For those looking to turn compassion into action, public service may be your calling. At the UCF School of Public Administration, our students are driven by a deep sense of purpose: to make a difference, uplift others and create stronger communities. Whether you’re preparing to lead in government, nonprofits, urban planning, emergency management, or public policy, you’ll join peers who share a commitment to making life better for everyone.

You’ll also learn from some of the most accomplished faculty in the field — nationally recognized experts, top-published researchers and former practitioners who bring real-world experience into every class. Their leadership is one reason we’re ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

With undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, plus certificates and dual degree options, we offer flexible programs to match your future career goals. Whether you're online or at UCF Downtown, you’ll get the support and hands-on experience you need to build the career you want.

Join our network of more than 5,000 alumni who are leading with purpose, in Florida and across the globe.

USN Badge Grad Schools Public Affairs 2026
No. 1

in Graduate Emergency and Crisis Management
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

6

National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fellows on Faculty

No. 16

in Nonprofit Management
(U.S. News & World Report 2026)

No. 20

in Local Government Management
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

No. 23

in Public Finance and Budgeting
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

No. 47

in Public Affairs
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

Upcoming Events

Join the UCF Center for Nonprofit Management in the School of Public Administration for training supporting Orange County nonprofit organizations through expert-led in-person and virtual training, with additional one-on-one technical assistance.  Participants will build skills in nonprofit governance, strategic planning,…
Join the UCF Center for Nonprofit Management in the School of Public Administration for training supporting Orange County nonprofit organizations through expert-led in-person and virtual training, with additional one-on-one technical assistance.  Participants will build skills in nonprofit governance, strategic planning,…
Join the UCF Center for Nonprofit Management in the School of Public Administration for training supporting Orange County nonprofit organizations through expert-led in-person and virtual training, with additional one-on-one technical assistance.  Participants will build skills in nonprofit governance, strategic planning,…

In the News

Claire Connolly Knox and Chris Emrich

UCF Emergency Management Faculty Selected for Prestigious FEMA Fellowship

From UCF’s top-ranked emergency management program to the highest level of governance in the field, professors Chris Emrich and Claire Connolly Knox are taking their impact to the next level...
hand holding flashlight on firefighters in action

Inside the Nation’s No. 1 Emergency Management Program

As relentless disasters test communities nationwide, UCF leads the way in shaping strategies and preparing a workforce to keep people safe and systems strong...
Bikash Adhikari speaking with woman at research conference

Public Affairs Doctoral Student Accepts International Theory-Focused Fellowship

Bikash Adhikari has been selected as a Fellow of the Public Administration Theory Network — recognition that reflects a research journey rooted in real-world disaster recovery...

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Abdul-Akeem Sadiq speaking

UCF Professor Leads NSF-Supported Mentorship Program for Early-Career Hazards and Disaster Researchers

Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, who previously participated in the comprehensive program as both a fellow and mentor, is now facilitating its sixth cohort to help train the next generation of experts ...
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