Public service begins with people, and so does your education at the UCF School of Public Administration. Our degree and certificate programs are designed for students who care deeply about their communities and want to create a lasting impact in government, nonprofits, planning, emergency management and more.
Whether you’re earning an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree — or adding a certificate to strengthen your expertise — you’ll find flexible options to learn in-person, online or hybrid. Based at UCF Downtown, our programs place you in the heart of Orlando with access to real-world opportunities right outside the classroom.
Our faculty include five National Academy of Public Administration Fellows and are among the most published in the field. It’s no wonder we’re ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report — including:
No. 1 in Emergency and Crisis Management
No. 15 in Nonprofit Management
No. 21 in Public Management and Leadership
No. 27 in Public Finance and Budgeting
No. 46 in Public Affairs
Wherever your goals take you, we’re here to help you lead with purpose.
Academic Programs
Emergency Management
Lead the way in building community resilience with our Emergency Management programs. From undergraduate minors to graduate degrees, you’ll master crisis preparedness, hazard mitigation and strategic response. Ranked No. 1 in the nation, our curriculum, led by expert faculty, equips you to lead in high-stakes roles with agencies like FEMA or local governments, ensuring safety and stability in an unpredictable world.
Nonprofit Management
Unleash your passion for helping others with our Nonprofit Management programs. Ranked No. 15 in the nation, our undergraduate and graduate degrees, plus certificate options, help you gain the skills to lead mission-driven organizations with impact. Learn to navigate fundraising, governance and community engagement while preparing for roles like executive director or program manager. Our strong ties to Central Florida’s nonprofit sector help you step into meaningful career pathways.
Public Administration
Make a lasting impact through leadership in government and nonprofit sectors with our Public Administration programs. Whether you’re beginning your journey with a bachelor’s degree or advancing through a master’s, you’ll build expertise in budgeting, policy analysis, organizational management and ethical leadership.
Public Affairs PhD
Elevate your expertise with our prestigious Public Affairs doctoral program, designed for scholars and leaders shaping the future of public policy and administration. Conduct groundbreaking research alongside renowned faculty, finding solutions to improve people’s lives. Graduates excel as university professors, policy analysts or senior administrators, driving transformative change in public and nonprofit sectors.
Public Policy
Craft solutions to society’s pressing issues with our highly ranked Public Policy programs. From undergraduate certificates to graduate degrees, you’ll analyze data and shape legislation. Our curriculum, rooted in real-world application, prepares you for roles like policy analyst or legislative advisor, leveraging UCF’s proximity to Orlando’s government hub for unmatched opportunities.
Research Administration
Advance discovery with our Research Administration programs, offering graduate certificates and master’s degrees. Learn to manage multimillion-dollar research portfolios, ensuring compliance and impact. Ideal for professionals aiming to lead in academia, government, or industry, our graduates secure roles like grants manager or research compliance officer, supporting breakthrough ideas at top institutions.
Urban and Regional Planning
Shape vibrant, sustainable cities with our Urban and Regional Planning programs, accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. Whether you’re pursuing a minor or master’s degree, you’ll gain the tools to design smarter, more connected communities through urban design, transportation planning and policy analysis. With a 92% employment rate within one year of graduation, our students thrive as city planners or urban designers, transforming Central Florida and cities across the globe.
Service to Service
Veterans, your next mission starts here!
UCF’s Service to Service initiative, the only one of its kind in the Southeast and one of just 12 nationwide, is your launchpad to civilian leadership. Kicking off in Fall 2025, this groundbreaking program, backed by The Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans, transforms your military expertise into a rewarding career in public service.
As a Service to Service Fellow, you’ll dive into graduate programs like Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration or Emergency Management at UCF Downtown, with scholarships, GI Bill support, and our top-tier Veterans Academic Resource Center by your side. Tap into mentorship, professional development and a nationwide network to land roles in local or state government.
With UCF’s No. 8 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and Collegiate Purple Star Campus status, we’ve got your back. Join us and lead the charge in your community!
Advising
Start your public service education with confidence. Our expert advisors guide you through tailored course plans in programs like Urban and Regional Planning, Nonprofit Management or Public Policy. Whether online or in-person, they’ll work with you to map your path to graduation, aligning coursework with your career goals—be it leading nonprofits or shaping cityscapes.
Connect with an advisor today and start charting your future!
Undergraduate
Undergraduate students have an assigned Academic Success Coach who can provide guidance on academic planning, connect you with resources and answer questions about your UCF journey. Appointments can be scheduled on campus, virtually or over the phone.
Prospective, minor and certificate students may request an appointment by emailing ccieuginfo@ucf.edu.
Graduate
To meet with a graduate advisor, graduate students email the appropriate advisor.
Edlira Dursun, Graduate Advisor
Public Affairs Ph.D.
Emergency and Crisis Management MECM and Graduate Certificate
Urban and Regional Planning MSURP and Graduate Certificate
Nasrin Lakhani, Graduate Advisor
Nonprofit Management NMN and Graduate Certificates
Research Administration and Graduate Certificate
Austin McDaniels, Graduate Advisor
Public Administration MPA and Graduate Certificates
MPA + MS Criminal Justice Dual Degree
Public Policy
Undergraduate FAQs
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)?
The Bachelor of Arts requires students to take one year in any foreign language in addition to the standard program requirements. The Bachelor of Science requires students to take six credit hours in technical electives.
Can I complete my program fully online?
While most courses are offered both face-to-face and online, there are a few courses that require students to come to campus. Check the UCF Catalog for more information.
Do I have to complete an internship?
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s program are required to complete PAD 4942: Internship Orientation and PAD 4941: Internship. Students can choose between a 3- or 6-credit-hour internship.
Who is my assigned advisor?
Your assigned advisor is listed within your myUCF account. You can also find out which advisor manages your degree program above.
How do I know what courses to register for?
Students can review which classes they need to take by logging into their myUCF account. The myKnight audit provides a record of which courses you’ve completed and what is still needed to finish the degree program. For help choosing classes or planning ahead, students can email or schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor.
When can I register for classes?
All dates and deadlines, including registration times, can be found in the UCF Academic Calendar. Students can also log into myUCF to look for their specific enrollment appointment date.
When and how do I submit my intent to graduate?
The intent to graduate request should be submitted the semester prior to your expected graduating term. To file your intent to graduate form, log into myUCF and go to the Student Self Service menu tab. Click on the dropdown box labeled “Other Academic,” select “Intent to Graduate: Apply” and click on the icon to start your application.
If I am not declared in a program within the School of Public Administration, can I still take PAD courses?
Yes; however, the request will not be considered until a week or two prior to the start of the upcoming semester. Please note that enrollment is not guaranteed and is based on available seats. Students declared in a program within our school have priority for enrollment into any PAD course.
Graduate FAQs
Do I need a GRE to apply for a graduate program?
A GRE score is only required for the Public Affairs PhD program.
Do I have to submit multiple applications for a dual-degree master’s program?
Students applying to a dual-degree program should only submit one application specific to their selected dual program. Our master’s dual degree programs include: Public Administration MPA and Criminal Justice MSCJ and Public Administration MPA and Public Affairs PhD.
Can I transfer credits from another university’s public affairs graduate program to UCF?
Students with existing credits in a comparable accredited graduate program from another university may be eligible to transfer credits as equivalent core courses or unrestricted electives. Please refer to UCF’s transfer credit policy and contact your advisor for more information.
Where can I find information about graduate enrollment and registration?
General information about graduate enrollment can be found at the Graduate Catalog website and the UCF Registrar’s Office.
How do I search for courses?
You can search for available courses — whether in-person, online, or hybrid — by logging into your myUCF account. Under the “Student Center” section, click on “Search” to access the Class Search tool. There, you can filter courses by subject, term, delivery method, and campus location (such as UCF Downtown).
How do I enroll in multiple terms?
The UCF Registrar’s Office provides information on multi-term enrollment for students.
How do I submit my Intent To Graduate?
The intent to graduate request should be submitted the semester prior to your expected graduating term. To file your intent to graduate form, log into myUCF and go to the Student Self Service menu tab. Click on the dropdown box labeled “Other Academic,” select “Intent to Graduate: Apply” and click on the icon to start your application.
Do I need to complete an internship as a graduate student?
Only students in the emergency and crisis management master’s program are required to complete an internship. The internship requirement may be waived for individuals with relevant public service experience; however, those students must take an additional elective to satisfy credit hours. Students complete their internship during the same semester they are enrolled in the internship course and must remain enrolled in the internship for the entire semester to receive credit.
What electives can I take for my graduate program?
Students enrolled in the public administration or nonprofit management master’s programs are permitted to take unrestricted electives from across UCF’s graduate catalog. Talk to your advisor to find out which courses are best for your program. Students enrolled in urban and regional planning, public policy, and emergency and crisis management programs may select elective courses listed in their program’s plan of study.
Do I have to complete a graduate thesis?
In lieu of a traditional graduate thesis, graduate programs include a summative capstone course. Students complete this course during the final semester of their program.
Information Sessions
Curious about the School of Public Administration programs? Join our information sessions to get the full picture of what to expect!
From navigating admissions and mastering your application to exploring academic programs and major requirements, our engaging panels, presentations and Q&A sessions have you covered.
Connect with us to get your questions answered.
Scholarships
Each year, the College of Community Innovation and Education awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are driven to serve, lead and make a difference. Thanks to the support of generous donors, these scholarships recognize your academic success, leadership potential and commitment to your community, while helping to ease the financial burden of tuition, books and more.
Explore opportunities designed just for School of Public Administration majors, and be ready to apply when the scholarship window opens each spring.
Applications are open January through March.
Scholarships for School of Public Administration Students
- Ann McCormick Simpson Endowed Scholarship
- APA Florida Orlando Metro Section, Judith Mucci Endowed Scholarship
- Augustin Military to Public Service Transition Scholarship
- Colonel Mike Murdock, USMC, Endowed Scholarship
- Dr. Naim Kapucu Endowed Scholarship for Doctoral Students
- Dr. Thomas T.H. Wan Endowed Scholarship
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security - Graduate
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security - Undergraduate
- Feldheim Nonprofit Management Endowed Scholarship
- Fred & Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund
- Gerald-Mark Breen Memorial Scholarship
- John L. Mica Public Service Scholarship
- Kevin Tyjeski City Planning Endowed Scholarship Fund
- The Light Orlando Luminary Leaders Fund
- Travis M. Leslie Emergency Management Endowment Fund
- VHB Miller Sellen Endowed Scholarship in Urban and Regional Planning
