Established in 1986, 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.
Public Administration (MPA)
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.
Alumni Spotlight
Darius D. Jackson (MPA 2025)
Regional Volunteer Services Officer
American Red Cross
“The MPA program at Savannah State University deepened my understanding of nonprofit interworking and stakeholder engagement. It empowered me to strategically mobilize volunteers in disaster response, preparing me to lead as Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the American Red Cross, supporting over 4,500 volunteers across Alabama and Mississippi.”
Learn more about SSU MPA Alumni
News
Metropolitan Planning Commission staff visit MPA Class
Kefi Maxwell, Edward Morrow, and Rohan Urs of the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission visited Dr. Otilia Iancu's History, Scope, and Practice of Public Administration class on Nov. 5 to talk about Plan 2045, a coordinated update to the Comprehensive Plans for the county and city. They also explained internship opportunities and careers in planning, and engaged in a wide-ranging discussion with students about affordable housing, transportation planning, historic preservation, and other topics.
Learn More about Plan 2040
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
62%
Working in Government
A significant number of MPA graduates secure employment with federal, state, and local government agencies.
26%
Working in Nonprofit Organizations
Many MPA graduates hold leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.
$96,596
Average Salary
Annual earnings for MPA graduates working across sectors is high.
Careers
MPA graduates hold leadership roles in government, nonprofit, and private sector organizations. Salaries vary widely based on the sector and specialization, but can be high, with some sources reporting a median annual salary of $151,630 for policy analysts in the federal government or an average of $96,596 for public administrators.
Employment rate and sector
- High employment: A large majority of graduates secure employment. For example, one report shows a 62% government employment rate for graduates.
- Government: The most common sector for graduates, employing a significant portion of alumni.
- Nonprofit: Another major employer, with 26% of alumni working in this sector.
- Private Sector: Some graduates also work in the private sector.
- Other sectors: Graduates also find roles in areas like community and social services, management, education, and healthcare.
Salary statistics
- Varies by role: Salaries depend heavily on the specific job, specialization, and years of experience.
- Public Administrator: The average annual salary is around $96,596, with top earners exceeding $121,500.
- Policy Analysts (Federal Government): The median annual salary is approximately $151,630.
- Experience-based: A survey indicated that about 50% of alumni earn between $45,000 and $75,000 three years after graduation, with earnings increasing with experience.
Popular Career Paths
City Manager
County Manager
Nonprofit Executive Director
Emergency Management Agency Director
Policy Analyst
Public Information Officer
Operations Manager
Planner
Volunteer Manager
Economic Development Director
School Superintendent
Elected Official
County Manager
Nonprofit Executive Director
Emergency Management Agency Director
Policy Analyst
Public Information Officer
Operations Manager
Planner
Volunteer Manager
Economic Development Director
School Superintendent
Elected Official
Alumni
Savannah State University MPA graduates hold leadership positions in government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations in Coastal Georgia and beyond. Meet some of our distinguished alumni and learn how the program equipped them to achieve their professional goals.
Notable Alumni
Van R. Johnson II, Mayor, City of Savannah
Kelvin Bryant, Director of Police Administration, City of Savannah
Eunicia Baker, Director of Communications, City of North Miami
Derek Mallow, State Senator, Georgia General Assembly
Michael A. Kaigler, County Manager, Chatham County
Meaghan Dunn-Woods, Vice President of Development, Paradies Lagardère
Vanessa Miller-Kaigler, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Savannah Chatham County School System
Aaron "Adot" Whitely, District 6 Commissioner, Chatham County
“Savannah State University’s MPA program made sure I was more than prepared for the realities of public service and public policy. The curriculum challenged me academically and figuratively, something that I appreciate now as a public servant. I can walk into any room and know that I can not only keep up, but I can set the pace!”
Antwone Mohammed, Programs and Community Development Manager, World Trade Center Savannah
George Seaborough, Executive Director, Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy
Hilton Fordham, Chief Operations Officer/Corporate Compliance Officer, J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center
Shed Dawson, Jr., Director of Career Services and Leadership Development, Savannah State University
Corey Kemp, Director of Emergency Management, Bulloch County
Brian Dawsey, Director of Mentorship, Savannah State University
Rashad Ramsey, Doctorate in Higher Education Candidate, Clark Atlanta University
Johnny McDonald, Prospect Research and Gift Planning Officer, Savannah State University
Terri Bright, Policy Analyst, City of Detroit (MPA 2024)
“My experience in the Masters of Public Administration program at Savannah State University was truly transformative. The curriculum enriched my understanding of public service, policy making, leadership and civic engagement, fostering both personal and professional growth. The faculty demonstrates a deep commitment to student success, offering guidance and mentorship every step of the way. I'm honored to continue carrying the values and knowledge gained through my unforgettable journey at Savannah State’s exceptional MPA program.” (Fall 2024 Graduate Commencement Speaker)
Briana Jones, Public Information Officer, Hardeeville Police Department (MPA 2025)
“The Savannah State University MPA program strengthened my leadership and communication skills while deepening my understanding of public service. The curriculum and supportive faculty prepared me to navigate complex government systems and confidently pursue my career goals in public administration." (Spring 2025 Graduate Commencement Speaker)
Dr. Calvin L. Bell, HR Employee Relations Investigator, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (MPA 2024)
“The Savannah State University MPA program enhanced my leadership, ethics, and administrative skills—supporting my transition from law enforcement to HR Employee Relations Investigator with Savannah-Chatham Schools. It also strengthened my ministerial foundation at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church as I pursue a Doctorate in Christian Counseling. The faculty exemplify excellence, compassion, and integrity in preparing public servants.”
Janaya M. Reeves, Community Supervision Officer, State of Georgia (MPA 2025)
“The MPA program was a true experience that has made more of an impact on me and my post collegiate career more than I have ever expected. Before and during the program, I was working in law enforcement as a Community Supervision Officer with the Department of Community Supervision. After graduation, currently still in my position, I have found a new passion for Human Resource Management at the local, state, and federal levels. For that, I can say thank you to my all professors with special love to Dr. Iancu and to the MPA program.”
Alyssa M. Burnes, Community Service Supervisor II, State of Georgia (MPA 2025)
“The MPA Program at Savannah State University profoundly enhanced my management, leadership, and executive skills. It perfectly aligned with my career goals at the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. I deeply appreciate Dr. Iancu, Dr. Bennett, and Dr. Omunga for their invaluable guidance throughout this transformative journey.”
Alexander J. Richardson Jr., 7th Grade ELA Teacher, DuBois Integrity Academy (MPA 2025)
“As a 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher at Du Bois Integrity Academy in Riverdale, Georgia, the Savannah State University MPA program has profoundly shaped my leadership approach and strategic thinking. The program’s emphasis on policy analysis, organizational management, and public service has empowered me to create meaningful change within the classroom and the broader educational community. Now pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Education Policy, I continue to integrate the principles of public administration to advance equity, innovation, and excellence in education.”
Almario Duehart, Director of State Government Affairs, Asian American Hotel Owners Association (MPA 2024)
“The Savannah State University Master of Public Administration program prepared me immensely for the next step in my career in Government Affairs. The professors, lectures, projects, and speakers that were a part of the program really helped in shaping my view of state and local government and politics. I recommend this program to anyone who is aspiring a career in government.”
Darius D. Jackson, Regional Volunteer Services Officer, American Red Cross (MPA 2025)
“The MPA program at Savannah State University deepened my understanding of nonprofit interworking and stakeholder engagement. It empowered me to strategically mobilize volunteers in disaster response, preparing me to lead as Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the American Red Cross, supporting over 4,500 volunteers across Alabama and Mississippi.”
Taianah Williams, MSN Clinical Nurse Leader Program, Augusta State University (MPA 2025)
My time in the Savannah State University MPA program was transformative. It elevated my leadership, sharpened my purpose, and inspired me to create The Hustle Code Incorporated, a nonprofit centered on community engagement. Now, as I advance through my Master of Science in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader program, I remain devoted to impact.”
Breonna Milliken, Admissions Support Specialist, Georgia Southern University (MPA 2025)
“The SSU MPA program empowered me with the leadership, policy, and strategic skills to make a real impact. I now serve soldiers at Fort Stewart, guiding them toward higher education and career advancement. The program’s rigor and mentorship inspired me to further my education through a Master’s in Cybersecurity.”
Humphrey Arkad, Business Education/IT Teacher, Allendale Fairfax High School (MPA 2025)
"Savannah State’s MPA program shaped my understanding of governance and ethical leadership. The lessons and mentorship I received continue to guide my work in IT education. Courses like Information Resource Management sparked my passion for cybersecurity in the public sector. I remain deeply grateful to all my professors."
Gerald Woodridge, Jr., Planning Specialist, Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (MPA 2025)
“The Savannah State University MPA program transformed my professional journey. It strengthened my leadership, ethics, and analysis skills that directly translated into being an emergency management professional. The faculty’s mentorship and applied learning approach inspired my passion for government efficiency and community resilience.”
K’Rissa Moore, Field Organizer, Spanberger for Virginia (MPA 2025)
“I am truly grateful to have served in this program. The connections I have made not only exposed me to new opportunities, but enriched my understanding of the political atmosphere. The resources I gained will further enhance my ability to be a public servant in government and push for equitable policy.”
