Skip To Content
REQUEST INFO
Apply Now Log In
Request Info Apply Now

Public Administration

Columbia, SC
Two people wearing white t-shirts with the word 'VOLUNTEER' printed on them, holding a blue trash bag and wearing rubber gloves while cleaning up outdoors.

Request Information

Degree Overview

Master of Public Administration

NEED
Dr. Doretha Walker, Program Director, 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.

REQUEST INFO

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.

REQUEST INFO

Course Requirements

Master of Public Administration: 48 Credits
Core: 44 Credits
MBA6501 Strategic Human Resources Management 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA5001 Foundations of Public Administration 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA5005 Public and Non-profit Organizational Behavior 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA5010 Public and Non-profit Budgeting and Accounting 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6001 Research and Data Analysis in Public Administration 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6100 Non-profit Fundraising and Volunteer Development 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6105 Grant Writing and Contract Administration 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6110 Management of Non-profit Organizations 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6115 Program Evaluation of Public and Non-profit Organizations 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6501 State and Local Government and Intergovernmental Relations 4.0 Credit Hours
MPA6505 Legislative and Judicial Process 4.0 Credit Hours
Capstone: 4 Credits
MPA6999 Strategic Challenges in Public Administration 4.0 Credit Hours
REQUEST INFO

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.

REQUEST INFO

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.

REQUEST INFO

What's New

Latest News and Blogs

female pharmacist speaking with two older people at the pharmacy counter

May 13, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Community Pharmacy Owner

Earning a Doctor of Pharmacy at South University helped Jomarie Ortiz Rivera improve patient outcomes and expand healthcare access in her community.

man in a blue shirt looking at a laptop with a blonde woman in a bathrobe in the background pouring coffee

May 12, 2026

How to Compare Online Nursing Programs

Researching online nursing programs? Compare areas like accreditation, clinical support, flexibility, and curriculum to help you make your choice.

a person in blue scrubs making the heart symbol with both hands

May 06, 2026

Nurses Week: Celebrating the Power of Nurses

Join South University in celebrating the power of our nursing students and alumni for the 2026 National Nurses Week.

female doctor and nurse looking at a computer in a patient's hospital room

May 05, 2026

What to Expect from a Medical Assisting Practicum

Learn how South University helps students find medical assisting practicums and how this training experience may prepare you for the working world.

variety of pharmaceuticals displayed on a table

May 05, 2026

South University School of Pharmacy Achieves Outstanding Residency Match Success for Class of 2026

The School of Pharmacy at South University has achieved a residency match rate of 94% for the Class of 2026.

a heathcare worker in blue scrubs is massaing a patient's knee

Apr 29, 2026

PTA Alumni Spotlight: Serving as Director of Rehab

Discover how South University PTA graduate Zachary Hall is using his education as a director of rehab, helping seniors in a skilled nursing facility.

Request Information

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.

By clicking the button below as my official signature, I consent to representatives of South University contacting me about EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES via email, text or phone including my mobile phone if provided above, using an automatic dialer. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I consent to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws.

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.