Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

The Master of Public Administration program is an online degree program designed to empower those seeking a career in public service as well as those already employed who desire to enhance their current career trajectory. The program prepares professionals for work in government at the local, state, or national level as well as nonprofit organizations. Those in the private sector may also find the curriculum valuable.

The MPA degree requires a total of 36 hours of coursework:

• 18 hours of core coursework;
• 9 hours of concentration coursework; and
• 9 hours of electives.

Students with substantial professional and administrative experience may be eligible to earn 3 internship credits based on their work experience. Requests for such credit will be reviewed and approved by the MPA Program Director.

Prior to graduation, all students must also complete and pass the capstone course. Students must complete the core and 27 graduate hours before taking the capstone course. 

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applications to the online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program are reviewed on a rolling basis, with application deadlines of: August 1^st for the fall semester; December 1^st for the spring semester; and May 15^th for the summer semester. The MPA Program’s admission considerations include the following:

1. Graduate Application: The Graduate Studies Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
2. Application Fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
3. Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.¹
4. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
5. A writing sample of scholarly or professional work.
6. A statement of interest that summarizes the applicant’s professional goals, how an MPA degree will help the applicant obtain their professional goals, and how the applicant’s personal and professional experiences have prepared them for the MPA program. The statement of interest should be between one and two single-spaced pages.
7. Names and contact information for at least two individuals who can speak to applicant’s academic and professional potential.
8. Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree from an accredited institution, are expected to have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from the accredited institution granting the undergraduate degree.  
9. Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree and have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may submit additional information as evidence of their academic and professional potential. Additional information may include, but is not limited to: a narrative that provides an explanation for the applicant’s low GPA and why the GPA is not indicative of the applicant’s academic and professional potential or GRE scores. Applicants can submit the GPA narrative as part of their statement of interest.
10. If the MPA Admissions Committee needs additional information for an admission decision, the MPA Admissions Committee Chair may schedule an interview with an applicant or request an applicant provide additional information via email.

Applicants must submit all application materials directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by the relevant deadline.  A holistic review of each applicant’s file will then be completed with admission to the MPA Program offered to applicants on a competitive basis.

¹ Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

MPA Core Courses

All MPA students must complete PADM 5301 and PADM 5302 and 3 other core courses (15 credits). After the completion of the core curriculum and 27 graduate credits, students are also required to take PADM 5395 (3 credits) as a graduation requirement. There are 18 total core course credits required. 

MPA Concentration Courses

All MPA students must complete 9 credits of concentration courses. Select 9 credits from your preferred concentration.

MPA Elective Courses

Select 3 additional PADM courses (9 credits) that have not already been applied to fulfill another program requirement.

MPA Degree Plan

All MPA students must complete 36 credit hours of courses to graduate: 18 hours for Core courses (PADM 5301, PADM 5302, and PADM 5395 required), 9 hours for one of the Concentrations, and additional 9 hours for Electives. Students with substantial professional and administrative experience may be eligible to earn 3 internship credit hours based on their work experience. Requests for such credit will be reviewed and approved by the MPA Program Director.

¹

Internships are not required; no more than 6 credit from PADM 5002 and PADM 5003 can apply to MPA degree plan.

²

Special topics courses are offered occasionally.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The M.P.A. is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• To lead and manage in the public interest;
• To participate in, and contribute to, the policy process;
• To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment;
• To articulate, apply, and advance a public service perspective;
• To communicate and interact productively and in responsive ways with a rapidly changing and dynamic workforce and society at large.