Degree Requirements: 39 Credit Hours

Admission Requirements

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.
Both program tracks operate under a unified mission and set of student learning outcomes.

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:

1. Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum 2.75 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average.
2. Resume detailing relevant work and volunteer experience.
3. Essay describing applicant’s career goals and objectives, as well as protentional for success in the program.
4. 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.
5. 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).

Application Deadlines

The deadlines for completed applications are as follows:

Since seats are filled as decisions are made, applicants are encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible so that there is enough time to address any application deficiencies well ahead of the final deadline. In addition, those who apply by the Priority Deadline are given priority for graduate assistantships.

Program of Study

Hybrid Track: The Hybrid Track requires 24 credits of core courses, twelve (12) credits of emphasis courses, three (3) credits of internship (depending on whether student is pre-service or in-service), and a comprehensive examination.

Executive Track: The Executive Track requires 24 credits of core courses, twelve (12) credits of emphasis courses, two (2) credits of immersion experiences, and a one (1) credit professional portfolio.