Ranked No. 14 in Public Management & Leadership
U.S. News & World Report, 2022

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

The M.P.A. degree requires 39 hours of graduate coursework, which can be completed in two years, full-time.

Where will I take classes?

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall:

  • Early deadline: February 15
  • Regular deadline: April 1
  • Late deadline: June 1

Spring:

  • Early deadline: October 1
  • Late deadline: November 1

Summer: Does not admit

Public Administration, M.P.A.

The Georgia State Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the degree of choice for individuals with an interest in public affairs and professional management in the public and nonprofit sectors. Whether you’re seeking a first job in government or with a nonprofit organization, or are interested in advancing in an existing career, Georgia State’s MPA program provides the skills and knowledge government and nonprofit agencies seek. Join us as we explore new ideas and perspectives on public and nonprofit administration, policy and governance in the 21st century.

Our MPA program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Read the NASPAA Code of Good Practice. The college is also a member of the Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management. Recent national studies have ranked our overall public affairs curriculum among the top 21 programs nationwide, and among the top 10 for public finance and budgeting, urban policy, nonprofit management and local government management. Our Department of Public Management and Policy provides access to a community of research and teaching scholars with national and international reputations for their expertise and contributions to knowledge and practice across a broad range of administrative processes and policy concerns.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the MPP program (and its sibling MPA program), check here.

Program Details

A completed application includes the following materials submitted online.  Do not submit paper copies:

  1. Submitted Online Application. Online applications must be submitted by the deadline. Paper applications are not available.
  2. Application Fee: A nonrefundable fee of $50 is required for each application. This fee must be paid online by credit card.
  3. Goal Statement: The goal statement is your means of presenting yourself to the Graduate Admissions Committee. You should submit a short, typed statement that answers the following:
    • What inspired you to pursue a degree and/or career in public service? Discuss any specific events, experiences (personal, academic, or professional), issue areas, or individuals that have influenced your decision.
    • How do you envision using a degree from the Andrew Young School to achieve your professional goals?
  4. Official GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores (Optional): The GRE of the Educational Testing Service is optional. However, the GRE is strongly recommended for any applicant whose undergraduate grade-point-average (UGPA) is below 3.0. If submitting GRE scores, official scores must be reported to institution code 5251 and received by GA State by the application deadline. More information can be found at our Admissions FAQ page or, to schedule the test, at www.gre.org.
  5. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Academic scores (International applicants only): International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores.
  6. Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters should be submitted through the online application.
  7. Upload Transcripts from each Post-secondary College/University Attended:
    • Upload each transcript to the Academic History section of the online application before submitting your application or upload to your application status page under the Upload Materials section if your application has been submitted.
    • Review requirements for submitting transcripts here.
    • Failure to follow these requirements will delay your application processing.

The MPA degree requires 39 hours of graduate coursework, comprised of 24 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours in a concentration and three credit hours of internship or practicum.

View Curriculum Details

The Master of Public Administration program prepares students to become leaders in public service careers as executives, managers, analysts and policy specialists in government and nonprofit organizations.

Program Characteristics

The MPA program is a late-afternoon/evening program with courses offered Monday-Thursday.  Classes are one night a week, taught either in the 4:30-7:00 p.m. or 7:15-9:45 p.m. time slot.

Classes are taught on Georgia State’s downtown campus. Students are welcome to enroll part-time or full-time based on their personal schedules and work demands.

The purpose of offering the program during evening hours is to not only accommodate those students who are already working professionals but also to ensure students have the ability to complete necessary internship requirements during business hours at local public agencies.

For recent program statistics, please visit our MPA Recent Program Statistics page.

Description

Careers

Strong employment outcomes

Out of a recent class of 85 graduates, 25 of our alumni work for nonprofit organizations and 22 work for governments (five each for local and state governments, nine for the federal government and three for other countries). In addition, 19 alumni work for the private sector and one serves in the United States military.

Career resources

Work with our Career Services Office to connect with the professional community and gain crucial career and leadership skills. Take advantage of employer panels, career fairs and workshops in resume writing, networking and professional presentation.

Join our award-winning student organizations, such as the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, for exclusive access to activities, workshops and events to help you graduate as a competent and versatile professional.

Join a group of leaders

Our graduates hold top positions at nonprofits and all levels of federal, state and local government, including these critical leadership roles:

  • Chief Financial Officer, Georgia Building Authority
  • Director, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget
  • Director, Georgia Senate Budget Office
  • Director of Administration, DeKalb County Board of Health
  • Executive Director, Georgia Municipal Association
  • Executive Director, Senior Citizens Services of Metro Atlanta
  • Policy Adviser, Office of the Governor of Georgia
  • Program Manager, National Democratic Institute, Moldova
  • Statistician, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the Inspector General
  • Tax Commissioner, Gwinnett County

Contacts

Public Management and Policy
Phone: 404-413-0107
Fax: 404-413-0104

Office Location:
55 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Mailing address:
Department of Public Management and Policy
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3992
Atlanta, GA 30302-3992

Director of Master’s Programs
K. Jurée Capers
Email:
[email protected]

Academic Assistance
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-413-0021

Office Location:
AYSPS Office of Academic Assistance
55 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Andrew Young School Logo55 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.