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Master of Public Administration
- Mission and Values Statement
- Graduate Catalog 2019-2021: MPA section
- Program Handbook: MPA
- 3-semester course schedule
- Program of Study for the MPA
- MPA comprehensive exam dates
- Fact sheet for MPA
- Latest issue of newsletter, The Public Servant
- Point of contact for prospective students:
Dr. Rodney Stanley, Department Chair - Point of contact for admitted students: Advisors
- Apply for the MPA
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the key professional degree for individuals working in the fast-growing public and nonprofit sectors, and our graduates succeed in obtaining work in those areas (see figure; read our program mission and values statement). The College of Public Service MPA is the only NASPAA-accredited MPA program in Middle Tennessee. Located in the state capital and a vibrant city, we can offer opportunities to interact with state and local public policymakers, administrators and nonprofit leaders during your studies. In order to maximize flexibility for full-time and part-time students, our MPA program is administered fully online.
Beginning in the Fall 2020 semester, students are no longer required to submit GRE scores for admission to the MPA program. There are two paths to the MPA, which are (1) Direct Admission to the MPA - have an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher from an accredited college or university, or (2) Graduate Certificate Bridge Admission to the MPA - have an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.69 from an accredited college or university, begin in one of our four graduate certificate programs, and complete the selected graduate certificate program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Alongside the MPA, students are required to earn a graduate certificate in either Public Policy, Healthcare Administration and Planning , Nonprofit Management, Local Government Management, or Executive Leadership. These graduate certificates are a more substantive credential than a concentration or minor, and they are valuable on the job market. Students who begin in one of the four certificate programs offered in the Department of Public Administration, and complete that certificate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, earn admission into the MPA degree. The coursework of the certificates fits into the requirements for the MPA (see last page of MPA factsheet). This is a fully online degree, which helps meet our students' needs as working adults. You can start the MPA program in spring, summer, or fall.
Students who have less than one year professional-level experience in a public or nonprofit setting, as evaluated by program advisor, complete a 300-hour internship, gaining real-world experience in their desired sector (recent host organizations). Students admitted directly to the MPA can apply for a graduate assistantship, subject to funds availability; contact us to learn more. Always seek advising before registration to make sound course choices (Contact your advisor). In particular, students who want to pursue a certificate along with the MPA should seek advising before choosing any electives in the MPA or certificate to minimize chances of having to take an extra course while satisfying each set of requirements. Our Handbook for the MPA offers more detail on our program.
MPA Program Mission. Our MPA program prepares students, as ethical public and nonprofit managers and leaders, to respond equitably, effectively, and efficiently to the needs of a diverse society. We recognize the goals of our students working in, or preparing for, public service by emphasizing flexibility and quality in teaching and learning. We teach the core concepts of public administration with a focus on practical application, while strengthening students’ ability to solve problems analytically. Students may build specialized skills on one of the program’s areas of expertise: public policy, leadership, or nonprofit management. As instructors and advisors, we work closely with students to support both their classroom and career achievement; in return, students are expected to pursue academic excellence and demonstrate integrity. As scholars, we engage in research and service to the University, community, and profession. By building relationships with public and nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond, we enhance our ability to develop students as professionals.
Public Service Values Statement. The guiding public service values of the MPA program in the College of Public Service at TSU are:
- EQUITY – Public servants should practice impartiality and fairness in their daily work, while balancing that pursuit with the need for effectiveness and efficiency.
- EFFECTIVENESS – Public servants should work in a proficient and productive manner towards the common good, setting transparent performance outcomes to measure progress while balancing that pursuit with the need for equity and efficiency.
- EFFICIENCY – Public servants should be careful and innovative stewards who seek to create the most public value out of scarce resources, while balancing that pursuit with the need for effectiveness and equity.
- DIVERSITY – Public servants should understand, value, and respect both individual differences and commonalities, working to create and maintain inclusive organizations and communities.
--current mission and values statement adopted May 2018 by MPA program faculty
HANDBOOK: Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Degree Table of Contents II. The purpose and uses of the MPA degree III. TSU MPA degree Program Competencies and Student Learning Outcomes IV. Applying for admission to the MPA degree V. Graduate Assistantships and other funding support VI. Advising and course selection VII. Succeeding in your coursework and making satisfactory progress towards your degree VIII.The MPA internship requirement and exemption IX. The MPA writing portfolio requirement HANDBOOK: Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Degree
Point of contact for prospective students: Dr. Rodney Stanley, Department Chair
I. Key guiding documents | back to Table of Contents
II. The purpose and uses of the MPA degree| back to Table of Contents
III. TSU MPA degree Program Competencies and Student Learning Outcomes
| back to Table of Contents
IV. Applying for admission to the TSU MPA degree | back to Table of Contents
V. Graduate assistantships and other funding support | back to Table of Contents
VI. Advising and course selection | back to Table of Contents
VII. Succeeding in coursework and making satisfactory progress toward your degree | back to Table of Contents
VIII. The MPA Internship requirement and exemption | back to Table of Contents
IX. The MPA writing portfolio requirement | back to Table of Contents
X. The MPA comprehensive exam requirement | back to Table of Contents
XI. Preparing to graduate | back to Table of Contents
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