SPA maintains answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) in a variety of subject areas related to the academic and professional programs offered by the School of Public Administration.
MPA FAQ
What is the difference between an MPA and an MBA?
The intelligence and skills necessary to earn an MPA or MBA are very similar, which results in both programs attracting students that are alike in many ways. However, there are important differences between the two programs.
For more information on those differences, please look at the MPA or MBA Infographic we've developed to help you in making the best decision.
When are the application deadlines?
Fall Semester: June 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Is the GRE required for the MPA Application?
No, the GRE is not required.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
There is a minimum GPA of a 3.0 for the last 50-60 credit hours of one’s bachelor’s degree or already completed master’s degree.
What are the average GREs and GPAs?
For 2021, the average GPA was 3.5.
Do you have graduate assistantships available?
Students may view posted graduate assistantships available at UNO on the UNO Human Resources website. Some of our students receive assistantships from other academic units on the UNO campus.
The MPA program does not have graduate assistantships.
Where do I mail my transcripts?
UNO Graduate Studies Office
203 Eppley Administration Building
Omaha, NE 68182
Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?
Fee waivers are granted to military and veteran students. Proof of military status is required.
Who should I contact if I am having technical difficulties with the online application?
You may contact UNO's Office of Graduate Studies at graduate@unomaha.edu to inform them of the technical difficulties you are experiencing.
Can I send transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials before I submit my application online?
Yes, you may submit application materials before submitting your application. You may send transcripts through the mail or through e-transcripts (from university to university). Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically.
UNO generates an email to your recommenders who can send in their recommendation back to UNO.
Who can write my letters of recommendation?
Our faculty want to learn about your strengths and skills. We ask that recommenders be supervisors or colleagues with whom you have worked or volunteered. If you have a professor who can speak on your academic performance, this is also fine.
How will I know that my application/application materials have been received?
UNO's Office of Graduate Studies works to process the materials in a timely fashion as soon as an application is submitted. You can view your “to-do list” to see what materials are still lacking or if it is complete.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, UNO’s SPA offers scholarships for our students. Please visit the Scholarship section of our website.
When will admission decisions be made?
For applications submitted by the June 1 application deadline, decisions are usually made by June 30. Applications submitted by the October 1 application deadline, and decisions are usually made by November 1.
How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program varies since it depends on how many credits are completed and the number of semesters enrolled. Please view the Cashiering Website.
Can I complete the program part-time?
Yes, most of our students work full-time and take one or two classes each semester. Courses are offered in the evenings beginning at 5:30 P.M., and ending at 8:10 P.M. Classes are also offered online.
Can I complete the program online?
Yes, students in Omaha and from across the U.S. may complete the program online. We do require a one-day mandatory orientation for online students prior to beginning coursework.
How many courses do students enroll in each semester?
Most of our students work full-time. Thus, they enroll in one or two classes each semester. To qualify for FAFSA (the federal financial aid), students must enroll in two classes per semester.
Is an internship required?
The internship recommended for those who would like to expand their experience in public service, but it is not required. The internship course counts as an elective toward the degree.
Can work experience count towards my degree?
Students complete 13 three-credit courses to complete the MPA Program. Work experience is not counted towards the degree.
Can I transfer courses from another university?
The maximum amount of credits that can be transferred is six credits. Only electives may be transferred. Students must submit the syllabi of the courses they wish to have transferred to be reviewed by the MPA Committee. All transferred coursework is pending approval from the MPA Committee.
Do I have to know what concentration I want?
Students can decide upon their concentration after admission or starting their program. Students can also change early on in their degree program.
Does the MPA program have any prerequisites?
The MPA program does not require any specific courses. Students from various academic degree programs enroll in the program bringing a wide variety of career experience and interests.
Do I complete a thesis to graduate?
There is no thesis required. UNO’s MPA Students complete the Capstone Project as their culminating activity. The Capstone ties together the education learned from the MPA program and is applied to a real question the student is interested in analyzing. Students complete their Capstone in one semester.
I would like to meet with someone to learn more about the MPA. Who do I contact?
We are happy to meet with you! Please set up an appointment to meet with the senior advisor, Dr. Meagan Van Gelder, mvangelder@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3480.
MSUS FAQ
When are the MSUS application deadlines?
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis.
Is the GRE required for the MSUS Application?
No, the GRE (or GMAT) is not required.
Is there a minimum GPA?
There is a minimum GPA of a 3.0 for the last 50-60 credit hours of one’s bachelor’s degree or already completed master’s degree.
Where do I mail my transcripts?
UNO Graduate Studies Office
203 Eppley Administration Building
Omaha, NE 68182
Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?
Fee waivers are granted to military and veteran students. Proof of military status is required.
Who should I contact if I am having technical difficulties with the online application?
You may contact UNO's Office of Graduate Studies at graduate@unomaha.edu to inform them of the technical difficulties you are experiencing.
Can I send transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials before I submit my application online?
Yes, you may submit application materials before submitting your application. You may send transcripts through the mail or through e-transcripts (from university to university). Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically. UNO generates an email to your recommenders who can send in their recommendation back to UNO.
Who can write my letters of recommendation?
Our faculty want to learn about your strengths and skills. We ask that recommenders be supervisors or colleagues with whom you have worked or volunteered. If you have a professor who can speak on your academic performance, this is also fine.
How will I know that my application/application materials have been received?
UNO's Office of Graduate Studies works to process the materials in a timely fashion as soon as an application is submitted. You can view your “to-do list” to see what materials are still lacking or if it is complete.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, UNO’s SPA offers scholarships for our students. Please visit the Scholarship section of our website.
When will admission decisions be made?
We strive to review applications within three weeks of a completed application submitted.
How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program varies since it depends on how many credits are completed and the number of semesters enrolled. Please see the Cashiering Website.
Can I complete the program part-time?
Yes, most of our students work full-time and take one or two classes each semester. Courses are offered in the evenings beginning at 5:30 P.M., ending at 8:10 P.M. Some students complete the program full-time (taking three classes each semester) and work less than 25 hours per week.
Can I complete the MSUS program online?
Most courses are on-campus, but some (such as electives) might be available online.
How many courses do students enroll in each semester?
Most of our students work full-time. Thus, they enroll in one or two classes each semester. To qualify for FAFSA (the federal financial aid), students must enroll in two classes per semester.
Is an internship required?
An internship is recommended for those who would like to expand their experience and grow their resume, but it is not required. The Internship course counts as an elective toward the degree.
Can work experience count towards my degree?
Students complete 12 courses (37 credits) to complete the MSUS Program. Work experience does not count towards the degree.
Can I transfer in courses from another university?
The maximum amount of credits that can be transferred is 9 credits. Students must submit the syllabi of the courses they wish to have transferred to be reviewed by the MSUS Committee.
All transferred coursework is pending approval from the MSUS Committee.
Does the MSUS program have any prerequisites?
The MSUS program does not require any specific courses. Students from various academic degree programs enroll in the program bringing a wide variety of career experience and interests.
Do I complete a thesis to graduate?
There is no thesis required. UNO’s MSUS Students complete the Capstone Project as their culminating activity. The Capstone ties together the education learned from the MSUS program and is applied to a real question the student is interested in analyzing. Students complete their Capstone in one semester.
I would like to meet with someone to learn more about the MSUS. Who do I contact?
We are happy to meet with you! Please set up an appointment to meet with the academic advisor, Ciera Mosley, cmosley@unomaha.edu or 402.554.4874.
Graduate Certificate FAQ
When are the application deadlines?
Fall Semester: June 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Is the GRE required for the Graduate Certificate Application?
No, the GRE is not required.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
There is a minimum GPA of a 3.0 for the last 50-60 credit hours of one’s bachelor’s degree or already completed master’s degree.
Where do I mail my transcripts?
UNO Graduate Studies Office
203 Eppley Administration Building
Omaha, NE 68182
Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?
Fee waivers are granted to military and veteran students. Proof of military status is required.
Who should I contact if I am having technical difficulties with the online application?
You may contact UNO's Office of Graduate Studies at graduate@unomaha.edu to inform them of the technical difficulties you are experiencing.
Can I send transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials before I submit my application online?
Yes, you may submit application materials before submitting your application. You may send transcripts through the mail or through e-transcripts (from university to university). Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically. UNO generates an email to your recommenders who can send in their recommendation back to UNO.
Who can write my letters of recommendation?
Our faculty want to learn about your strengths and skills. We ask that recommenders be supervisors or colleagues with whom you have worked or volunteered. If you have a professor who can speak on your academic performance, this is also fine.
How will I know that my application/application materials have been received?
UNO's Office of Graduate Studies works to process the materials in a timely fashion as soon as an application is submitted. You can view your “to-do list” to see what materials are still lacking or if it is complete.
Are scholarships available?
For certificate students, there are no scholarships available. UNO’s SPA offers scholarships for degree-seeking students.
Is financial aid available?
For FASFA, students must be admitted to a graduate degree program. Certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid.
When will admission decisions be made?
For applications submitted by the June 1 application deadline, decisions are usually made by June 30. For applications submitted by the October 1 application deadline, decisions are usually made by November 1.
How much does the Graduate Certificate cost?
The cost of the certificate varies since it depends on how many credits are completed and the number of semesters enrolled. Please see the Cashiering Website.
Who participates in the Graduate Certificate?
Students who are earning another master’s degree may use the Graduate Certificate as electives while at the same time earning a Certificate in Public Management. Also, professionals who have worked in the public/nonprofit sector for at least three years and find themselves needing further management tools and skills will enroll.
Can I switch to the MPA Program?
Yes, but you do need to apply to the MPA Program. Courses from the certificate program do count towards the MPA.
Can I complete the Graduate Certificate part-time?
Yes, most of our students work full-time and take one or two classes each semester.
Can I complete the Graduate Certificate online?
Yes, students in Omaha and from across the U.S. may complete the certificate online. We do require a one-day mandatory orientation for online students prior to beginning coursework.
How many courses do students enroll in each semester?
Most of our students work full-time. Thus, they enroll in one or two classes each semester.
Can work experience count towards my certificate?
Students complete 5 three-credit courses to complete the Graduate Certificate. Work experience is not counted towards the certificate.
Does the Graduate Certificate have any prerequisites?
The certificate does not require any specific courses. Students from other academic degree programs bring a wide variety of career experience and interests to the certificate program.
I would like to meet with someone to learn more about the Graduate Certificate. Who do I contact?
We are happy to meet with you! Please set up an appointment to meet with the academic program coordinator, Dr. Meagan Van Gelder, mvangelder@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3480.
Nebraska CPM FAQ
What is the Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program?
The CPM program is a nationally accredited comprehensive management development program specifically for managers in federal, state, and local government and in non-profit organizations. The CPM program is based on the assumption that well-trained public managers provide better service to the public.
The program’s primary goal is to foster and encourage the highest possible levels of performance and ethical practice of public and non-profit sector managers in order to continuously improve the performance of state, local and federal government and of the non-profit sector.
The CPM program offers a comprehensive course of study by which public and non-profit managers can acquire and apply best practices and theory to their leadership and management of people, processes, and organizations. The course of study is designed to address competencies that facilitate exceptional job performance and organizational success.
The curriculum applies theory to practical problems facing the participant, their agency/department/organization, and citizens. Those who complete the program earn a national trademark designation of CPM (Certified Public Manager®).