Program Description

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree that prepares persons interested in public service for administrative and leadership positions in governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. The program’s student and teaching-oriented faculty seek to contribute to the development of professional individuals with an ethos of public service values by providing them with a combination of solid academic learning and concrete practical experiences. The MPA Program is located in the School of Government and International Affairs. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Identify good public management and evaluate its impact on agencies, clientele, and society.  
2. Describe the structure and institutional relationships that exist among and between agencies and nonprofits in a political setting.  
3. Analyze global administrative situations and correctly apply public administration theories and concepts.  
4. Correctly analyze management of ethical dilemmas using concepts like equity, efficiency, effectiveness, and the democratic ethos.  
5. Engage in scholarship and research and present material professionally through appropriate written and oral communication.

This program is a part of the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences .

Accreditation

The Master of Public Administration Program is accredited by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least 2.75 grade point average;
• Submit a statement of purpose essay of approximately 1,000 words addressing the following question: “In what way do you expect the Master of Public Administration degree to affect or enhance your career goals and aspirations?”;
•  A current résumé; 
• 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.

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Currently, there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

Transfer Credits

Up to nine semester hours of graduate work from other NASPAA-accredited master’s programs may be transferred. To be transferred, course work from other institutions must correspond to Kennesaw State University’s MPA curriculum period. Students will need to provide course descriptions and syllabi wherever possible, and the amount of credit granted will be at the discretion of the program director. Such course work may be no more than five years old.

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements