Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Prepare for leadership in government, nonprofit, and public service organizations with concentrations in public management, criminal justice administration, or community development.
Degree
Master's Degree
Duration
2 years
Format
100% Online
Language
English
Credits
39 credit hours
Next Intake
Fall 2026, Spring 2027
Application Deadline
July 1, 2026 (Fall)
Tuition
$4,635 per semester (in-state) / $16,320 per semester (out-of-state)
Financial Aid
Federal financial aid accepted. Graduate assistantships available.
Program Overview
The Master of Public Administration at Albany State University prepares professionals for executive leadership in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public service institutions. This is not a theoretical degree about public policy — it is a practitioner-focused program that teaches you to manage budgets, write grants, evaluate programs, lead teams, and navigate the political and regulatory landscape of public service.
Albany, Georgia sits at the center of one of the most under-resourced regions in the state. The challenges facing Southwest Georgia — healthcare access, economic development, criminal justice reform, education equity, disaster recovery — are the exact challenges that MPA graduates are trained to address. Students in this program don't study hypothetical policy scenarios — they analyze real programs serving real communities, many of them within driving distance of campus.
The program offers multiple concentrations — Public Management, Criminal Justice Administration, and Community and Economic Development — allowing you to build deep expertise in the area most aligned with your career goals. Each concentration includes six specialized courses that go well beyond the generalist MPA curriculum offered at most universities.
Delivered entirely online through ASU Global, the MPA is designed for working professionals in government and nonprofit sectors who cannot leave their positions to attend a traditional graduate program. Asynchronous coursework means you can complete assignments around your work schedule, whether that includes city council meetings, legislative sessions, or grant reporting deadlines.
Why This Program Stands Out
Who This Program Is For
This MPA is built for professionals already working in public service who want to advance from program-level roles into director, deputy, and executive positions. Current students include city clerks preparing for city manager roles, social workers transitioning to nonprofit executive director positions, law enforcement officers moving into public safety administration, county government employees seeking department head appointments, and military veterans entering civilian public service leadership.
It is also well-suited for professionals in the private sector who want to transition into public service, particularly those with management experience in healthcare, education, or community-based organizations.
$21,630
Total cost (GA residents)
Approximately $4,635/semester over 7 semesters. One of the most affordable MPA programs in the University System of Georgia.
39
Credit hours
27 core credits plus 12 concentration credits. Includes a capstone project addressing a real public administration challenge.
3
Concentrations
Public Management, Criminal Justice Administration, Community and Economic Development. Choose based on your career sector.
100%
Online delivery
Fully asynchronous coursework through ASU Global. Designed for working public servants — no live sessions or campus visits.
2.5 yrs
Typical completion
Taking two courses per semester. Flexible pacing available for those with demanding public service schedules.
No GRE
For experienced professionals
Waived for 3.0+ GPA or 3+ years public service experience. Your service record matters more than a test.
What Sets This Program Apart
Grant writing with real results
PUBA 6800 teaches the complete grant development process using real RFPs from federal and state agencies. Past students have secured grants totaling millions of dollars for their organizations while still enrolled in the course.
Three practitioner-focused concentrations
Public Management, Criminal Justice Administration, or Community and Economic Development. Each includes four specialized courses taught by faculty with executive-level experience in the field.
Capstone solves real problems
Your capstone addresses an actual public administration challenge in your community or organization. Past projects have been adopted by city governments, county agencies, and nonprofits across Southwest Georgia.
GRE waiver for public servants
Three or more years of professional experience in government, nonprofit, or public service waives the GRE requirement. Your record of service is the credential that matters.
Faculty from the field
Instructors include former city managers, nonprofit executive directors, legislative staff, and policy advisors who have managed public budgets, led organizational restructuring, and navigated political environments.
$21,630 total for GA residents
One of the most affordable MPA programs in the University System of Georgia. Designed to be accessible to public servants whose salaries are typically lower than private sector equivalents.
What You Will Learn
Policy Analysis & Research
Financial Management & Resource Development
Leadership & Organizational Management
Skills You Will Gain
Interested in Master of Public Administration (MPA)?
Meet the admissions team from ASU Albany at Coins For College Education Fair 2026. Ask questions, get answers, and start your application.