Master the leadership skills to make the world a better place — and do it at your own pace with an accelerated graduate degree designed for those working in public service or nonprofit organizations.
Locations
- Fully online (Spring entry)
- Also available as a Hybrid Track (Online and in-person at Statesboro)
Why Choose the MPA Executive Track at Georgia Southern?
- Recognized as one of Georgia’s best and most affordable MPA programs.*
- Develop leadership and management skills that will give you an edge.
- Flexible and convenient online program that fits your busy schedule.
- Earn credit for prior career experience.
- Accelerated timeline to earn degree in just 18 months.
- Find community and support in your program cohort.
- No thesis or comprehensive exam required to graduate.
- 39 credit hours to completion.
*Ranked No. 2 in Affordable Colleges in Georgia 2021 by College Affordability Guide, No. 4 for 2020 Most Affordable Online Public Administration Degrees by OnlineU, and No. 4 for the MPA program in the 2020 Best Public Administration Colleges in Georgia.
If you’re a working professional eager to take on new challenges, the executive track of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) can accelerate your career. The MPA is a professional graduate degree that prepares you for management and administration in the public sector and nonprofit organizations.
Our highly competitive executive track delivers abbreviated courses online so you can easily accomplish your studies while continuing to work. In just 18 months, our NASPAA-accredited MPA program provides the training and management skills you’ll need to excel in a leadership role after graduation. The executive track is also available as a part-time program of study for students who need more flexibility. In order to be admitted, you’ll need at least three years of relevant work experience in the public (civil or military) sector, nonprofit organization, or closely related position.
Ready to Apply?
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What Can You Do With a Master of Public Administration?
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) opens doors to leadership roles in the public, nonprofit and private sectors, empowering you to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re shaping policy, managing programs or leading organizations, your work will impact communities. The MPA helps you develop the strategic skills to tackle complex societal issues with innovation and clarity. Graduates might advance to work as a city manager, policy advisor, nonprofit executive director, program manager or many other leadership roles.
Where our graduates work:
- State of Georgia
- US Army
- Bulloch County, Georgia
- Bryan County
- City of Statesboro
- Fire Department
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Albany State University
- Atlanta Regional Commission
- Chatham County, GA Government
- Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. General Services Administration
- Georgia Department of Human Services
What our graduates do:
- Chief Executive Officer
- City Manager
- Executive Director
- Program Manager
- Business Analyst
- Chief Operating Officer
- Consultant
- Development And Public Relations Director
- General Manager
- Planner
- Professor
What You’ll Learn
Courses for the program build on specific management and leadership competencies. One unique feature of the Executive Track are the two live (virtual) weekend intensive immersions that cover cutting edge topics. The program emphasizes leadership, communication and management skills, preparing you to effectively lead teams and implement policies in government agencies or nonprofit organizations.
See the CurriculumTake Action
Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:
- Visit our website for the College of Graduate Studies. Complete the requested information and create a login name and password.
- Follow this link and initiate an on-line application. The cost for the application is $50. After completing this on-line form, the application must be supported by transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a statement of your career goals and objectives, along with your potential for success in the program. International students* should submit scores from the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and have transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
*The Executive Track does not accept international students who are currently living outside the U.S.
Apply as a Graduate StudentAdmission to the MPA program is competitive. Note that we do not accept international students to the Executive Track. To apply, applicants must have:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum 2.75 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average.
- Resumé detailing relevant work and volunteer experience.
- Essay describing applicant’s career goals and objectives, as well as potential for success in the program.
- Executive Track applicants must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the public (civil or military) sector, nonprofit organization, or closely related position.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicant does not hold a degree from a program or university where English is the official language of instruction).
Georgia Southern is a military-friendly institution. Additional consideration is given to applicants with service in any military branch, reserve unit, or National Guard (active, retired, or prior service; Form DD214 #4 required).
The deadlines for completed applications are as follows:
Executive Track
Fall – Priority
Does not admit
Fall – Final
Does not admit
Spring – Priority
October 15
Spring – Final
January 1
Summer – Priority
Does not admit
Summer – Final
Does not admit
Since seats are filled as decisions are made, applicants are encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible so that there is enough time to address any application deficiencies well ahead of the final deadline.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is a NASPAA accredited degree program. The Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies is a member of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).
Federal law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions, and refunds.
For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.
Related Programs
Take the Next Step
Advance your career’s impact by earning your master’s in public administration—and do it all online with Georgia Southern’s unique executive track.
Contact Us
Program Director
Trenton J. Davis, PhD, MPA
MPA Program Director and Department Chair
Phone: 912-478-5430
mpa@georgiasouthern.edu
Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies
P.O. Box 8048
Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8048
Phone: 912-478-1400
mpa@georgiasouthern.edu