The MPA degree requires a total of 39-credit hours where, in addition to core management courses, students pursue an area of concentration in public or nonprofit management. Students may attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis (9-credit hours per semester). Most courses are offered in-person at the University’s main campus in Statesboro, Georgia, though a few select courses are offered online. Courses generally meet once per week in the evening and, on occasion, on an abbreviated weekend schedule. The MPA Program takes four semesters of full-time and one semester of part-time study to complete.
The Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Management requires a total of 15-credit hours. Enrolling annually each fall, the entirely web-based curriculum is comprised of five, eight-week courses, which are completed in one calendar year.
Historically, the MPA Program averages 45-55 students enrolled in a given academic semester both full-time and part-time students. There are six full-time core faculty members, as well as a select few practitioners that teach courses in the program.
More information related to the demographic make-up of the MPA student body can be found in the Georgia Southern University Graduate Studies Fact Book.
Most full-time students graduate from the MPA program in two academic years, whereas part-time students graduate in three to four years on average.
The table below displays the graduation rates for the cohort entering Fall 2013. Of the 10 students who enrolled in Fall 2013, five (50%) graduated within two years and an additional three students graduated within four years. The overall four-year graduation rate, including full-time and part-time students, was 80% or 8 out of 10 students in this cohort.
| Fall 2013 Cohort | Initially Enrolled | Graduated within 100% Program Length (2 yrs.) | Graduated within 150% of Program Length (3 yrs.) | Graduated within 200% of Program Length (4 yrs.) |
| All New Students | 10 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Percentage Graduated | 50% | 70% | 80% |
The completion of an internship (300 hours minimum) that is relevant to a student’s area of concentration is required of all pre-service students. In consultation with the program director, in-service students may 1) use their current position for the internship or 2) complete an additional seminar course. Most full-time students complete the internship requirement during the summer between their first and second years in the MPA Program. Regardless, a student must have at least 15-credit hours completed in the MPA Program prior to being eligible for an internship.
Students intern, as well as receive professional positions in a variety of governmental and nonprofit organizations, with recent examples including:
Historically, MPA graduates enjoy high rates of employment following graduation. In AY2017-18, 11 students graduated from the MPA program and accepted or continued positions in state or local government, the private sector, or are obtaining further education (Ph.D. program).
Tuition and Fees charged by Georgia Southern University are approved by the University System of Georgia annually. Changes in tuition and fee rates are typically effective fall semester each year. The tuition and fees listed on the links below provide an estimate of tuition, fees, housing, meals, books and supplies. Actual costs are determined when a student registers for classes each semester and are based on student level, residency, credit hours, miscellaneous course fees, housing and meals. Please contact the GS Department of Financial Aid with specific questions about tuition and fees.
Related Tuition and Fees Information:
A number of MPA students are awarded graduate or research assistantships each academic year. While some assistants work for academic departments supporting faculty in a variety of teaching and research roles, others work as graduate assistants in the University’s numerous administrative departments. Graduate and research assistants receive a waiver of the standard in-state and out-of-state tuition, along with a monthly stipend during the academic year.
Graduate and research assistantships are awarded each year by academic units and non-academic units on a competitive basis using predetermined criteria, including but not limited to the applicant’s academic record, test scores, recommendations, and other pertinent information.
Students interested in applying for a graduate assistantship (GA) position in the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies should submit a resume and cover letter (discussing research skills) to mpa@georgiasouthern.edu. GA positions for Spring 2021 will be awarded in November 2020. Additional GA opportunities can be found on the College of Graduate Studies website. More information pertaining to graduate and research assistantships.
Last updated: 7/22/2020
Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies
Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box 8048
Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8048
Phone: 912-478-1400
Email: publicadmin@georgiasouthern.edu
To donate to the department please designate your gift.
Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies • P.O. Box 8048 • Statesboro, Georgia • 912-478-1400