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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrate attainment of discipline-specific knowledge and the practical skills to be effective in the field.
- Apply quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills in order to build strategic alliances within political and administrative structures.
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
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.
Nov 19, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: A Success Story in Nursing Entrepreneurship
Now that Roya Asghari has earned her MSN with an FNP specialization, she is doing even more for patients in her home health business.
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.
Nov 12, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: A PA Success Story
See how becoming a physician assistant led South University graduate Nicole Earley on an unexpected career journey.
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.
