Overview

The Public Administration programme at the University of Houston provides a comprehensive education for professionals dedicated to improving their communities through public service. This curriculum prepares graduates to manage complex projects and lead diverse organisations through a blend of innovation, strategy, and collaboration. Students develop fundamental tools and transferable skills that are essential for high-level leadership roles in the public sector.

Why Public Administration at University of Houston?

The Hobby School of Public Affairs is a full member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), ensuring high educational standards. As a Carnegie-designated Tier One research university, the institution offers students a dynamic environment connected to a major international city. The programme also hosts a chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honours society for public affairs, and has a 50-year history of producing impactful graduates. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities and a curriculum that bridges the gap between theoretical policy and real-world practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1097 per credit
National fee: USD 1097 per credit
Local fee: USD 592 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of a core foundation, elective specialisations, and a final practical project. Modules may include:

Public Administration
Public Policy
Ethics and Leadership
Management
Decision Making
Policy Implementation
Capstone Project

Careers with Public Administration

Graduates of the Public Administration programme at the University of Houston are equipped for influential roles across various levels of government and the non-profit sector. Alumni have successfully transitioned into careers as policy analysts, emergency management professionals, and higher education administrators. Many former students serve in elected offices or hold leadership positions within federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The programme's focus on cross-disciplinary competence ensures that graduates can effectively navigate the challenges of modern public service and community advocacy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Administrative Theory

Public Administration Research
Administrative Law
Budgeting for Public Agencies
Public Finance
Public Administration and Policy Implementation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

38 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Houston, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 594 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The Hobby School uses a holistic approach to its admissions process, considering various aspects of each application received, including a candidate’s academic background, personal and professional experience and community work.

The application review process considers a candidate’s passion for public service and commitment to making a greater impact through solving complex problems
Official transcripts

Enter your GRE test information, if applicable.

Submit two letters of recommendation.

Submit a statement of purpose, resume, and answer any supplemental questions if asked.

Enter awards and work experience.
Enter external scholarships and financial support information.
Enter citizenship, demographics, Texas residency questionnaire, and mandatory questions.

Complete the "Certificate of Information" page.
Submit the application.

Pay the application fee.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41686 USD / year

≈ 41686 USD / year
Out-of-State

41686 USD / year

≈ 41686 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

22496 USD / year

≈ 22496 USD / year

Living costs

Houston

United States

1067 - 1950 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Houston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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