Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Southern Utah University Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares you to be a purpose-driven leader in public service. You will learn to lead teams, create policy, manage budgets, and use data to solve problems facing your community. This graduate program gives you the skills needed to move into important roles in government, non-profits, and higher education. Choose an emphasis in State and Local Government, Criminal Justice, Higher Education, or Nonprofit Management, to focus your career path and make a real difference. Start soaring in your public service career today!
Department: Political Science & Criminal Justice
College: Humanities & Social Sciences
Admissions Requirements
3.0+
Minimum GPA
3
Start Dates (Year-Round)
Bachelor's
from Accredited University
$0
Application Fee
79+
TOEFL (International Students)
2 Weeks
Before start of term application deadline
Application Checklist
Applications are due 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. We have three start dates, Students can begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer semester (year round).
- Online Application: Complete the SUU Graduate Admissions application.
- Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from the college or university where you earned your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree.
- Resume: Current resume is preferred (not required).
- Statement of Intent: The application form will require you to explain how the MPA from SUU will support your career goals how this degree will help you develop skills such as: decision making, written communications, oral presentations and communications, leadership, management of people, technical analysis.
GPA Below 3.0?
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be asked to write a statement to the admission review committee on the application form. This statement must explain:
- What caused your academic preparation to be insufficient;
- What have you been doing in your time away from school;
- What support network do you have that will ensure your success;
- Your study and academic plans for success.
Applicants may be interviewed by the Program Director.
International Student Requirements
English Proficiency: A minimum TOEFL score (taken within 2 years) is required:
79 (Internet), 213 (Computer), or 550 (Paper).
Prerequisites:
- POLS 1100 (American National Government): Required for most international students; may be taken concurrently in the first semester.
- Case-by-Case: Additional prerequisites may be assigned based on academic background.
Transferring to SUU?
Students earning master's degree credits from other MPA programs may also transfer up to 12 hours of course credits. Students who apply should include their course syllabi in the application for a request to have those courses reviewed for credit towards the 36-hour MPA degree.
Current SUU Undergraduate students interested in obtaining a Master's degree may apply to our Grad Path Program. Eligible students may earn up to 6 hours graduate level credits at undergraduate tuition rates.
MPA Emphasis Options
Our MPA program offers four specialized emphasis tracks designed to align your education with your professional ambitions. Whether you aim to lead a nonprofit, manage public policy, or drive local government innovation, these concentrations provide the targeted expertise required by today’s public service employers.
- Regulatory Expertise: Navigate the complex legal issues and regulations unique to state and municipal governance.
- Ethical Management: Lead government programs and resources with a focus on efficiency and public ethics.
- Intergovernmental Relations: Master the art of coordinating between the private sector, the public, and varying levels of government.
- Common Roles: City or County Manager, Policy Analyst, Budget Analyst, Urban Planner, or Government Affairs Specialist.
- Student Services Leadership: Manage campus services effectively while prioritizing student success and ethical administration.
- Student Development: Apply a deep understanding of developmental stages to improve the student experience in higher ed environments.
- Organizational Navigation: Master the complex structures of university systems and learn to balance competing institutional interests.
- Common Roles: Director of Student Services, University Registrar, Admissions Director, Financial Aid Administrator, or Postsecondary Program Manager.
- System Mastery: Gain an executive-level understanding of the U.S. Criminal Justice System, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Resource Management: Manage local, state, and federal law enforcement programs with ethical precision.
- Cross-Agency Coordination: Effectively lead communication and strategy between diverse law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
- Common Roles: FBI or DEA Special Agent, Police Chief/Supervisor, Warden or Senior Corrections Officer, Homeland Security Coordinator, or Fraud Investigator.
- Strategic Leadership: Master the specialized strategies and techniques required to lead mission-driven organizations.
- Problem Solving: Develop the analytical skills needed to solve high-stakes challenges in the nonprofit sector.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate diverse groups of donors, volunteers, and community members toward a unified goal.
- Fundraising & Grants: Learn to secure vital funding through advanced fundraising strategies and grant writing within a budgetary framework.
- Common Roles: Nonprofit Executive Director, Development Director, Grant Manager, Program Director, or Community Outreach Coordinator.
Where do SUU MPA Graduates Work?
Data gathered by the SUU Career Center
Accredited Master of Public Administration
SUU's Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which is the global standard for public service education. Additionally, SUU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
We are the only NASPAA-accredited, fully online MPA program in the state of Utah.
Why Choose SUU for a Master of Public Administration?
The SUU MPA program currently has approximately 200 students, most of whom complete the MPA degree within two years. *2025 demographics
- By Gender: 45% male; 55% female
- Utah Residency: 79% live in Utah; 17% live out of state; 3% are international students living abroad
- By Experience Level: 82% are non-traditional students (ages 26+); 18% are traditional students (ages 18-25)
Our courses are limited to 25 students per class. Electives often have smaller class sizes.
We strive to develop our students as professional leaders in public and nonprofit organizations through:
- Experiential learning in the online classroom with tactical skills and projects
- Reflective practice to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Projects with community partners
- Exploring discernment as we integrate the use of AI into our career
Students can earn up to 6 credit hours while traveling on a short-term trip abroad with students and faculty. Study Abroad course credits are offered in the Summer Semester with trips that last approximately 10 days.
Since our program was founded in 2007, our SUU MPA alumni network has over 700 graduates of our program who are located across the United States and internationally.
Between 2013 and 2024, our MPA graduates had a 91.6% job placement rate in the public/nonprofit sectors. Review our Program Effectiveness.
Our core faculty have extensive practitioner experience, in addition to participating in innovative research projects in the public sector. Our part time faculty are also distinguished practitioners in their field of expertise.
MPA Tuition
The SUU Master of Public Administration is an online degree program and all online students are assessed the same tuition rate, regardless of their state of residence.
Tuition & Fees Waivers & Assistantships Scholarship
International students should be aware of different costs that may affect them and are encouraged to work with our International Admissions office if there are any questions.