Master of Public Administration (MPA)

A limited number of USI master’s programs are approved to be offered in a dual degree format, allowing students to be concurrently enrolled in both degree programs. Select requirements can be satisfied by coursework approved to apply toward both programs, allowing students the opportunity to complete both master’s degrees in a shorter timeframe. Programs approved to be offered in a dual degree format include:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) 
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Students must be admitted to both graduate programs before beginning dual degree enrollment, and the time limitation still applies. For more information about program admission and program requirements, refer to the individual academic program pages.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Southern Indiana is the preferred graduate degree for individuals who hold or hope to acquire a supervisory position in the public or nonprofit sector. Individuals interested in these sectors pursue the MPA in order to improve their management-related job skills and performance, obtain leadership positions within their current organizations, or begin their career in a public or nonprofit organization. Some students choose to pursue the MPA to strengthen their academic credentials and knowledge of the public sector to prepare for law school or doctoral level work.     

Mission Statement: The Master of Public Administration program at the University of Southern Indiana strives to meet the needs of current and future civic leaders and managers by providing students with the practical knowledge and professional and academic skills, rooted in a strong understanding of the theories of public administration, to become ethical, creative, and inspirational leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our graduates are prepared to meet the economic, social, and political challenges that face leading public sector institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Vision Statement:  Preparing civic leaders to meet society’s challenges in the 21st century.

Goals of the MPA program 

• Articulate the theoretical and institutional foundations of the public and nonprofit sectors, and how these sectors are shaped by their economic, social, and political environments.
• Demonstrate the practical skills necessary for the management of public and nonprofit organizations, such as grant writing, budgeting, public speaking, human resources management, organizational behavior, electronic communication, and report writing.
• Gather and analyze data to advance the knowledge and practice of public administration and public policy.

Refer to the Admission section of the bulletin for information about Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process.

Students admitted into the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Southern Indiana must complete the following admission requirements:

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A 200-500 word statement of professional interest or goals
• The name and contact number of a professional reference
• Applicants must have earned bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA of 3.0 for regular admission; applicants with GPA lower than 3.0 considered for conditional admission

Students must select an additional 9 hours of electives. Approved courses depend on whether the dual degree is in criminal justice or social work (see below).

Students co-enrolled in the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program can satisfy the following MPA requirements with coursework from the criminal justice program:

Students co-enrolled in the Master of Social Work program can satisfy the following MPA requirements with coursework from the MSW program:

For the MSW degree, both the field placement (SOCW 611) and practice evaluation (SOCW 605) must include administrative practice experiences.