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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-06-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Lipscomb University is designed to prepare students for a life of public service in government and nonprofit sectors. This program is considered the gold standard for young people pursuing careers in public service.
Program Overview
The MPA program strongly emphasizes leadership development, providing students with a clear understanding of state finance processes, data analysis, and critical thinking to make impactful decisions. Each student is assigned a mentor who is involved in state or local government or a nonprofit, guiding them toward specific job opportunities upon graduation.
Quick Facts
- Degree: Master of Public Administration
- Credit Hours: 36
- Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
- Location: Spark (downtown campus)
- College/School: Leadership & Public Service
Admissions Requirements
To apply for the MPA program, the following items are required:
- Completed online application
- Application fee
- Resume
- Official college undergraduate transcripts
- Two letters of reference
- Personal statement
- No testing required - writing sample in lieu of testing (such as GRE)
- Interview
Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualified applicants.
Courses
The Master of Public Administration program includes the following core courses:
- LPS 5063 - Effective Cross Sector Collaboration (3)
- LPS 5023 - Budget and Finance in the Public Sector (3)
- LPS 5143 - Policy Analysis, Development, and Decision Making (3)
- LPS 5153 - Data and Decision Making in Public Service (3)
- LPS 5393 - Project in Leadership in Public Service (3)
- MPA 6013 - Human Resources in State and Local Government (3)
- MPA 6043 - Readings in Public Administration (3)
- MPA 6113 - The Intersection of the Federal System and State Leadership (3)
- MPA 6133 - Nonprofit Management (3)
- MPA 6143 - Foundations of Public Administration (3)
- MPA 6213 - Qualitative Analysis and Public Service (3)
- MPA 6313 - Organizational Leadership (3)
Tuition and Aid
The tuition for the MPA program is approximately $1,091 per credit hour. Various scholarship and financial aid programs are available to make the education more affordable.
Types of Aid
- Assistantships and Scholarships: All applications are automatically considered for scholarships.
- Student Loans: Graduate students can file the FAFSA to be eligible for student loans.
- Federal Stafford Loan
- Graduate PLUS Loan
- Private Loans
- Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program: Lipscomb University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to support eligible veterans.
Why Study Public Administration at Lipscomb University?
- Mentorships: Gain real-world insight through one-on-one interactions with full-time government and nonprofit employees.
- Networking: Engage with key leaders in government and nonprofit sectors.
- Internships: Students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships.
Our Faculty
The faculty includes experienced professionals and educators in the field of public administration, such as:
- Laura Encalade
- Steve Joiner
- Kenyatta Lovett
- Hope Nordstrom
- Scott Bledsoe
- Alfred Degrafinreid
- Brent Easley
- Laura Morrow
- Mandy Pellegrin
Career Paths
Graduates of the MPA program can pursue careers in:
- State and local government
- Public policy institutes and entities
- Nonprofit work
Related Programs
- Leadership and Public Service
- Conflict ManagementM.A. & Graduate Certificate
- Environmental and Sustainability Science