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Master of Public Administration - Columbus State University

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Academics

Master of Public Administration

Program Description

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the degree for students with professional goals related to public service in areas such as government agencies, health organizations, justice administration/law enforcement as well as not-for-profit organizations and the private sector.

The mission of the Public Administration Program at Columbus State University is to provide professional education and leadership skills for effective, efficient, and responsive public service necessary for individuals preparing for or currently serving in public service careers.

The program structure is designed to accommodate students currently employed in the public sector as well as students seeking entry level positions by offering classes in the evenings and on-line. Columbus State University's Public Administration Program offers curricular tracks in:

Career Opportunities

  • Elected official (city council, mayor, governor, etc.)
  • City manager
  • Lobbyist
  • Legislative assistant
  • Foreign service, diplomatic, or consular officer
  • Planner
  • Census clerk
  • Federal aid coordinator
  • Election supervisor
  • City, county or court clerk

Admission Requirements

Admissions Deadlines
Fall: June 30
Spring: November 30
Summer: The MPA program does not admit students into the Summer term

Send the materials below to the CSU Admissions Office:

All applicants must submit qualifying minimum GRE/MAT scores to be considered for admission to the program.

  • Minimum Qualifying Scores:
  • GRE: Verbal 146; Quantitative 146; Writing 4
  • Millers Analogy Test (MAT): 400
  • A cumulative minimum grade point average of 3.0 / 2.75 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree is required.
  • Three letters of recommendation (PDF) from an employer, past professor, or another person familiar with the applicant's work.
  • Statement of purpose which introduces the applicant to the program, outlines their interest in the program, their personal and professional goals, and the relevant work and/or life experiences that they feel qualifies them for the program.

Learning Outcomes

  • To Lead and Mange in Public Governance
  • To Participate in and Contribute the Public Policy Process
  • To Analyze, Synthesize, Think Critically, Solve Problems, and Make Decisions
  • To Articulate and Apply a Public Service Perspective
  • To Communicate and Interact Productively with a Diverse and Changing Workforce and Citizenry

Additional Program Requirements

The MPA degree is subject to the following requirements:

  • All students must complete the common core for the degree.
  • A minimum B average (3.0) in core courses, with no more than two Cs, and a minimum grade of B in elective courses are required for degree completion.
  • A maximum of nine semester hours of credit, taken as a graduate student at an accredited graduate school, may apply toward a master's degree provided the credit was earned not more than seven years prior to the date of completion of the degree. Grades of "C" or below will not be accepted as transfer credit.
  • Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Examination (MPAC 7000) is required for graduation. The examination is based on courses taken, and it is normally completed in the last semester of enrollment. 

It is the responsibility of the student to request to be registered for MPAC 7000 in the appropriate semester during an open registration period. Failure to do so will result in an inability to register for the exam during the desired semester. In that case the student will have to wait until the following semester to register and take the exam which may result in a delayed graduation.

The examination is drawn up and graded by a committee appointed by the program director, which includes core and track faculty. The director is eligible to serve on the examination committee.

A candidate who fails the examination will be eligible for re-examination during the next semester. The Comprehensive Exam may be taken up to three times.

Program of Study

Area 1 Core Required Hours: 21
MPAC 7106 Survey of Public Administration*
MPAC 7116 Public Personnel Administration
MPAC 7125 Policy Analysis
MPAC 7126 Public Budgeting/Financial Admin
MPAC 7136 Research Meth for Administration
MPAC 7156 Legal and Ethical Environment of Admin
MPAC 7766 Capstone Course in Public Administration*
*Note: MPAC 7106 Survey of Public Administration must be taken in the student's first semester in the program. MPAC 7766 mus be taken in the student's final semester and requires department approval.

Area 2 Concentration Required Hours: 15
15 semester hours of MPAG or MPAO coursework numbered 5000G or higher, or substitutions as approved by the Program Director.

Area 3 Additional Requirements Required Hours: 0
MPAC 7000 MPA Comprehensive Exam

Total Hours Required: 36

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