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Master of Public Administration

MPA Program Description

The Master of Public Administration Degree is designed to prepare students for productive and rewarding careers in public service. The format of the program accommodates students currently employed in the public sector as well as students seeking entry level positions. The MPA Program is designed to complement any undergraduate degree.

Students pursuing the MPA degree online or at one of Valdosta State University's centers must complete thirty-six hours of course work to include twenty-four hours of required core courses and twelve hours in a concentration area approved by the MPA Coordinator. The twenty-four hour core includes PADM 7300: Foundations Seminar in Public Administration which must be taken in the first semester. Your final semester will require you to take PADM 7210: Internship in Public Administration and PADM 7900: Capstone Seminar in Public Administration. These courses serve as the exit requirement for the MPA program.

The MPA degree, Public Policy and Public Sector Management concentrations are offered exclusively via the Internet. Candidates for these concentrations must be currently employed in a governmental (including military) or non governmental organization, or have appropriate experience in such an organization. Candidates with private sector experience who are interested in a career in the public or non governmental sectors may be considered. The core work requirements will remain the same.
Departmental Requirements in addition to University Requirements for Admission:

A student desiring work in the College of Arts and Sciences on the M.P.A. degree must present a score of 450 on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or a combined score of 400 or more on the verbal and 400 or more on either the quantitative or analytical section of the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or a student can present a score of a 375 on the Miller Analogies Test. Also, a student must submit a resume, a career goal statement and three letters of recommendation.

For more information about these exams please visit Valdosta State University's Testing Website:

Valdosta State University
Office of Testing 
phone: (229) 245 - 3878
e-mail:  testing@valdosta.edu
Website: Testing Center
Selected Educational Outcomes:
Upon a successful completion of the MPA program students will:
1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic technical skills needed to succeed in a public or not-for-profit organization.
2. Develop a broad outlook and an understanding of ethical factors required of program managers and administrators in public or not-for-profit agencies operating in a multicultural context.
3. Strengthen oral and written communication skills.
4. Gain familiarity with up-to-date information management systems.