Public Administration

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.

Degree Overview

Master in Public Administration

NEED — Dr. Doretha Walker, Program Director, Master of Public Administration

South University’s Master in Public Administration degree program prepares you for success in a leadership role with organizational and managerial expertise within the local, state, and national government entities and non-profit organizations. Our curriculum pulls from a broad range of disciplines to provide both general and specialized information that will benefit students in this career. Topics of instruction include a thorough understanding of political, social, institutional, and organizational systems, developing an operating budget for such systems, and ethical decision-making skills.

REQUEST INFO

Available Locations

Columbia, SC Online Savannah, GA Virginia Beach, VA

REQUEST INFO

What's New

Latest News and Blogs

a man and a woman both in white shirts sitting together at a desk looking at a tablet screen together

Nov 18, 2025

MBA vs MPA: What’s Better for You?

Learn the differences between the MBA and MPA degree programs and figure out which degree helps you pursue your goals.

one woman person of color presenting a graph to several male colleagues

Aug 13, 2024

Preparing for a Career in Public Administration

Read about some of the skills needed for a career in public administration.

Learn how one student pursued her MBA online

Sep 30, 2026

MBA Grad Spotlight: Growing a Paralegal Business

See how Tramaine Luster has used her Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, and MBA degrees to grow her paralegal career and give back to her community.

Sep 29, 2026

When Is the Right Time to Get an MBA?

Read our advice on what you need to consider before deciding when to get your MBA. The answer is different for everyone!

Tampa Nursing and PA students line up to help with an Immunization event

Sep 24, 2026

Tampa Nursing and PA Students Deliver Immunizations and other Health Services

Students from the Tampa campus’s nursing and physician assistant programs held a back-to-school clinic for over 200 visitors.

a student asks a question of their teacher

Sep 23, 2026

Nursing Spotlight: A Graduate Becomes a Professor

Discover how Nicole Reading received her education as a nurse and then went on to become a professor at South University.

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.

Your Location of Interest

Your Program of Interest

First Name First Name

Last Name Last Name

Your Email Address Your Email Address

Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX) Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX)

Address Address

City City

Zip Code Zip Code

State

High School Grad Year

Country of Citizenship

How did you hear about us

Student Visa?

Yes No

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.

Province

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.

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.

Tramaine Francis Luster

Classes of '12, '16 and '26

Master of Business Administration- South University, Online Programs

“I chose South University because I was a single parent raising three children while working a full-time job. I needed a school that offered flexibility and allowed me to balance my education with my responsibilities at work and at home.>>”