The Master of Public Administration Program at the University of Vermont joins vigorous study of the foundations of public administration with the practice of public administration in the real world. Vermont's small size, open local and state government, and wealth of nonprofit organizations make for an ideal environment in which to directly engage with the public administration field. Our MPA program is a professional interdisciplinary degree that appeals to and accomodates the demands of both full-time students and professionals. The program prepares pre and in-service leaders, managers and policy analysts by combining the theoretical and practical foundations of public administration, focusing on the complexity of governance systems and the democratic, collaborative traditions that are a hallmark of Vermont communities.