Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Make a Lasting Impact in Your Community and Beyond

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Florida Southern College equips you to lead effectively, influence policy, and drive meaningful change across the public and nonprofit sectors. Whether your goal is city management, nonprofit leadership, or public policy, FSC’s MPA will prepare you to step confidently into roles that shape communities—while our accelerated, flexible format allows you to complete your degree without stepping away from your career.

Request Info Visit Events Apply Today Program Details

Upcoming Term Start Date

Fall 2026

High Demand

Employment of management-level roles in government and nonprofit organizations is projected to grow 6% by 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations (BLS).

Strong ROI

City and county managers salary of over $100,000, while nonprofit directors, budget analysts, and policy advisors consistently earn between $70,000 and $ 90,000 annually, depending on the sector and region.

Career Impact

Graduates pursue leadership in local, state, and federal government, as well as nonprofits, think tanks, and NGOs. Roles range from city manager and policy analyst to nonprofit executive director, positions that directly shape communities and influence policy.

Want to Learn More About FSC's MPA Program?

Thanks for your interest in Florida Southern College. Please complete the form below so we can share details tailored to you.

Why choose MPA at FSC?

Faculty Who Mentor and Inspire

At Florida Southern, you’ll be guided by faculty who are more than teachers; they are mentors, scholars, and practitioners who bring government, policy, and nonprofit leadership to life. Their commitment to personal attention ensures you feel supported, challenged, and prepared for the responsibilities of public service leadership.

Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

The MPA curriculum is intentionally designed to connect theory with practice. From policy analysis papers to evaluation projects and a culminating internship or thesis, every course pushes you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world contexts. This structure ensures you graduate not only with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills to address complex challenges in public administration.

A Return on Your Investment that Starts Sooner

We understand that aspiring public leaders can’t afford to put life or career on hold. FSC’s accelerated, flexible format allows you to finish your MPA in under two years, all while working full-time. You’ll advance your career faster, gaining both the skills and the credentials to step into higher-level roles that make a difference in your community and beyond.

Deep Connections to the Communities We Serve

What makes Florida Southern distinctive is how seamlessly your studies intersect with the world around you. Through established partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and regional agencies, you’ll engage in projects and internships that place you in the center of decision-making and service. These connections give you access to professional networks, mentors, and experiences that amplify your impact far beyond the classroom.

Featured MPA Faculty

R. Bruce Anderson

It must be current, it must be relevant, and it must be useful. The student centered approach, through experiential learning, is the only approach that properly prepares future leaders for the leadership they will assume in our world.

MPA Program Details

Admission Requirements

Completed application
Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, verified by official transcripts of all undergraduate work
Current résumé
Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) detailing interest in the MPA program and its connection to professional goals
One letter of recommendation

International Student Requirements

Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
Sponsor's Guarantee Form
Valid Passport
Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** SpanTran (discount available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Course Delivery

Hybrid

Courses are offered in a hybrid format, a combination of online and in-class meetings. One class will be offered on campus in the evening and one course will be offered online.

Curriculum

POS 6100	Foundations of Public Administration and Public Service in the U.S.	4
POS 6200	Federalism & Intergovernmental Relations	4
POS 6300	Research Methods for Public and Nonprofit Organizations	4
POS 6400	Public Policy Analysis	4
POS 6500	Leadership in Public Administration	4
POS 6600	Program Evaluation	4
POS 6700 or POS 6800	Thesis or Internship	6

Program Costs

2025-2026

Tuition Per Credit Hour

$875/pending approval

Graduation Requirements

To earn the MPA degree, a student must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework and cannot receive a grade below C in any course. Students must successfully complete either a thesis or an internship as a culminating experience.

Early Admission 4+1 MPA Program

During the second semester of their junior year, all Florida Southern College undergraduate students are eligible to be considered for early admission to the MPA program. Admitted students will be allowed to complete a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate work prior to undergraduate graduation.

These credits will count towards the requirements for the undergraduate and MPA degree. Any MPA courses attempted before receiving the undergraduate degree will be charged at the traditional undergraduate full-time tuition rate. After the student receives their undergraduate degree, graduate courses will be billed at the current MPA per credit hour rate.

SACSCOC Accreditation

Florida Southern College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The Master of Public Administration is currently pending approval by SACSCOC. Applicants selected for the program will receive an offer of admission promptly upon notification of approval from SACSCOC.

MPA Program Contact

Abbey Bonet, MSHE

Assistant Director of Adult and Graduate Admission

863.680.3090

text message 863.656.0755