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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-08-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Nonprofit Management | Public Administration | Public Policy Studies
Area of study
Business and Administration | Social Sciences
Education type
Fully Online
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-08-01-
2025-10-01-
2026-01-01-
2026-03-01-
2026-05-01-
2026-06-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA)

Program Overview

The Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) is designed to provide high-quality education to meet the demand for professionally trained public administrators in the public and nonprofit sectors. This program instills the knowledge and values you need to lead and manage effectively in government and nonprofit organizations. The core courses will prepare you to be a leader, manager, or analyst in public service. You’ll develop the foundational skills public administrators need to develop effective public policy, apply public policy to societal needs, be a good steward of public resources, and conduct research that supports evidence-based policy development.


Program Details

  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Program Type: Master’s
  • I-20 Approved: No
  • I-17 Approved: No

Program Director and Format

  • Program Director: Dr. Chuck Williamson
  • Class Format: Online
  • Program Duration: 12 Months (fast track) | 24 Months
  • Start Date: Fall: August & October | Spring: January & March | Summer: May & June

Suggested Class Sequence

Admission Requirements

  • Previous Degree Required: A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in this program.
  • Transcript Required: Official undergraduate transcripts will need to be submitted as part of the application process for this program.
  • Application Deadline: The application deadline is two (2) weeks before a term start date.

Career Outcomes

  • Salary estimates are sourced from Lightcast.

Related Programs

  • College of Business: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • College of Business: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources
  • College of Business: Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL)

Why AU?

Alumni & News

  • Center for Cybersecurity: May 13, 2025 - Noted Civil Rights Icon, Global Business Leader, Address 2025 Graduates
  • School of Public Service and Administration: March 24, 2025 - New Graduate Program Prepares for Public Service Leadership
  • School of Public Service and Administration: January 15, 2025 - Van Ness Receives Fitness Award
  • College of Education: December 17, 2024 - Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Honors Minto for Heroism
  • School of Public Service and Administration: November 19, 2024 - Criminal Justice Student Sees Chosen Career as Opportunity to Help Others
  • School of Public Service and Administration: July 24, 2024 - Jenkins Receives Scholarship from U.S. Department of State
  • School of Public Service and Administration: April 2, 2024 - Fellowship of Christian Athletes Honors Van Ness
  • School of Public Service and Administration: August 1, 2023 - Tracy Grate: Committed to Mentoring Students
  • School of Public Service and Administration: July 14, 2023 - Command College Graduate Named Upstate, State School Resources Officer of the Year
  • School of Public Service and Administration: May 23, 2023 - Criminal Justice Graduate Well-Prepared in Using High-Flying, Cutting-Edge Technology

Program Outcomes

Upon degree completion, students will learn and demonstrate:


  • Applied Management, Leadership, Communication, and Analytical Skills: Demonstrate applied management, leadership, communication, and analytical skills needed by managers and leaders in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in complex and dynamic environments.
  • Public Service Principles: Articulate, apply, and advance public service principles through a clear understanding of the roles, development, and principles of public administration.
  • Public Policy Processes: Participate in the management of public policy processes and executive-legislative relations.
  • Public Budgetary Processes and Financial Management: Demonstrate understanding of public budgetary processes, financial management, and administrative law.
  • Public Personnel Management: Understand and apply public personnel management skills to a complex public human resource environment.
  • Professional Ethics: Demonstrate professional ethics and interact productively in culturally responsive ways with a diverse workforce and society.
  • Scholarly Research: Conduct scholarly research and produce theory-based research through publication.

Program Outline


Degree Overview


Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) The Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) is designed to provide high-quality education to meet the demand for professionally trained public administrators in the public and nonprofit sectors. This program instills the knowledge and values you need to lead and manage effectively in government and nonprofit organizations.


Objectives:

  • Equip students with the knowledge and skills to be effective leaders, managers, and analysts in public service.
  • Develop a strong understanding of public policy and its application to societal needs.
  • Foster a commitment to ethical and professional conduct in public service.
  • Empower graduates to be effective stewards of public resources.
  • Prepare students to conduct research and generate evidence-based policy recommendations.

Program Description:

The MPSA curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of public administration, including:

  • Public policy analysis and development
  • Public finance and budgeting
  • Human resource management
  • Nonprofit management
  • Public law and ethics
  • Research methods
  • The program features a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences, including:
  • Core courses: Focus on foundational concepts and principles of public administration.
  • Elective courses: Allow students to tailor their learning to specific areas of interest.
  • Capstone project: Provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

Outline


Program Content and Structure The MPSA program consists of 36 credit hours, typically completed in 12 months (fast track) or 24 months. The program offers a flexible schedule with classes offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.


Course Schedule:

The program follows a cohort model, with students taking the same set of courses together. The course schedule is typically as follows:

  • Fall Semester:
  • Introduction to Public Administration
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Public Finance and Budgeting
  • Spring Semester:
  • Human Resource Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Public Law and Ethics
  • Summer Semester:
  • Research Methods
  • Capstone Project

Individual Modules:

Each module in the program focuses on a specific area of public administration. Here is a brief description of each module:

  • Module 2: Public Policy Analysis: This module focuses on the process of developing and analyzing public policy, including identifying problems, setting goals, developing options, and evaluating outcomes.
  • Module 3: Public Finance and Budgeting: This module examines the principles and practices of public finance, including revenue generation, budgeting, and financial management.
  • Module 4: Human Resource Management: This module explores the principles and practices of human resource management in the public sector, including recruitment, selection, training, and compensation.
  • Module 6: Public Law and Ethics: This module examines the legal and ethical framework within which public administrators operate, including constitutional law, administrative law, and ethics codes.
  • Module 7: Research Methods: This module introduces students to the principles and methods of research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Module 8: Capstone Project: This module provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem in public administration.

Assessment


Assessment Methods and Criteria The MPSA program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

  • Papers and assignments: Used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
  • Presentations: Used to assess students' communication and critical thinking skills.
  • Capstone project: Used to assess students' ability to conduct independent research and synthesize information.
  • Assessment criteria are specific to each assessment method and are designed to measure students' achievement of learning outcomes.

Teaching


Teaching Methods, Faculty, and Unique Approaches The MPSA program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

  • Lectures: Provide students with foundational knowledge and concepts.
  • Seminars: Encourage active participation and discussion among students.
  • Case studies: Provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
  • Guest speakers: Offer students insights from practitioners in the field of public administration.
  • The program faculty consists of experienced and qualified professionals with expertise in various areas of public administration. Faculty members are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality educational experience.

Careers


Potential Career Paths, Opportunities, and Outcomes The MPSA program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the public and nonprofit sectors. Potential career paths include:

  • Public administrators: Work in government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, managing programs, policies, and budgets.
  • Policy analysts: Conduct research and provide recommendations to policymakers on a variety of issues.
  • Nonprofit managers: Lead and manage nonprofit organizations, developing programs, fundraising, and overseeing operations.
  • Program evaluators: Assess the effectiveness of public and nonprofit programs and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Researchers: Conduct research on public administration issues and publish their findings in academic journals and other publications.
  • MPSA graduates are highly sought-after by employers in the public and nonprofit sectors.
  • The MPS
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About University
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Courses

Anderson University


Overview:

Anderson University is a private, four-year institution located in Anderson, South Carolina. It was founded in 1911 as a women's college and became co-educational in 1929. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.


Services Offered:

Anderson University provides a range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    The university offers academic support services such as tutoring, study skills seminars, and writing center assistance.

    Disability Services:

    Accommodations are provided to students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

    Financial Aid:

    Anderson University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

    Textbook Program:

    The Trojan Textbook Program includes the cost of textbooks and software in tuition for traditional undergraduate, non-traditional undergraduate, and ABSN students.

    Transcript Services:

    Students can request official and unofficial transcripts through Anderson Central.

    Employer Reimbursement:

    The university assists students in coordinating with their employers for tuition reimbursement.

    Tuition Protection Plan:

    Anderson University partners with GradGuard to offer tuition insurance.

    Commuter Meal Plan Options:

    Commuter students can purchase meal plans through the Housing Portal.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at Anderson University can expect a vibrant campus life with opportunities for:

    Student Activities:

    The university offers a wide range of clubs and organizations for students to join.

    Religious Activities:

    Anderson University has a strong Christian focus with various organizations and activities emphasizing religious life.

    Recreation and Fitness:

    Students have access to the Fitness Center, Athletic Campus gym, and University Pool.

    Campus Housing:

    Residential students are required to purchase meal plans.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Strong Christian Focus:

    Anderson University is a faith-based institution with a strong emphasis on Christian values.

    Small Class Sizes:

    The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, allowing for personalized attention from professors.

    Diverse Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities.

    Convenient Location:

    Anderson is located near Greenville, Atlanta, and Charlotte, providing access to various professional, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

Academic Programs:

Anderson University offers programs in the following colleges and schools:

  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Christian Studies
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health Professions
  • School of Interior Design
  • School of Public Service & Administration
  • The South Carolina School of the Arts

Other:

  • Anderson University is recognized as a "Great College to Work For" and a nationally recognized Honor Roll Institution.
  • The university is test-optional for admission.
  • The average fall enrollment is over 4,000 students.
  • The city of Anderson is known as the "Friendliest City in South Carolina."
  • The university is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Total programs
168
Admission Requirements

Additional Notes:

  • The application deadline is two (2) weeks before the term start date.
Location
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