Public Administration
Request Information
Master of Public Administration
South University Virginia Beach'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.
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.
For information regarding Conditional Acceptance, click 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.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
Oct 21, 2026
MSN Spotlight: Grad Named Among Impactful Men in Nursing
See how South University helped Eziechina Barford Okwor grow and why The Nurses Magazine added him to the 2026 Most Impactful Men in Nursing list.
Oct 20, 2026
What Qualities Do You Need to Be a Nurse Informaticist?
Learn the skills and qualities needed to become a nurse informaticist and discover if a career in nursing informatics is right for you.
Oct 19, 2026
South Faculty Member Elected to President-Elect of American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
South University faculty member, Dr. Paul Dunn, has been elected to serve in leadership for the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Oct 14, 2026
Alumni Spotlight: A Business Grad Builds a Better Life for Her Family
Studying business at South University has helped Bridgett Kelly start her own in-home care business and build a legacy she’s proud of for her family.
Oct 13, 2026
How Career Services Can Support You as a Student and Beyond
Learn how Career Services can support you as you prepare to begin your career through mock interviews, resume reviews, and so much more.
Oct 07, 2026
Alumni Spotlight: A Step Closer to Opening Her Own Practice
Learn how Tonya Martin pursued an education at South University and how her education has helped her in her career as a nurse.
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 graduates have to say.
