I chose the MPA program to change the world. Since graduation, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several non-profits, perform research on health disparities in Arkansas, and have started an inspirational book. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Master of Public Administration
at Southern Arkansas University
at Southern Arkansas University
An SAU MPA is among the
most affordable
in the nation.
Average Graduate Tuition and Fees Per Year | ||
In-State | Out-of-State | |
SAU | $6,894 | $9,810 |
Arkansas | $7,702* | $13,663* |
Texas | $7,502* | $16,686* |
Louisiana | $9,748* | $19,310* |
*Tuition and fees are calculated as an average of public four-year universities’ published tuition and fees. Source: Department of Education
Our programs are routinely recognized as the best value programs nationally. SAU offers out-of-state tuition waivers to students from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas who chose to live in university housing or reside in a bordering Texas county or Louisiana parish.
About the MPA program
Master of Public Administration
Specific Degree Requirements
Each candidate for the master’s degree in Public Administration will be required to complete 24 credits of core courses, 9 credits of electives, and 3 credits of professional project.
Required Core Courses (21 credit 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 Public Personnel Administration
PA 6263 Program Evaluation
Electives (12 credit hours) selected from the following:
PA 6013 Statistics for Public Administrators
PA 6033 Rural Politics
PA 6043 Legal Issues in Public Administration
PA 6133 Nonprofit Organizations
PA 6183 Special Topics I
PA 6193 Special Topics II
PA 6253 Social Activism
PA 6273 Program Development, Grant Writing and Implementation
With advisor approval, courses outside of the PA program may be used as electives.
Required Project Course (3 credit hours):
PA 6113 Professional Project*
*Professional Project
All students are required to complete a professional project. This project is expected to incorporate the skills learned in the MPA program in a written product that is of use to a particular agency or organization. The student must receive prior approval in writing from the director of the MPA program before proceeding on the project. The student must be registered for PA 6113 during the term in which the project is completed. If a project is not completed during the term for which the student is enrolled, a grade of NC will be assigned. In order to complete the project the student must be enrolled for the credits during the term in which it will be completed. If the student is successful in completing the project a grade of CR will be assigned for the term during which the project was completed. However, any previous NC grades will not be changed and only the credits the student earned while enrolled in the semester that the project was completed will be awarded.
[su_testimonial name=”Sterling Penix” photo=”https://web.saumag.edu/academics/files/2015/03/MPA-John-Penix.jpg” company=”Associate Criminal Justice Professional”]After evaluating a number of MPA programs, I chose SAU. The SAU program and professors provide an excellent foundation for learning and student growth. The campus family works to ensure that each student is successful. Having graduated SAU Tech with an associate’s degree, it is a great honor to continue my story at SAU.[/su_testimonial]
Fall
- PA 6003 Principles of Public Administration
- PA 6133 Nonprofit Organizations
- PA 6053 Public and Non-profit Budgeting
- PA 6063 Public Policy
- PA 6083 Organizational Leadership
- PA 6113 Professional Project
Spring
- PA 6003 Principles of Public Administration (on as-needed basis)
- PA 6023 Ethics
- PA 6153 Public Personnel Administration
- PA 6263 Program Evaluation
- PA 6073 Research Methods (alternating Spring semesters)
- PA 6113 Professional Project
Summer I
- PA 6183 Special Topics: Public Technology (even years)
- PA 6193 Special Topics: Global and Comparative Public Administration (odd years)
Summer II
- PA 6033 Rural Politics (odd years)
- PA 6253 Social Activism (even years)
Summer I & II
- PA 6073 Research Methods
- PA 6113 Professional Project
As needed:
- PA 6013 Statistics for Public Administrators
- PA 6043 Legal Issues in Public Administration
Department: | |
Hours Required: | 36 |
Categories: | Graduate |
Completion Time: | 2 years * |
Delivery: | Online |
* Based on 2 classes per semester including summer
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is designed to prepare individuals for positions of leadership in public service organizations. This program will provide a strong foundation in public policy, the organizational environment, the management of public service organizations, and the application of quantitative and qualitative analysis to decision making.
*International students are required to meet on campus monthly. Contact the MPA Program Director for more details.
Related Links
Learning Goals
- Our graduates can communicate effectively.
- Our graduates are prepared to be personally and socially responsible citizens.
- Our graduates can think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
- Our graduates can use technology and other methods to access and evaluate information, and use information responsibly, legally, ethically, and effectively.
- Our graduates have content knowledge in their chosen fields and the necessary skills to be successful.
public service, community, government, administration, leadership, bureaucracy, politics, organization, non-profit
Program Contact
What our students say
I chose SAU because I had a relative that was attending SAU at the time, and she spoke very highly of the university. She told me that I would love it! And she was right. From the conversations & discussions with my peers to the knowledge gained from my professors, I'm grateful for my time at SAU.
Crystal Hardwick
"The MPA program at SAU provided me with the knowledge and skillset needed to pursue a career in the public sector. Even further, the program enabled me to take my passion of helping others and turn it into a career I enjoy doing everyday. The professors go above and beyond to ensure that each student is successful in achieving their own personal goals and interests. I am extremely grateful that I chose the MPA program at SAU to further my education."
Daniel PletcherAlumni
“After evaluating a number of MPA programs, I chose SAU. The SAU program and professors provide an excellent foundation for learning and student growth. The campus family works to ensure that each student is successful. Having graduated SAU Tech with an associate’s degree, it is a great honor to continue my story at SAU.”
Sterling PenixAssociate Criminal Justice Professional
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About SAU
Southern Arkansas University offers personalized tour visits, faculty and staff who care about student success, and a caring campus community. SAU also offers traditional and unique academic degree programs that are ranked nationally for quality and affordability.
Nestled in a quiet and beautiful part of south Arkansas, SAU is a great place to call home and to study a broad range of academic programs, including some unique offerings to the state and region. Along with boasting a complete college experience on campus, the University is a short drive from outdoor activities and is central to many regional hubs, such as Texarkana, Shreveport, Little Rock, etc.
Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedication to student achievement and continues to grow, both on campus and online, with more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies.
Get started and receive more information from the program coordinator below.