University of Georgia

Empowering the next generation of public service professionals

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The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Georgia is designed to develop professionals who can use their educational experiences to work productively at all levels of public sector management, as well as in research endeavors.

The central purpose of the program is to educate students for professional careers in public service including management and policy analysis in government and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to students without previous public service experience as well as students employed in the public sector who are seeking to advance their careers. While normally a terminal professional degree, some graduates of the MPA program have entered PhD or other programs and have assumed academic careers.

Commit to public service

UGA’s MPA program stands out for its rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities. Students benefit from a diverse array of elective courses that cater to various career paths within public administration and policy. Whether aspiring to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or international development, UGA offers specialized tracks and concentrations that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen field.

The program prides itself on small class sizes that encourage personalized attention from faculty who are not only accomplished scholars but also active practitioners in their fields. This combination of academic rigor and practical experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in public service.

Commit to public service

UGA’s MPA program stands out for its rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities. Students benefit from a diverse array of elective courses that cater to various career paths within public administration and policy. Whether aspiring to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or international development, UGA offers specialized tracks and concentrations that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen field.

The program prides itself on small class sizes that encourage personalized attention from faculty who are not only accomplished scholars but also active practitioners in their fields. This combination of academic rigor and practical experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in public service.

Get all the info you need. Download the MPA Program Guide

Ranked among top 5 Public Administration programs in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report.

Check out our calendar for upcoming MPA events!

Want to learn more? Meet with an Advisor

Discover More about the MPA

Program Overview
Program Overview
Admissions and Funding
Admissions and Funding
Gwinnett Campus
Gwinnett Campus
Double Dawg MPA
Double Dawg MPA
Current Students
Current Students
After Graduation
After Graduation
Located in Athens, Georgia, UGA offers more than just a degree—it provides a vibrant campus life and access to a community rich in cultural and recreational activities. Learn more about our MPA program.  Attend Visitation Day.

Students in the MPA program benefit from being part of a prestigious institution with a long-standing commitment to public service excellence. Whether drawn to policy analysis, public finance, or nonprofit management, choosing UGA’s MPA program means joining a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on society through effective public administration and leadership.

Located in Athens, Georgia, UGA offers more than just a degree—it provides a vibrant campus life and access to a community rich in cultural and recreational activities. Learn more about our MPA program.  Attend Visitation Day.

Students in the MPA program benefit from being part of a prestigious institution with a long-standing commitment to public service excellence. Whether drawn to policy analysis, public finance, or nonprofit management, choosing UGA’s MPA program means joining a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on society through effective public administration and leadership.

Join us for monthly MPA webinars with faculty and alumni guest speakers – Mark Your Calendar & Register Today!

Friday, January 24 at 12:30 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Public Policy, with faculty member Dr. Emily Bell – register by January 23

Wednesday, February 19 at 12:00 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Nonprofit Management, with faculty member Dr. Rebecca Nesbit – register by February 18

Wednesday, March 19 at 11:00 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers, Special Topic TBD – register by March 18

Friday, April 18 at 12:00 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Public Policy, Special Topic TBD – register by April 17

Join us for monthly MPA webinars with faculty and alumni guest speakers – Mark Your Calendar & Register Today!

Friday, January 24 at 12:30 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Public Policy, with faculty member Dr. Emily Bell – register by January 23

Wednesday, February 19 at 12:00 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Nonprofit Management, with faculty member Dr. Rebecca Nesbit – register by February 18

Wednesday, March 19 at 11:00 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers, Special Topic TBD – register by March 18

Friday, April 18 at 12:00 pm EST – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Public Policy, Special Topic TBD – register by April 17

The Latest News from SPIA

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Southern Political Science Conference 2025

The UGA School of Public and International Affairs is proud to attend this year’s SPSA Conference. With over 30 faculty members and students presenting their research and sharing their expertise,

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Congratulations to Caleb Bagley for being selected as January MPA Student of the Month! Caleb J. Bagley is in his final semester of the MPA program at the University of

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Join us for an Event

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Jan 30
CITS Global Decisions Series: Barath Harithas

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Feb 19
MPA Program Informational Webinar

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Feb 27
Spring Semester 2025 – Midterm

All Day