Introduction
Public administration in the State of Georgia can involve- but is not limited to- the management and implementation of government policies and programs at various levels. Many individuals who choose to pursue a career in public administration become employed in the public sector, a non-profit organization, or a private entity assisting governmental agencies. In Georgia, this can include roles in the state’s three-tiered system of government comprising state, county, and municipal agencies.
Public administration roles and responsibilities in Georgia are multifaceted, involving various levels of government, agencies, and a commitment to providing essential services to the state’s residents. Public servants play vital roles in shaping policies, implementing programs, and ensuring the overall well-being of communities across the state.
MPA Programs in Georgia
Various versions of Public Administration Masters programs are offered by 15 public and private educational institutions in the State of Georgia. A summary of these programs, regardless of accreditation, mode, or cost, can be found here:
NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is a global accrediting body that evaluates and accredits Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and related programs.
Schools that are accredited by NASPAA have undergone a comprehensive review process, ensuring that they meet established standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and program outcomes. There are currently 11 educational institutions in Georgia that offer a Master of Public Administration program accredited by NASPAA. Tuition estimates are calculated on a per semester basis:
Albany State University
- Albany, GA
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $3,222
Non-Resident Tuition: $10,079
Program Overview:
Albany State’s MPA program offers many concentrations, including Community and Economic Development, Human Resources Management, Health Administration, Criminal Justice, and Water Resources Management.
Augusta University
- Augusta, GA
- Online + Hybrid
Modality: Online/hybrid
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Required
Resident Tuition: $2,752
Non-Resident Tuition: $9,386
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Augusta specializes in their Criminal Justice concentration, offering this focus in both an online and hybrid format.
Clark Atlanta University
- Atlanta, GA
- Campus
Modality: On campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $1,068
Non-Resident Tuition: $1,068
Program Overview:
The MPA program at CAU implements a planning component into their program, with concentrations in Community and Economic Development, Public Policy, and Urban Administration.
Georgia College & State University
- Milledgeville, GA
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $3,074
Non-Resident Tuition: $3,074
Program Overview:
Based entirely online, GCSU uses GeorgiaVIEW by Brightspace for their remote learning system. This program prepares students for professional work in the public sector through interactive teaching, research, and service.
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Modality: Online/hybrid/on campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $4,986
Non-Resident Tuition: $19,890
Program Overview:
MPA students at GSU must participate in a required internship program in their field of concentration, including areas of Public Sector Management, Finance, and Organizational Leadership.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- Online + Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid/on campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $4,776
Non-Resident Tuition: $15,108
Program Overview:
The MPA program at GSU was awarded NASPAA’s Diversity Award in 2020. The school also offers the Municipal Securities Laboratory, which contains local-level research data.
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- Campus
Modality: On campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $4,213
Non-Resident Tuition: $13,460
Program Overview:
The MPA program at KSU prepares students for a professional career in public and nonprofit sectors by working together with the A.L. Burruss Institute of Public Service to provide technical assistance to multiple public service organizations in the State of Georgia.
Savannah State University
- Savannah, GA
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Modality: Online/hybrid/on campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $2,343
Non-Resident Tuition: $8,709
Program Overview:
The MPA program at SSU prepares students and professionals to take on leadership and management positions with a focus on public and nonprofit organizations within the State of Georgia.
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- Campus
Modality: On campus
Credit Hours: 41
GRE: Required
Resident Tuition: $3,936
Non-Resident Tuition: $10,682
Program Overview:
The MPA program offers numerous areas of specialization, including: Health Policy, Education Administration, Local Government Administration, Nonprofit Administration, and Finance Administration.
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, GA
- Online + Hybrid
Modality: Online/hybrid
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $4,699
Non-Resident Tuition: $14,197
Program Overview:
Designed as a graduate program that allows students to obtain their degree and continue full-time work, UWG offers evening and online classes in planning, management, and policy.
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $3,860
Non-Resident Tuition: $11,796
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Valdosta offers concentrations in Public Sector and Local Government Management, Human Resources, and various areas of Public Policy.
Online MPA Programs
There are 10 MPA programs that offer an entirely online learning option in the State of Georgia. Of that total, six of those programs are NASPAA accredited. A summary of the remaining four unaccredited programs can be found here:
Clayton State University
- Morrow, GA
- Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $4,677
Program Overview:
The CSU MPA program combines classroom and practical experience with supervised field experiences in a governmental or non-profit agency that count as credit hours.
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $2,928
Non-Resident Tuition: $11,472
Program Overview:
The CSU MPA program offers classes in the evenings and on-line to accommodate both students and current professionals. The MPA Government Administration tract can be completed completely online.
University of North Georgia
- Gainesville, GA
- Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Required
Tuition: $3,936
Program Overview:
The MPA program at UNG is designed to cater towards individuals that are currently employed in a public service organization and are looking to invest in a curriculum that advances their career goals in public and nonprofit organizations.
South University
- Savannah, GA
- Online
Credit Hours: 48
GRE: Not required
Tuition (Total Cost): $34,067
Program Overview:
The MPA program at South University places additional focus on local, state, and national government entities, while focusing on full time professionals looking to continue their education while working in their field.
Accelerated MPA Programs
A master’s in public administration degree generally takes 2-3 years to complete as a full-time student and 3-4 years to complete as a part time student. However, numerous programs in the State of Georgia offer accelerated and dual-tract programs that enable students to finish their degrees in a shorter period.
Clayton University offers a 36-credit hour MPA degree that can be completed in as few as 12 months through their full time fast-track program. Both the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University offer an Advanced Bachelor’s to Master’s program, which allows students to begin graduate studies their senior year of their undergraduate degree to accelerate their graduate degree completion.
Affordable MPA Programs
A master’s degree in public administration can be a significant investment for both students and working professionals. Many educational institutions in the State of Georgia recognize these financial constraints by offering competitive tuition rates.
Clark Atlanta University offers tuition at $1,068 per semester, one of the lowest in the state. In addition, both Clark Atlanta University and Georgia College and State University ($3,074 per semester) offer the same rate of tuition for both residents and non-residents of the state.
Augusta University, Savannah State University, and Columbus State University all offer affordable tuition options under $3,000 per semester for residents of the State of Georgia. The University of Georgia and Valdosta State University offer tuition under $4,000 per semester.
All MPA Programs in Georgia
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MPA Degree in Georgia?
Graduates in Public Administration concentrations can hold a broad range of jobs in governments—local, regional, state, and federal—and the nonprofit sector and even the private sector. There are a vast variety of professional opportunities not only in the Atlanta metropolitan area, but also throughout the State of Georgia.
MPA graduates in Georgia are prepared for various roles in public service, including positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector firms working with government entities:
- Elected official (city council, mayor, governor, etc.)
- Planning and budget director (Georgia Senate Budget Office)
- City or county manager (DeKalb County)
- Policy advisor (Office of the Governor)
- Executive director (Metro Atlanta Senior Services)
- Lobbyist (United States Department of Commerce)
- Financial analyst (Georgia Building Authority)
- Urban planner (Atlanta Regional Council of Governments)
- Economic development coordinator (Georgia Municipal Association)
- Tax commissioner (Gwinnett County)
