Public Administration Masters Programs in the State of Georgia

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:

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:

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

School Name	Degree Program Name	State	City	NASPAA Accredited	Online Degree	Program Link
Albany State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Albany	Yes	Yes	https://catalog.asurams.edu/graduate/degree-programs/public-administration-mpa/
Augusta University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Augusta	No	Yes	https://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/mpa/
Clark Atlanta University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Atlanta	No	Yes	https://www.cau.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/public-administration/index.html
Columbus State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Columbus	Yes	No	https://www.columbusstate.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/master-public-administration.php
Georgia College & State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Milledgeville	Yes	Yes	https://www.gcsu.edu/artsandsciences/gov/public-administration-mpa
Georgia Institute of Technology	Master of Science in Public Policy	Georgia	Atlanta	No	No	https://spp.gatech.edu/
Georgia Southern University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Statesboro	Yes	Yes	https://cogs.georgiasouthern.edu/admission/mpa/
Georgia State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Atlanta	No	Yes	https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/master-public-policy/
Kennesaw State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Kennesaw	No	Yes	https://www.kennesaw.edu/degrees-programs/master-degrees/public-administration.php
Savannah State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Savannah	No	Yes	https://www.savannahstate.edu/graduate/master-degrees/degrees-grad-pa.shtml
The University of Georgia	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Athens	No	Yes	https://spia.uga.edu/apply-now/master-of-public-administration-and-policy/
University of West Georgia	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Carrollton	Yes	Yes	https://www.westga.edu/academics/university-college/political-science/masters-in-public-administration.php
Valdosta State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Valdosta	Yes	Yes	https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/graduate-school/our-programs/public-administration.php
Ilia State University	Master Of Public Administration	Georgia	Tbilisi	No	No	https://iliauni.edu.ge/en/iliauni/AcademicDepartments/mecnierebata-da-xelovnebis-fakulteti-269/programebi-303/mecnierebata-da-xelovnebis-fakulteti-samagistro-programebi/sadjaro-politikis-administrireba

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)