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Public Administration

Columbia, SC

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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.

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.

Outcomes

Offered at Columbia, Online Programs, Savannah, and Virginia Beach.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The Master of Public Administration degree program at South University is designed to address the needs of students for applied coursework in areas of critical importance to local, state, and national governmental and non-profit organizations. The program covers a broad range of governmental and nonprofit topics to help develop each student's knowledge, skills, and abilities. This degree program integrates knowledge from other areas to provide a combination of general and specialized information in a multi-disciplinary approach.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply a broad conceptual framework to public administration issues, which will include economic, political, legal and social institutions and processes that affect the actions and decision of political leaders and public managers.
  2. Communicate clearly, orally and in writing, their understanding of the challenges of government agencies and many public sector problems/issues and the multiple paths for solutions.
  3. Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills in order to build strategic alliances within political and administrative structures.
  4. Apply quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills.
  5. Demonstrate attainment of discipline-specific knowledge and the practical skills to be effective in the field.

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.

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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.

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Success Stories

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.

Shirrelle M Everett 2015
Shirrelle Everett Grad Alumni
Class of '15
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Richmond

“It took me almost ten years to realize that without an education I would be stuck working for minimum wage at dead-end jobs, I was a single mother of two children living on welfare. South University allowed me to gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance my career at my own pace. My education has enabled me to take care of my family.”

Sandy S Johnson 2008
Sandy Johnson Grad Alumni
Class of '08
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling: South University, Montgomery

“Having [instructors] that are experts in the field was an inspiration to me and allowed me that firsthand experience of the day-to-day knowledge. I am elated that I had these professors, and when I have had to call on them post-graduation, they have always been so helpful. Having a master's degree has made me a competitive applicant…[and has] given me the confidence in myself to accomplish any goals I may set for myself.”

Tonya Hampton 2013
Tonya Hampton Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I love being a leader. South University helped me reach my full potential in management skills. The faculty and staff always went out of their way to make sure that the University had a positive impact on its students.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Tiffany Wood Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Associate of Science in Legal Studies-South University, Columbia

“My classes at South University challenged me to find the answers I was looking for and inspired me to keep seeking the truth in any situation presented to me. Being at South University has definitely brought me closer to my family and a step closer to my dreams!”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Erika Wiggins Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management-South University, Savannah

“I'm recognizing more about what I'm really capable of at South University. When you have education, you have a foundation, and you have something that will propel you to growth and strength in the world.”