Our Master of Public Administration program combines academic rigor with real-world application, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex public issues. With a focus on leadership, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making, our MPA graduates are prepared to make a positive impact in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the community at large.
Overview
Our MPA program combines academic rigor with real-world application, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex public issues. With a focus on leadership, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making, our MPA graduates are prepared to make a positive impact in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the community at large.
The MPA Program Seeks to:
- Prepare public managers to assume management and leadership positions in a variety of organizational settings in Coastal Georgia and beyond;
- Provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities identified as important to job entry and career advancement;
- Help students develop and apply general public management knowledge and skills in solving problems typically faced by managers in the public and nonprofit sectors;
- Encourage students to demonstrate commitment to public service through such opportunities as internships, organized projects, and community involvement; and,
- Graduate students who have developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities to act ethically and effectively as public administrators who will lead and manage in public governance.
Nationally accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), Savannah State University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program trains individuals to assume management and leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors in Coastal Georgia and beyond. Practitioners and pre-service students develop skills essential to successful public service careers. Our diverse student body is engaged in learning, community service, and research.
Like most professional degrees, earning the MPA degree can lead to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. SSU graduates work in national, state, and local government agencies; national, regional, and local nonprofit organizations; international non-governmental organizations, and more.
Urban Management Focus Area
The MPA Urban Management Track provides practical knowledge in solving today’s critical urban challenges. The curriculum leverages the expertise of SSU’s faculty, the vibrant historic urban location of the University, and the social, demographic, and economic trends that are attracting greater numbers of practitioners and new career professionals interested in developing innovative ideas and technical skills to make a life-changing impact in modern urban environments.
MPA Program Data
NASPAA 2017-2022 Completion Rates
2023-2024 Student Data
Programmatic Outcome Data
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration degree requires the student to successfully complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. MPA students are classified as in-service or pre-service based on experience in the public or nonprofit sector. Pre-service students are usually recent graduates who lack sufficient managerial or administrative experience. In-service students are currently employed and usually have several years of relevant work experience in the public or non-profit sectors in a job requiring a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for entry.
The program is flexible enough to accommodate full-time (9-12 hours per semester) or part-time students (3-6 hours per semester). Accordingly, the length of time required to complete the program will vary. All students must successfully complete the core curriculum of 24 semester hours, 9-12 hours of electives, and 3-6 hours of internship, depending upon classification as in-service or pre-service.
Master of Public Administration, MPA
Graduate Certificate Programs
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Organizations and Leadership
The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Organizations and Leadership is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the nonprofit sector. It covers essential topics such as nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, governance, and leadership principles. Participants will gain practical insights into organizational dynamics and effective leadership practices, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in their communities. This program is ideal for current nonprofit professionals or those looking to transition into the field, equipping them with the tools necessary to lead successful nonprofit organizations.
Graduate Certificate in Museum Administration
The Graduate Certificate in Museum Administration is a 15-credit program that prepares students for successful careers in museums, archives, historic sites or science centers by emphasizing administration, curatorship, collections management, exhibit interpretation, fund development and education, through high quality instruction, research, and practical application. This program offers a cutting-edge approach to Museum Administration whereby the coursework considers how museums, archives, historic sites and science centers are currently working to reinvent themselves.
The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
The Certificate in Human Resource Management is designed for graduate students who are interested in pursuing a human resources profession or aim to boost their HR management skills and knowledge. Courses cover a multitude of HR topics and are offered in an online or hybrid format.