Shape the future of your community
Make a lasting impact on the world around you. A Master of Public Administration gives you the practical skills and strategic mindset to lead change in local government, non-profit organizations and public agencies. You'll graduate ready to step into a wide range of leadership roles where your decisions directly improve people's lives.
Lead with confidence
Our curriculum blends deep theoretical knowledge with the hands-on experience you need to solve real-world problems. You'll learn how to manage public budgets, analyze complex policies and lead teams through organizational challenges.
Build your path to leadership
The 36-credit-hour program adapts to your career goals whether you choose a path focused on academic research or immediate professional. Choose between a thesis track and a non-thesis track to match your desired career trajectory.
- Thesis option: Ideal if you plan to pursue a doctoral degree or a career in academic research.
- Non-thesis option: Designed for immediate career advancement, replacing the thesis with additional elective coursework.
Applying to the public administration master's program
Requirements for admission
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet the SFA Graduate School requirements
- have an overall undergraduate 2.8 GPA or higher
- or a 3.0 GPA on your final 60 hours of undergraduate work
- and be one of the following:
- in your final year of undergraduate work
- holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- or have 95 or more semester hours of undergraduate work at SFA and be approved as an overlap student.
Ready to complete your application?
Applying is a two-part process.
- Apply to the Graduate School and submit your official transcripts.
- Submit the following directly to the program coordinator:
- professional résumé
- two letters of professional reference
- and an essay 500- to 1,500-words. Topics should include professional or educational accomplishments, why you want to pursue this degree, your goals and what you expect to gain from the program.
To get started, apply to the Graduate School.
See curriculum
Curriculum requirementsAre there on-campus requirements?
No, the program is fully online.
What are my capstone options?
There are two options.
1. Non-thesis track with a comprehensive exam
2. Research thesis
Do I need a GRE score?
Contact the program coordinator for details.
Questions?
Get in touch! We're here to help.
Department of Government and Sociology
Dugas Liberal Arts North, Suite 335