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. Versatile in its design, students may customize the 36-credit hour program to suit their personal interests and career objectives. The MPA program at SUU currently has approximately 113 students, most of whom complete the MPA degree within two years.
High-performing undergraduate students may apply to the Graduate Bridge program as upperclassmen, which allows them a jumpstart on graduate studies, including the MPA degree. Please see our Program Effectiveness page for more information, including job placement stats.
Versatile in its design, students may customize the program to suit their personal interests and career objectives. A variety of electives are available, and students may choose from course offerings in any combination of on-campus or online.
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
