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.

Meet with an Advisor

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.

Meet with an Advisor

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.

Join us for Visitation Day October 18, 2024. Register by October 10.

Want to learn more? Take a look at our events calendar and join us for an informational webinar.

Discover More about the MPA

Program Overview
Program Overview
Admissions and Funding
Admissions and Funding
Gwinnett Campus
Gwinnett Campus
Double Dawg Programs
Double Dawg Programs
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.

MPA Visitation Day: Friday, October 18, 10am-2pm faculty, alumni, and current students give a look inside our internationally renowned program- register by October 10. Lunch is included with registration.

Register for Visitation Day

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.

MPA Visitation Day: Friday, October 18, 10am-2pm faculty, alumni, and current students give a look inside our internationally renowned program- register by October 10. Lunch is included with registration.

Register for Visitation Day

Join us for monthly MPA webinars 12:30-1:30pm EST with faculty and alumni guest speakers – Mark Your Calendar & Register Today!

Tuesday, September 17 – with discussion on the MPA and careers in Budgeting & Finance, with faculty member Dr. Michelle Lofton – register by September 16

Friday, October 11 – with discussion on the MPA and careers in Public Policy, with faculty member Dr. Felipe Lozano-Rojas – register by October 10

Wednesday, November 13 – with discussion on the MPA and careers in Federal Government, with faculty member Dr. George Krause – register by November 12

Monday, December 2 – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Public Health, with faculty member Dr. Amanda Abraham – register by December 1

Join us for monthly MPA webinars 12:30-1:30pm EST with faculty and alumni guest speakers – Mark Your Calendar & Register Today!

Tuesday, September 17 – with discussion on the MPA and careers in Budgeting & Finance, with faculty member Dr. Michelle Lofton – register by September 16

Friday, October 11 – with discussion on the MPA and careers in Public Policy, with faculty member Dr. Felipe Lozano-Rojas – register by October 10

Wednesday, November 13 – with discussion on the MPA and careers in Federal Government, with faculty member Dr. George Krause – register by November 12

Monday, December 2 – with discussion on the MPA and Careers in Public Health, with faculty member Dr. Amanda Abraham – register by December 1

The Latest News from SPIA

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A Pathway to Success with Data Analytics in Public Policy

Sep 2024

A Pathway to Success with Data Analytics in Public Policy

Sophie Radke, a senior at the University of Georgia, is charting a remarkable course through her studies in International Affairs, complemented by a minor in International Human Rights Security and

September 2024 MPA Student of the Month: Elizabeth Schulze

Sep 2024

September 2024 MPA Student of the Month: Elizabeth Schulze

Congratulations to Liz Schulze for being selected as August MPA Student of the Month! Liz is a part-time MPA student entering her fourth semester. With a background in aging and

A Pathway to Success with Data Analytics in Public Policy

Sep 2024

A Pathway to Success with Data Analytics in Public Policy

Sophie Radke, a senior at the University of Georgia, is charting a remarkable course through her studies in International Affairs, complemented by a minor in International Human Rights Security and

August 2024 Student of the Month: Tyler Benson

Aug 2024

August 2024 Student of the Month: Tyler Benson

Congratulations to Tyler Benson for being selected as August MPA Student of the Month! Tyler is going into her second year of our MPA program with a B.S.  in Psychology and Political

Join us for an Event

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Sep 17
MPA Program Information Webinar

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Sep 20
Constitution Day 2024

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Sep 24
MPA Gwinnett Lunch & Learn

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM