Advancing Public Service through Research and Community Partnerships

At UCF’s School of Public Administration, research fuels real-world practices. Our nationally recognized faculty are among the most published in their fields and include six fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration, a distinction that recognizes the highest level of expertise and service in public affairs.

Students have the opportunity to work alongside professors whose research informs solutions to complex social issues — from homelessness to disaster response to nonprofit strategy. Our strong partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and community organizations not only connect students to hands-on projects but also enhance classroom learning while driving community impact.

Whether you’re contributing to a study, analyzing data, or presenting at a national conference, you’ll build the skills, experience and network to lead confidently in your field.

Research Areas

Faculty research at the School of Public Administration spans a range of critical areas that shape communities and inform public service. From emergency and crisis management to urban planning, public and nonprofit leadership, public budgeting and finance, and policy analysis, our work tackles complex challenges that affect our communities every day. Our faculty lead the way in advancing knowledge to help shape stronger, more resilient communities locally and globally.

Center for Public and Nonprofit Management

At UCF’s School of Public Administration, the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM) bridges research and practice to strengthen Central Florida communities and beyond. The center supports faculty and student research while also offering training, technical assistance, and consulting to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. From capacity-building workshops to collaborative service projects, the center helps improve policy, governance and organizational impact.

Whether you're a student looking to get involved in meaningful research or a community partner seeking expert guidance, the center is a great place for connection, knowledge-sharing and public service.

Four ladies taking a group selfie photo

Public Service Starts with Partnership

At its core, public administration is built on collaboration across sectors, communities and institutions. At the UCF School of Public Administration, our partnerships with government agencies like Orange County and the City of Orlando, nonprofits like the Central Florida Foundation, and programs such as Service to Service bring this philosophy to life.

Through service-learning projects, internships and community-based collaboration, students engage early in the field while contributing to meaningful work. These connections strengthen our academic programs by aligning them with today’s evolving public landscape and expanding opportunities for students to lead with purpose, knowledge and real-world insight.

Located at UCF Downtown — just steps away from City Hall, county government offices and leading nonprofit organizations — we’re perfectly positioned to turn public service education into a successful career.

Looking to collaborate with the UCF School of Public Administration? Whether you're a nonprofit, government agency or civic leader, there's a place for you in our mission to shape the next generation of public service leaders.

Work with Us

A Snapshot of Our Community Partners

  • Central Florida Foundation
  • City of Orlando
  • East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
  • Eight Cents in a Jar
  • Florida Division of Emergency Management
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Orange County Government
  • Orlando Health
  • SALT Outreach
  • Seminole County Office of Emergency Management
  • S. Green Building Council
  • Volcker Alliance

Student Research and Community Engaged Projects

No matter your program or degree level, research and community engaged projects are a key part of the student experience at the School of Public Administration. Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students explore complex social challenges through faculty-guided projects, community collaboration and independent inquiry aligned to their academic path.

Juniors and seniors may pursue an Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT), conduct original research under faculty mentorship and publish their work in UCF’s STARS Repository.

Graduate students deepen their expertise through service-learning projects and capstone courses that address pressing community needs.

Together, we’re building stronger communities and the professionals who serve them.

Student speaking in front of project board at Research Showcase

Advisory Boards

Comprising seasoned professionals from government, nonprofits and private sectors, our advisory boards — together with our faculty — shape the direction and quality of our academic programs to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the changing needs of public service. Their real-world insights and active involvement help bridge the gap between academics and practical application, enriching the educational experience for students, and preparing them to meet the high expectations for accountability and performance in their careers.

View our Advisory Boards.