Public Administration
Request Information
Master of Public Administration
Beyond exploring the structure of political, social, and institutional systems, your online MPA courses 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.
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.>
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
Aug 13, 2024
Preparing for a Career in Public Administration
Read about some of the skills needed for a career in public administration.
Mar 16, 2026
South University Nursing Programs Achieve Strong NCLEX Pass Rates Across Multiple Campuses in 2025
South University is proud to announce exceptional results from its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, with graduates across multiple campuses achieving strong pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in 2025.
Mar 10, 2026
South University Student Nominated for her Home State by Congress of Future Medical Leaders
Joanna Wolfe has been nominated to represent her home state by the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.
Feb 25, 2026
Alumni Spotlight: Applying Paralegal Skills Across Roles
Meet Elizabeth Bloom and learn how she used the skills she learned with her paralegal degree to serve her throughout her career.
Feb 25, 2026
South University School of Pharmacy Achieves 81% First-Time NAPLEX Pass Rate
School of Pharmacy ranks #1 among 3-year PharmD programs in South Atlantic Region and #2 in Georgia.
Feb 24, 2026
The Growing Need for Mental Health Counselors
Learn why the need for mental health counselors is growing, how high the demand is, and the types of valuable services they provide to clients.
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.
*Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
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.
