The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Master of Public Administration program has been accredited for six years with no monitoring, the best possible outcome in the accreditation process.
The master’s program, which had its first graduating class in 1989 and has alumni across the country, is the only one in East Tennessee to receive accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
Part of the Department of Political Science and Public Service, the master’s program provides graduate-level training for students interested in pursuing careers in public service.
“We really believe in the quality of our program, but it’s hugely gratifying to get that external affirmation from the global accrediting body. To get the reaccreditation without any monitoring requirements attests to the quality of the program, the hard work of the faculty and the respect that we have in the community,” said Chris Horne, MPA program coordinator and Dalton Roberts professor of public administration. Horne joined the UTC faculty in 2006 and became the MPA program director in 2017.
The recognized global accreditor of master’s degree programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs and nonprofit management, NASPAA pointed out the significant role Horne has played in the management of the program and “the quality of the faculty in terms of preparation and scholarship.”
In the report generated by a visit to the UTC campus earlier this year, the accrediting body cited the close relationship the UTC program enjoys with the Chattanooga community.
“One area of unique distinction of the UT Chattanooga MPA program is its outward facing focus that matches well with the University focus on community engagement. As reported by current students, alumni, research assistants and program advisory board, the program allows for significant student experience organizational settings in the community—the capstone requirement, student internships, course assignments enhancing the learning experience for the students while enhancing or adding value to community organizations seeking to update or enhance their agencies or programs. The MPA program may well be the university leader in living the community engagement mission at the university,” the report said.
