NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's online Master of Public Administration was ranked third out of the top 30 programs offered nationally based on its affordability and recognition, according to a recent release by GradSchoolHub.com.

"SFA as a regional university has programs that tend to provide the academic needs of the people, institutions and organizations in the region," said Dr. Kwame Antwi-Boasiako, SFA professor and chair of the Department of Government. "This recognition affirms the quality of the public administration program and its affordability."

GradSchoolHub.com examined 84 schools accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration that offer online master's degrees in public administration or public affairs. From this pool of schools, the website selected programs that had earned rankings from major publications, including Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report, among others.

"Stephen F. Austin State University offers an affordable online master's degree in public administration that is designed to help prepare graduates for leadership and management roles in the public sector," according to GradSchoolHub.com. "The institution is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 87th best regional university in the West and the 35th top public school."

The online public administration master's degree program has been offered at SFA since 1999. In that time, the program has moved from a regional epicenter with in-class instruction to serving students statewide through completely online course offerings.

"The online public administration master's program meets the needs of professionals interested in enhanced public-sector careers and recent graduates interested in public-service careers," said Antwi-Boasiako. "The program combines academic expertise with 'real world' experiences to provide students with outstanding opportunities to connect knowledge with practice. Our students can work at their own pace while gaining the experience and professional credentials necessary to become responsible and effective managers and leaders."