The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program provides an intellectual, collaborative and engaged learning environment where practical and theoretical concepts of public administration are presented within the historical, political, social, cultural and economic contexts. Students learn to act as facilitators in defining and pursuing the public interest. Those who are new to the Public Administration field will learn how to effectively manage in their organization and make ethical decisions that will benefit the community at large.
Program Facts
The MPA degree program is housed within the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Southern Utah University. We are the only NASPAA* accredited fully online MPA program in the state of Utah. The MPA program at SUU currently has approximately 150 students, most of whom complete the MPA degree within two years. Our extensive MPA alumni network has over 400 graduates of our program who are located across the United States and and internationally. Between 2018 and 2021, our MPA graduates had a 96.4% job placement rate in the public/nonprofit sectors. For more information, please see our Program Effectiveness page.
Versatile in its design, students may customize the 36-credit hour program to suit their personal interests and career objectives. A variety of online course electives are available: students may choose the general MPA degree plan, but may also choose electives that help them earn an emphasis in Higher Education, State and Local Government, and Criminal Justice.
SUU Undergraduate students interested in obtaining a Masters in Public Administration may apply to our Grad Path Program. Eligible students may earn up to 6 hours graduate level credits at undergraduate tuition rates.
New Developments and Growth in SUU's MPA Program
MPA Travels to Kenya
This summer, the SUU MPA Program partnered with Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, to offer a two-week study abroad program. As part of this program, 12 MPA students and 2 faculty members met with various Kenyan leaders within high education and both local and national government. Students were able to compare policies, traditions, and approaches to governance across Kenya and the U.S. In addition to time in the classroom, SUU students organized a laptop and school supply donation drive for Kenyan students adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, our students participated in activities that will forever influence their education and outlook in life. As an MPA program, we look forward to offering more of these study abroad opportunities in the future. - Dr. Joel Vallett
HSS Surprises Student with MPA Scholarship
Our first endowed scholarship in the MPA program was a labor of love that spanned several years in the making. It started with the efforts of one of our former MPA directors, Dr. Patricia Keehley, along with a handful of alumni and donors who wanted to do something tangible to support our grad students... Continue Reading this Article
