The state of George currently has eight universities that offer online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs that can be completed 100% virtually with no residency requirements. Students interested in pursuing an MPA with a concentration in criminal justice, public policy, public affairs, public (sector) management, nonprofit management and community development, or disaster/emergency management can find these areas of study at one of the schools outlined below.
Prospective students interested in pursuing an online MPA degree in Georgia should research the following schools:
- Albany State University
- Clayton State University
- Georgia College & State University
- Georgia Southern University
- South University
- University of North Georgia
- University of West Georgia
- Valdosta State University
Each of the public and private universities listed above is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Read below to learn more about each of their program offerings.
Schools in Georgia with Online MPA Programs
Albany State University (ASU) offers an online MPA through its College of Business, Education and Professional Studies, and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The degree requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, blending theory and practical instruction with a focus on professionalism, accountability, and performance. The program is intended to enhance leadership and managerial skills including critical thinking, communication, and ethical practices. The curriculum consists of 27 graduate credit hours of core coursework and nine credit hours of coursework in one of the following areas of specialization: Criminal Justice Administration, Health Administration and Policy, Human Resources Management, or Public Management.
As part of the core coursework, students are expected to complete a three-credit internship however, in-service students with at least one year of relevant professional experience may apply for an internship waiver and take an additional elective course in lieu of the internship requirement. Online MPA students are also required to complete a Professional Portfolio, a compilation of academic work that represents their personal abilities, skills, and accomplishments throughout the program. Full-time students typically earn their degree in two years, while part-time students take an average of three years. ASU conducts its online MPA program through the learning management system GaVIEW. Online students gain access to an online writing center, research database, as well as virtual tutoring services.
Note: Students with five of more years of professional experience in leadership or managerial positions may be eligible for ASU’s Executive track. This non-cohort track requires the completion of 30 graduate credit hours of study as students are given prior learning credit for up to six credit-hours based on their professional experience.
Clayton State University’s School of Graduate Studies offers a fully online MPA program with the option of pursuing a general public administration curriculum or specializing in criminal justice. Graduate students enrolled in the online MPA program can also earn an additional Certificate in Public Policy by completing three additional focused elective courses. The program consists of 36 graduate credit hours, including six required core courses, five elective courses, and a final capstone course. For pre-service students or those without full-time employment, the capstone experience consists of a supervised field internship at a governmental or non-profit organization and a scholarly research project. Those employed full-time or with significant professional experience can elect to complete a general research paper offering analysis of an area of public administration or public policy. Clayton State offers an accelerated degree track, allowing students to complete their degree in one year. Those enrolled full-time, taking three courses each semester, can expect to graduate within two years.
Clayton State conducts its online degree programs using the learning management system BrightSpace. Courses are conducted using asynchronous instruction, and students can access course content, submit assignments, and communicate with peers and faculty through the BrightSpace platform. Most classes are 16 weeks in length, although some may be offered as accelerated eight-week-long courses. Certain courses may also contain elements of synchronous instruction, requiring students to attend scheduled online meetings at predetermined times.
Georgia College & State University (GCSU) offers a fully online MPA through its Department of Government and Sociology within the College of Arts & Sciences, and has attained programmatic accreditation through NASPAA. The 36-credit hour curriculum consists of eight core courses, two to three elective courses, and either a final capstone or thesis project. While the program does not offer distinct areas of specialization, students can select elective classes that align with their area of interest. Students enrolled full-time can fulfill the degree requirements in four semesters.
GCSU utilizes the learning management system GeorgiaVIEW, operated by Brightspace, to conduct its online courses. Courses are taught using asynchronous instruction, with students accessing course materials, engaging with peers and faculty, and viewing lectures on their own time. Online students have access to a Graduate Coordinator as well as research opportunities, the annual Georgia College Research Day event, and the university’s career platform, Handshake.
Georgia Southern University offers an online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) degree program through its Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies, and the program has attained additional programmatic accreditation through NASPAA. Designed for professionals with three or more years of relevant experience in the field of public administration, the curriculum requires the completion of eight core courses, three emphasis courses in public and nonprofit management, two immersion experience credits, and a single-credit professional portfolio course. Online students on the executive track follow a cohort-based learning model, beginning their course of study during the spring semester and completing the 18-month program with the same group of peers. Part-time study options are also available.
Georgia Southern University utilizes a branded version of the D2L Brightspace learning management system called Folio to conduct its online academic programs. The EMPA can be completed fully online with no residential requirements.
South University is a private institution that conducts its online MPA program through its College of Business. Examining the structure of social, political, and institutional systems, the curriculum utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach, covering both general and specialized topics designed to enhance a student’s ability to achieve organizational goals. The program includes 48 graduate credit hours and consists of 12 classes. The final capstone course, Strategic Challenges in Public Administration, requires demonstration of the skills and knowledge garnered throughout the program utilizing case studies. The fully online program can be completed by a student enrolled full-time in 16 months.
Online courses at South University are taught using asynchronous instruction via the learning management platform Brightspace. Course materials, grades, and class communications can also be found using the school’s Pulse App. Throughout the program, online students have access to various virtual networking events, and graduates can maintain peer networks through the school’s Alumni Connections site.
University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Department of Political Science and International Affairs offers an online MPA with a concentration in Public Affairs. Focusing on enhancing theoretical and practical skills, the program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours, including 21 credit hours of core courses, 12 hours of elective courses, and a three-credit capstone seminar taken once a student has completed their core courses or in conjunction with their final core course. Students enrolled full-time can expect to earn their degree in two years, though the majority of students elect to enroll part-time and graduate within three to three and a half years. The program can be completed fully online with no on-campus residential requirements.
UNG conducts its online courses using asynchronous instruction utilizing the learning management system eLearning@UNG, allowing students to access course reading materials, lectures, and assignments at a time that aligns with their individual schedules. Students also have access to tutoring and UNG libraries through the online platform. In addition, Online Student Ambassadors (OSA) promote mentoring and networking within the online student community by organizing off-campus events and offering student feedback to the university’s Division of Distance Education & Technology Integration.
University of West Georgia’s (UWG) Department of Civic Engagement and Public Service offers a fully online MPA program with no residential requirements, and has attained programmatic accreditation through NASPAA. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours, including seven core courses, four elective courses, and a final comprehensive research project. While the university fields applicants from all academic backgrounds, students who have not completed undergraduate courses in social science are required to take an additional course, Principles of Public Administration, as a prerequisite to the program. Following the completion of the core curriculum, students can elect to pursue a general public administration curriculum or earn a concurrent certificate in one of three areas of specialization: Public Management, Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Community Development, and Disaster/Emergency Management. Pre-service students are required to complete an internship in lieu of one elective course. Full-time students enrolled in three courses per semester can expect to earn their degree in two years.
Throughout their degree program, online students can access the resources offered through the Career Services department, including counseling, resume workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, and panel discussions. In addition, online students are annually assigned a designated faculty mentor. UWG conducts its online program through the learning management system CourseDen. Through this platform, students can access assignments, projects, course materials, and grades. Faculty utilize asynchronous instruction, but expect students to adhere to a preset syllabus, exam schedule, and course specific submission deadlines.
Valdosta State University’s (VSU) Department of Political Science offers a fully online MPA program with the option of specializing in Public Sector Management or Public Policy. The program has attained additional programmatic accreditation through NASPAA. The curriculum consists of 36 graduate credit hours, including a mandatory Foundation Seminar, seven core courses, four concentration courses, and a final capstone course. Graduate students are required to complete a 300-hour internship at an NGO, government or non-profit organization. Full-time students can expect to complete the degree requirements in four consecutive semesters.
VSU uses the learning management platform Desire2Learn to conduct its online degree programs. Courses utilizes asynchronous instruction, with access to course materials, lectures, and assignments available at any time. Professors may occasionally host live virtual sessions, although attendance at these sessions is typically not required.