Master of Public Administration, M.P.A.
About the Program
Format: Online or in person on the Statesboro Campus
Credit Hours: 39
Entry Terms: Fall, Spring
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional graduate degree designed for management and administration within the public sector and nonprofit organizations. Our NASPAA-accredited program provides the focused training necessary to excel in a leadership role, while mastering a broad set of skills including budgeting and finance, economic analysis, human resource management, policy analysis, information technology, resource development and grant writing, program evaluation, and strategic management.
The MPA program is structured around two tracks. The (1) Hybrid Track and (2) Executive Track.
Hybrid Track: The Hybrid Track is open to current and aspiring public service professionals. This track provides an innovative and effective education that combines the best of online and in-person course delivery. For example, a typical course divides up online (50%) and in-person (50%) instruction across the semester. In-person instruction takes place on Georgia Southern’s Statesboro Campus, which is the oldest and largest campus at the University.
Executive Track: The Executive Track is open to individuals with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the public (civil or military) sector, nonprofit organization, or closely related position. This cohort-based lock-step track is offered fully online with courses delivered in an abbreviated format. (Only admits in Spring)
Both program tracks operate under a unified mission and set of student learning outcomes.
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Admission Requirements
Admission to the MPA program is competitive. While all students are welcome to apply to the Hybrid Track, note that we do not accept international students to Executive Track. To apply, applicants must have:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum 2.75 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average.
- Resume detailing relevant work and volunteer experience.
- Essay describing applicant’s career goals and objectives, as well as potential for success in the program.
- Executive Track applicants must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the public (civil or military) sector, nonprofit organization, or closely related position.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicant does not hold a degree from a program or university where English is the official language of instruction).
Georgia Southern is a military-friendly institution. Additional consideration is given to applicants with service in any military branch, reserve unit, or National Guard (active, retired, or prior service; Form DD214 #4 required).
*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. (naces.org)
Advanced Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) Information
Qualified students may be eligible for an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s (ABM) program. ABM programs allow you to begin graduate studies in your senior year so you can accelerate completion of a graduate degree. You’ll earn both a bachelor’s and a graduate degree faster. And since any graduate courses taken as an undergraduate are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate, you’ll save money too. Learn more about accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs.
Deadlines
Hybrid Track
Fall
Priority: March 15*
Final: August 1*
Spring
Priority: October 15*
Final: January 1*
Summer
Does Not Admit
Executive Track
Fall
Does Not Admit
Spring
Priority: October 15*
Final: January 1*
Summer
Does Not Admit
*The application and all required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab for the program must be received by the deadline. If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.
Program Contact Information
Trenton J. Davis, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Department Chair and MPA Director
Professor of Public Administration
mpa@georgiasouthern.edu
912-478-1400
Last updated: 1/12/2024