Master of Public Administration

Innovative hybrid program offered on the Statesboro Campus

MPA Program Overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional graduate degree designed for management and administration within the public sector and nonprofit organizations. The MPA degree provides you with focused training to work in a leadership role, helping you master 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 board governance.

Since 1973, Georgia Southern University’s MPA degree program has been a leader in the advancement of public and nonprofit management education. Today, the MPA program is recognized as one of the top graduate programs at Georgia Southern.

The MPA at Georgia Southern is offered as a hybrid program. The hybrid model provides current and aspiring public and nonprofit management professionals with 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.

With a Master of Public Administration degree, you will gain the advanced career-oriented professional knowledge and skills to elevate your career as a driven leader in public service, government and nonprofit organizations!

At Georgia Southern University, you can tailor your MPA degree education with a concentration in either Public Management or Nonprofit Management.

Georgia Southern University’s MPA degree program ranked in the top 5 for the 2019 Best Public Administration Colleges in Georgia!

A Nationally Accredited and Respected Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is a NASPAA accredited degree program. The Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies is a member of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).

FAQs

Where is the MPA program offered?

The MPA program is a hybrid program that blends online and face-to-face instruction on the Statesboro Campus.

Is the MPA program accredited?

Yes, the MPA program is NASPAA accredited and is a member of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).

What is the format of the MPA program?

The MPA program is a hybrid program. Courses are taught in a blended format where 50% of a course is online and 50% occurs in-person. On a very limited basis, a course may be offered in a fully online, in-person, or weekend intensive format.

How does a hybrid program model work?

Our program provides current and aspiring public and nonprofit management professionals with an innovative and effective education that combines the best of online and in-person course delivery. We strive to develop the very best — educated, highly skilled, and ethical — public and nonprofit leaders. The hybrid program model is the next iteration of the MPA program that has nearly 50 years of experience to build on.

Does the MPA program offer fully online or completely in-person courses?

MPA courses are offered in a blended format combining online and in-person instruction on the Statesboro Campus. On a very limited basis, a course may be offered in a fully online, in-person, or weekend intensive format. 

The current MPA course schedule (PBAD or NMLI – 7000 level courses) can be found using the university’s course search tool.

Can I attend the MPA program as a part-time or full-time student?

Students may attend the program full-time (9-credit hours) or part-time (6-credit hours or less).  For financial aid purposes, students need to take at least 6-credit hours in order to receive financial aid.  For more information contact the Georgia Southern Office of Financial Aid.

Are there plans to expand the MPA program?

The MPA program is growing! Currently, pre-service and in-service students have the option to attend the hybrid MPA program. The hybrid MPA blends online and in-person instruction on the Statesboro Campus. In the near future, we will be launching an online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program. The EMPA will be open to students with relevant career experience and is being specifically developed to meet the needs and demands of busy professionals. Program details will be forthcoming in Fall 2022.

Do you accept international students to the MPA program?

Yes, we welcome applications from students outside of the United States.  International applicants should closely review the information found on the College of Graduate Studies website as well as the university’s Office of International Programs and Services.  

What type of funding opportunities are available?

The Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies is typically awards graduate research or teaching assistantships to a handful of exceptionally qualified students.  Other graduate assistantship opportunities may be available outside of the department. General information pertaining to graduate assistantships can be found at on the College of Graduate Studies website, including a list of available assistantships outside the department.  International students may be eligible for an out of country tuition waiver that reduces the cost of tuition and fees to the in-state rate.

How long does it take to complete the MPA program?

The program requires successful completion of 39-credit hours and comprehensive examination. Students proceed at their own pace, although there is a Georgia Southern University limit of seven (7) years from the date of the initial course until the degree. Full-time students typically complete the MPA in two years.  Students who have full-time professional employment often take one or two courses each semester. At this pace, they can complete the MPA program in approximately 2.5 to 4 years.

Who are the faculty for the MPA program?

Our MPA program faculty are top teachers and researchers in their field.  Students can also expect to learn from invited guest speakers and, on occasion, adjunct instructors who have specialized expertise in a given area.

Who can I contact for more information about the MPA program?

If you have a question, click on the “Chat with us Now” link found in the bottom right hand corner of each webpage.  Alternatively, you may send an email to mpa@georgiasouthern.edu, call the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies at 912-478-1400, or visit the department located in the Carroll Building, Rm. 1068 on the Statesboro Campus.

Do you have any questions? Contact us!

Last updated: 3/20/2022