceanography
OCG 521: Chemical Oceanography
OCG  540: Geological Oceanography
OCG 561: Biological Oceanography
Ocean Policy & Science Graduate Certificate
OCG 515: Phenomenal Ocean
MAF 570: Introduction to Ocean Governance
OCG 516: Understanding Ocean and Climate Models
OCG 601: Ocean Resilience
Public Administration and Policy Professional CertificatePSC 501: Seminar in Public Administration and Policy
PSC 502: Diversity and Inclusion in Public Administration and Policy
PSC 504: Ethics in Public Administration and Policy
PSC 592: Capstone in Public Administration and Policy
Public Management CertificatePSC 503: Problems in Public Personnel Management
PSC 506: Seminar in Budgetary Politics
PSC 507: Public Finance
PSC 573: Administrative Law
Track:Blue Policy Analysis
Ocean Science Graduate Certificate
or
Ocean Policy & Science Graduate Certificate
Ocean Science Graduate Certificate
OCG 501: Physical Oceanography
OCG 521: Chemical Oceanography
OCG  540: Geological Oceanography
OCG 561: Biological Oceanography
Ocean Policy & Science Graduate Certificate
OCG 515: Phenomenal Ocean
MAF 570: Introduction to Ocean Governance
OCG 516: Understanding Ocean and Climate Models
OCG 601: Ocean Resilience
Public Administration and Policy Professional CertificatePSC 501: Seminar in Public Administration and Policy
PSC 502: Diversity and Inclusion in Public Administration and Policy
PSC 504: Ethics in Public Administration and Policy
PSC 592: Capstone in Public Administration and Policy
Policy Analysis CertificatePSC 505: Public Program Evaluation
PSC 510: Critical Topics in Public Policy
PSC 524: Seminar in Public Policy Problems
PSC 583: Public Policy Analysis

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