Master of Public Administration

SERVING COMMUNITIES IN NEED

The Master of Public Administration program provides the opportunity for students to gain valuable leadership skills that employers seek in public sector organizations at the local, state and federal levels. The key leadership skills include adaptability, transparency, empathy, flexibility, humility, confident communication, emotional intelligence, and commitment to a vision. The 30 – 33 hour (based on experience) online MPA degree program also provides appropriate skills for individuals for federal, executive and other high-level management positions.

Leaders, especially those in public service and government, must be prepared for today’s interconnected world. From management to global competence, public leadership requires a robust skill set. Fort Valley State University’s Master of Public Administration program equips students with that skill set. Before your program is completed at FVSU, you’ll develop your abilities to manage people, places, and budgets globally and train to become an impactful, effective public leader in the United States and abroad. 

How can an MPA help me?

The MPA program is a graduate degree for the public sector. It prepares individuals to serve as managers, executives, and policy analysts in the executive arm of local, state/provincial, and federal/national government, and increasingly in non-governmental organizations (NGO) and nonprofit sectors. 

At Fort Valley State University, the MPA program focuses on executive organization and management practices. Instruction includes the roles, development, and principles of public administration, public policy management, and policy/program implementation. As a general management degree, the MPA matches the Master of Business Administration, except the MPA focuses on the public sector, including budgeting and finance, public policy, and management of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, and healthcare providers instead of for-profit corporations.

Career Opportunities 

FVSU’s online MPA program prepares graduates to advance effective and accountable public service in a dynamic, increasingly global environment that includes government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The MPA program focuses on management problems of both public and nonprofit organizations, as well as activities of government agencies.

When you Choose FVSU’S MPA Degree Program, You Can:

• Interact with online scenarios, simulations, and dedicated faculty who are actively engaged in research to help you practice what you learn in a safe and supportive environment.
• Work with FVSU’s truly diverse faculty and student body to see clients and society in a new way.
• Engage in a collaborative model of teaching, research, and outreach that instills in students the knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to have influence in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
• Choose your program focus and pace with electives, and degree completion options that fit your unique needs.

MPA Program Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution (in a related field to meet pre-requisites) and meet the following: 
2.  Completed FVSU Graduate Studies Application
3. Pay Application Processing Fee (non-refundable): $20-Domestic Applicants /$75-International Applicants
4. Submit a professional resume containing prior work experience, education, community service, and other relevant experience. 
5. Submit two transcripts showing cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 from a regionally accredited institution. 
6. Submit a Statement of Purpose. The statement purpose must be between 550-600 words in essay format and include personal characteristics/disposition, professional goals, academic background, research, work/volunteer experience and why you wish to pursue a graduate degree in public administration.
7. Submit three Professional Recommendations. Letters of recommendation must be submitted using the FVSU Recommendation form for Graduate Admission.
8. Official Transcripts from each postsecondary institution (College/University) you attended. The transcript should show all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades earned.
9. Immunizations records

Graduation Requirement for the MPA degree Program

To be awarded a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, students must complete at least 30 credit hours of MPA graduate course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and higher. Students who do not have 3-5 years managerial experience must complete 33 credit hours, including MPAP 5401 - Capstone Practicum/ Internship course.