The Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Social Entrepreneurship option at Southern Arkansas University is designed for the modern visionary who seeks to merge business innovation with social impact. This program equips public and non-profit leaders with the tools to solve societal challenges through sustainable, entrepreneurial models, ensuring that public service is not just effective, but innovative and self-sustaining.
We understand the demands of today’s community leaders. Our MPA is built for maximum flexibility:
- Online: Complete 100% of your coursework from anywhere in the world.
Program Duration & Start Dates
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load.
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- Accelerated Master’s Option: Qualified SAU undergraduates can begin MPA coursework during their senior year to fast-track their entry into the social impact sector.
Why Choose SAU for your MPA in Social Entrepreneurship?
- Social Innovation Focus: Our curriculum emphasizes “double bottom line” thinking—prioritizing both social impact and organizational sustainability.
- Community Leadership: Gain specific insights into rural politics, civic engagement, and the unique administrative challenges of the South.
- Exceptional Value: One of the most affordable and high-quality MPA programs in the region, designed to minimize debt for those entering public service.
Skills You Will Gain
- Social Venture Creation: Learn to design and launch organizations that address social, environmental, or cultural problems.
- Strategic Non-Profit Management: Master the complexities of governing mission-driven organizations.
- Grant Writing & Implementation: Develop practical expertise in securing funding and managing high-impact public projects.
- Ethical Leadership: Navigate the complex ethical landscape of public policy and organizational governance.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
- Expert Practitioners: Learn from faculty who have managed non-profits, influenced public policy, and specialized in rural administration.
- Collaborative Platforms: Engage in meaningful policy debate and project planning through modern asynchronous learning management systems.
- Applied Capstone: Complete a professional project that addresses a real-world administrative or social problem, building a portfolio of impactful work.
Curriculum
Core Courses (24 hours)
- PA 6003 – Principles of Public Administration
- PA 6053 – Public and Non-Profit Budgeting
- PA 6063 – Public Policy
- PA 6073 – Research Methods
- PA 6083 – Organizational Leadership
- PA 6153 – Human Resources in Public Organizations
- PA 6263 – Program Evaluation
- SE 6263 – Social Entrepreneurship
Elective Courses (9 hours)
Select 9 hours from the following*:
- SE 6013 – Project Management
- SE 6033 – Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
- SE 6043 – Issues in Environmental Economics
- SE 6053 – International Business
- SE 6063 – Special Topics in Social Enterprise
- SE 6083 – Leadership Development
- SE 6133 – Nonprofit Organizations
- SE 6143 – Sustainable SCM Practices
- SE 6253 – Civic Engagement in Public Administration
- SE 6273 – Planning, Grant-Writing, and Implementation
Professional Project (3 hours)
- PA 6113 – Professional Project (Capstone)
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.5+).
Prerequisites:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. While students from all fields are welcome, a basic understanding of American government and civic processes is encouraged.
Career Outcomes
The MPA in Social Entrepreneurship prepares students for leadership and innovation-focused careers across the nonprofit, public, and mission-driven private sectors. Graduates develop the skills needed to lead organizations, launch community initiatives, and create sustainable solutions to complex social challenges. Career pathways may include:
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Social Enterprise Founder
- Community Development Manager
- Public Policy Consultant
- Government or Public Agency Administrator
- Grant and Program Manager
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator
- Economic and Community Development Specialist
Career Outlook
Organizations across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors are increasingly seeking leaders who can combine mission-driven work with strategic management, financial sustainability, and community impact. As partnerships between governments, nonprofits, and social enterprises continue to expand, professionals with expertise in social entrepreneurship, public administration, and organizational leadership are positioned for growing career opportunities in a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.
