Program Snapshot

  • Format: Face-to-face
  • Cost: Tuition/Fees (Approximate)
  • Number of Credits: 36
  • Entry Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Time to Complete: 24 months
  • Application Deadlines:
    • Fall: July 1
    • Spring: Nov. 1

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Graduate – Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree that will prepare you for leadership and management positions in governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations.  It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and celebrated its 30th anniversary in Spring 2024.

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Get Ready to Lead; Sign Up Now for Next MPA Info Session

Learn how KSU's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program will prepare you to lead: 

  • Gain valuable insights: Learn about the admissions requirements, class offerings, and financial aid options available in the MPA program.
  • Get ready for the next stage in your career: Acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources to lead in public sector careers and make a positive impact in your community.
  • Discover unique opportunities: Understand the benefits that set our MPA program apart from others, and how they can enhance your resume and your career.
  • Get personalized guidance: Interact with professors and advisors who will provide expert advice tailored to your goals and aspirations.
  • Ask about an application waiver: Prospective students who attend an information session can ask about admissions application waiver availability.
  • Get your questions answered and see how you can make a positive impact on your community and career!
Sign Up Now

Convenient for Working and Full-time Students

Some classes meet one night per week (Monday through Thursday) from 6:30 to 9:15 pm. on the Kennesaw Campus. Selected online and hybrid classes are also available. This program has multiple course types designed to meet your needs. Most students who take a minimum of two courses per semester (including summer) can graduate in two years.

Become a Public Service and Nonprofit Leader

If you aspire to hold leadership roles in public governance or the nonprofit sector  at the local, regional, or national level, KSU's MPA program is perfect for you. The program's primary objectives include:

  • cultivating critical and creative thinking towards public issues
  • imparting leadership and management skills necessary for public sector and nonprofit positions
  • exploring the theoretical foundations of public service
  • fostering a commitment to public service values and ethical behavior
  • promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. 

Choose The Concentration That Best Addresses Your Goals

You can choose from the following concentration options, or a combination of courses which total 12 credit hours, that best fits your career plans: 

  • State, Local, and Regional Administration
  • Information Systems Administration
  • Nonprofit Administration

3 Dual Degree Options Also Available

Plan your courses correctly, and you can earn a dual degree:

  • MPA/MSCJ
  • MBA/MPA 
  • MPA and Master of Arts in Integrated Global Communication (MAIGC). 

Master of Public Administration Salary and Career Information

'Typical' MPA Occupations

  • Urban Planner: $79,540
  • Human Resources Management - $130,000
  • Compliance Managers: $128,620
  • Administrative Services Manager: $103,330
  • Emergency Management Mangers: $79,180

'Atypical' MPA Occupations

  • Medical, Health Services Manager - $104,830
  • Architectural  & Engineering Department Management - $140,700
  • Policy Departments within Corporations - $104,000

In many cases, earning an MPA brings a $20,000 wage premium.

Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, O*Net, ZipRecruiter

MPA Benefits at Kennesaw State

  • Public Service/Nonprofit Internships Available: Take advantage of internships that open networking opportunities, get you closer to job openings, and form the building blocks for a new career or new professional direction.
  • NASPAA-Accredited: This program meets the highest global standards in public affairs education. Our rigorous curriculum and highly qualified faculty will prepare you for success.
  • Increase Your International Acumen: Broaden your worldview by participating in a life-changing study abroad experience.
  • Invest Wisely: An MPA from Kennesaw State is very affordable and offers the potential for a significant return on your investment (ROI).
  • Explore Financial Assistance Options: A limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships, which include tuition benefits and a stipend, are available to qualified students. The Edwards Scholarship is also awarded to selected MPA students each year. 
  • Well-Connected and Established: The MPA is offered by the School of Government and International Affairs in the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. The program works in cooperation with other KSU departments, as well as the A. L. Burruss Institute of Public Service. The MPA program is celebrating its 30th anniversary during 2023 and 2024. 

Department Contact Information

Master of Public Administration - MPA
Kennesaw State University
402 Bartow Ave MB #2205
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144

Graduate Admissions

(470) 578-4377

ksugrad@kennesaw.edu

 

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