Public Administration
Request Information
Master of Public Administration
South University Columbia’s Master of Public Administration program can equip you with the organizational and managerial experience needed to become a leader in local, state, and national government entities and nonprofit organizations. The MPA curriculum is developed with a range of disciplines in mind to provide both foundational and specialized information of value to anyone pursuing a career in public administration. Beyond exploring the structure of political, social, and institutional systems, the program will cover topics like data analysis, budgeting, ethical decision-making, fundraising, HR and volunteer management, and leadership – all within the context of helping public and nonprofit organizations to maximize their impact and achieve their goals.
Offered in our new Online + On Campus learning format gives you the opportunity to learn alongside your peers while also still having the capacity to meet the demands you face as a professional. The first week of the quarter is spent in the classroom, getting to know classmates and faculty, followed by an alternating schedule of one week online and one week on campus.
Admission Requirements
Admissions criteria for the Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Graduate Admissions - Masters level
Prospective students are required to submit the following:
- Completion of application for admission
- Official transcripts for bachelor or graduate degree within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). (All credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service). Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.
Note: See program notes and specific requirements below for each graduate - masters level degree program
Specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Completion of application for admission.
- A 2.0 overall grade point average or higher on completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree, or an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Course Requirements
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
Analyze how economic, political, legal, and social institutions influence decisions in public administration.
Examine challenges faced by public sector organizations and the potential approaches for addressing them.
Prioritize political and administrative systems to support effective governance and public service delivery.
Examine quantitative and qualitative data to guide legal and ethical decision-making in public management.
Apply leadership and management principles and practices to address challenges in public and nonprofit organizations.
Career Outlook
These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:
- City/County Supervisor/Manager
- General and Operations Managers
- Policy or Legislative Supervisor/Manager
- General Managers
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
Nov 06, 2024
A Day in the Life of an Ambulatory Pharmacist
Journey through a day in the life of an Ambulatory Pharmacist and how they help their patients.
Jun 13, 2024
New Student Group Committed to Advancing Pediatric Pharmacy
A new student chapter of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA), known as the PediRays, is getting started at the Savannah campus.
Mar 08, 2023
3 Reasons to Choose a Pharmacy Career
3 Reasons to Choose a Pharmacy Career
Dec 03, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Oncology Pharmacy Career Success Story
See how a South University PharmD graduate built a career in oncology pharmacy and what advice and life lessons she offers current students.
Dec 02, 2025
The US May Be Facing a Pharmacist Shortage
Learn how a decline in pharmacy school enrollment is impacting the healthcare system and our communities.
Dec 01, 2025
South University, Columbia Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Receives CACREP Reaccreditation
South University (SU) is proud to announce that its Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program at the Columbia campus has received reaccreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for the maximum eight-year term granted by the Council.
Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at (888) 444-3404.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.
