Chair’s Welcome
Thank you for visiting the online home of the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies. The department offers graduate and undergraduate programs in Public Administration, Public Policy, and Nonprofit Management.
Graduate Programs
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has much to offer, including:
- NASPAA Accredited and NACC Member
- Curriculum that provides ‘real world’ knowledge and experience
- Concentrated programs of study in public and nonprofit management
- Two innovative program tracks (Hybrid and Executive) tailored to meet the needs of both pre-service students and in-career practitioners
- Dedicated MPA faculty and staff committed to student success
- Graduate Assistantships and other financial assistance
- Large network of Georgia Southern MPA alumni
The MPA program is one of the largest graduate programs in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS). As an MPA student, you will become part of an active student body. The program’s student association (MPASA) hosts speaking events, engages in professional development and volunteering activities, and serves as an important link between the student body and the faculty. We also encourage undergraduate students who are taking courses in Public Administration or are considering applying to the MPA program to participate in association activities.
The MPA program’s alumni base is more than 700 strong! Our graduates go on to successful careers in local, state, and federal government, the nonprofit arena, and the private sector, with others finding success in doctoral studies or law school.
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate students have the option to pursue a Minor in Public Administration, Minor in Public Policy, or Minor in Nonprofit Management. Moreover, through the University’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program, students can pursue a concentration in one or more of these areas. Both programs provide a comprehensive overview of public and nonprofit management and public policy, with careful attention being paid to issues such as administrative law, policy implementation and evaluation, budgeting and finance, leadership, and managerial innovation.
Students majoring in Recreation Management or Human Development and Family Science (Family Services concentration) may apply to the Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) program. The ABM program provides students with the opportunity to apply up to 12-credit hours of MPA coursework towards both their undergraduate and graduate (MPA) degree requirements.
Whether you are seeking a career in public or nonprofit management or are a mid-career professional seeking advanced training, the department’s dedicated faculty will continually challenge you to reach past your current skills in the pursuit of excellence. Similarly, it is a passion for teaching and the public administration profession that drives the faculty to improve our academic programs. We are very proud of our programs, our students, and our alumni, and are humbled by the role we play in training the next generation of public service professionals. As you consider your options, I invite you to contact me if you have any questions. You may reach me at tjdavis@georgiasouthern.edu or (912) 478-1400.
Trenton J. Davis, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Chair and MPA Program Director
Professor of Public Administration
Last updated: 10/3/2022
