Thank You - Master of Public Administration

Thank you for your interest in our Master of Public Administration program!

Program Snapshot
Salary and Careers
Program Benefits

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at KSU in Georgia is a professional degree that prepares you for leadership and administrative positions in governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. Our student-oriented faculty combine solid academic learning, human-capital leadership training, and concrete, practical experiences.

The MPA degree is offered by the School of Government and International Affairs within the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State. The program works in cooperation with several other departments and the A. L. Burruss Institute of Public Service that provides community services and technical assistance to nonprofit and public organizations across Georgia.

You may choose one of the following concentrations or a combination of courses to total 12 credit hours. The concentration courses will enable you to prepare for a professional career in the public, nonprofit sectors.

Government Administration
Information Systems Administration
Nonprofit Administration

Why choose a MPA Degree?

As businesses and organizations become more globalized, the traditional MBA alone (see our dual MPA/MBA degree option) is often focused on data and finance while lightly touching on management. As large corporations become more complex, if you can navigate the internal politics of large organizations, you will be highly valued – regardless of the organization is the private sector, government, or other nonprofit. The focus on critical thinking and people management skills makes an MPA the advanced degree of the future.

KSU public administration student in the classroom

Program Snapshot

Format: Face-to-Face, Online or Hybrid

Number of Credits: 36 Total Hours

Entry Terms: Fall, Spring

Time to Complete: Two-year Program

Application Deadlines:

Fall, July 1^st
Spring, November 1^st

Curriculum Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

The following are requirements beyond the general Graduate Admissions requirements.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least 2.75 grade point average.
Submission of an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions and a non-refundable application fee; International students must also provide satisfactory TOEFL or IETLS scores.
Submit a statement of purpose essay of approximately 1,000 words addressing the following questions: “In what way do you expect the Master of Public Administration degree to affect or enhance your career goals and aspirations?

A current resume
Two letters of recommendation from faculty or work supervisors with direct knowledge of the applicant that address the applicant’s potential for graduate study and use of an MPA degree.

Students are admitted to the program based upon an overall review of all credentials including any work and community service experience that indicates potential success in graduate work and in professional public service.

Apply now

Public Administration Degree Benefits at Kennesaw State

Top 20

Schools in the U.S. that students want to attend reported by U.S. News and World Report
7,100+

Companies recruited students and alumni from KSU in 2020

Increase Your Value – With planning, you can earn two degrees. Regardless of your career twists and turns, you will be prepared for private or public sector advancement.
Improve Your International Acumen – The MPA’s popular study-abroad component gives you an advantage as you navigate working with people internationally.
Get the Best for Less – National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accreditation means you can trust that your employer will respect your degree. Wherever you go next in your career at the same time, a MPA from Kennesaw State is very affordable and offers the potential for a significant return on your investment (ROI).
Use Your Experience Gained – The GRE waiver option takes into account your experience as a working adult. GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants.

What can you do with a Public Administration degree?

'Typical MPA Occupations

Urban Planner
Human Resources Management
Federal Compliance Officer (OES)
Insurance Benefits Compliance
Administrative Services Manager

Atypical MPA Occupations

Administrators for a Medical or Dental Practice
Law Practice Managers
Securities and Investments Compliance
Territory, National, and Global Sales Managers
Architectural & Engineering Department Management

In many cases, earning a MPA brings a $20,000 wage premium vs. those who do not have an advanced degree.

Public Administration Salary and Career Information

A career in public administration offers many paths that can easily align with your current and future goals. Below are just a few jobs achievable with a master’s degree in public administration from KSU.