Master of Arts - Urban Leadership

Plan Description

The M.A. in Urban Leadership at UNLV’s School of Public Policy and Leadership recognizes that effective, creative, and energetic urban leaders are critical for fostering positive change to the economic, social, and political conditions of America’s cities.  Given the complex nature of the 21st century city, urban leaders require a broad range of skills that include: innovation problem-solving, strategic planning, and collaborative management.  This degree will help students develop their skills in these areas. 

Aimed at professionals who are actively engaged and working in the community, this degree is offered almost entirely online to maximize student flexibility.  The online courses will be enhanced by three face-to-face panel-networking events where students will engage with each other and urban leaders from the Las Vegas community and nationally. 

If you want to improve your ability to shape the urban community, then this is the degree for you.

At the core of our program is an intellectually rigorous curriculum that will help urban leaders:

1. Shape and communicate their vision
2. Create innovative solutions to pressing issues
3. Collaborate with stakeholders and,
4. Implement strategic plans, programs, and policies

Our program is unique in its recognition that urban leaders come from a variety of professional backgrounds.  Leaders can be elected officials, public administrators, non-profit leaders, and leaders in private organizations. Thus, a defining feature of our program is that students will have an opportunity to engage with leaders from a host of community settings.  To further enhance this professional engagement, our student’s experience will be highlighted by a series of panels and workshops that will allow participants to engage with some of the foremost urban leaders and policy analysts in the country.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All applications for admission to the Urban Leadership program are made to the Graduate College but are reviewed by the Urban Leadership Program Coordinator. The Coordinator considers all materials submitted as part of the application process, including training and preparation, general abilities, and previous experience. An online application and official transcripts of all college-level work must be submitted to the Graduate College. Applicants should review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

In addition, the applicant should have:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall for all undergraduate work
3. A completed Graduate College application
4. Submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
5. A resume that outlines your professional experience
6. A personal statement of interest
7. Three letters of recommendation

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required: 36

Degree Requirements

1.  The Urban Leadership M.A. requires 36 credits of approved course work.
2. All students will meet with an academic advisor and complete a formal degree plan, which must have the approval of the M.P.A. coordinator.
3. Students must obtain a B average to graduate. A student can have no more than one grade less than a B-.

Plan Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
2. The student must complete the Legacy Project.