The Department of Political Science offers Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree is designed to prepare students for productive and rewarding careers in public service. The format of the program accommodates students currently employed in the public sector as well as students seeking entry-level positions. The MPA program is designed to complement any undergraduate program of study.

Applications for admission will be accepted from any qualified candidates regardless of their undergraduate degree. The MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs (NASPAA).

Students pursuing the MPA degree in residence at one of Valdosta State University’s centers must complete 36 semester hours of coursework, including 24 hours of required core courses and 12 hours in a concentration area approved by the MPA Coordinator.

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) 

The Doctor of Public Administration is a practitioner-oriented degree that helps students develop the essential leadership, management, communication, and problem solving abilities necessary to succeed in today's professional environment. The courses in the program are designed to suit the information and skill needs of professionals currently in the field.

The DPA program consists of 54 semester-hours of coursework, divided among the foundation and core courses, theory and methods courses, elective courses, and capstone/project credits. The majority of the DPA program is designed around the use of web technology. Students will participate in selected residency seminars and meetings during the first weekend of each fall and spring semesters on the VSU campus; the remainder of the coursework will be completed online.

Certificates in Public Administration

The programs have been developed to provide education that will enable working public sector professionals to enhance their knowledge about public administration and to provide opportunities to those in other fields who want and need additional education in the field of public administration.

Each certificate program is only 12 credit hours - four courses - two core courses in the concentration area and two electives from a set list of courses. Course work can be completed on-line. We have three programs of study to select from: Public Management, Non-Profit Management, and Public Sector Human Resource Management Certificates.