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 five fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), 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 and drive 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
Faculty research at the School of Public Administration spans a wide range of critical areas that shape communities and inform public service. From emergency and crisis management to urban planning, public budgeting, and nonprofit leadership, our work tackles complex challenges that affect our communities every day. Our faculty lead the way in advancing knowledge and shaping stronger, more resilient communities locally and globally.
Student Research
No matter your program or degree level, research is 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 collaborations and independent inquiry aligned to their academic path.
Juniors and seniors may pursue an Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT), conducting original research under faculty mentorship and publishing their work in UCF’s STARS Repository.
Graduate students deepen their expertise through service-learning projects and capstone courses that address pressing community needs.
Visit your academic program’s page for specific research opportunities available to you.
Centers
Explore Our Research Centers
Our centers connect students, faculty, and community partners through research, training and service. From nonprofit leadership to urban resilience, these hubs turn ideas into action and classrooms into community advocates.
Center for Public and Nonprofit Management
At UCF’s School of Public Administration, the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management 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, deep knowledge and public service.
Urban Resilience Initiative
The Urban Resilience Initiative (URI) brings together UCF students, faculty and community partners to strengthen how Central Florida cities withstand and recover from disruptions. Co-led by URI’s faculty in the School of Public Administration, the initiative supports interdisciplinary research, education, and training to tackle challenges like hurricanes, rapid population growth and climate impacts.
At URI, students can work alongside researchers and local governments to design strategies that improve public safety, sustainability and quality of life. From leading original studies to supporting community coalitions and action projects, URI equips you with practical experience to build resilience in Orlando and beyond.
Partnerships
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 collaborations, 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.
Together, we’re building stronger communities and the professionals who serve them.
Collaborate for Good
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.