The MPA degree at JSU prepares you to start a career or career advancement in the public and non-profit sector. You can choose from 5 concentration areas to ensure that your career is the focus of this degree. You will be prepared in the foundational aspects of public administration and learn the skills needed to become a leader in your chosen career field.

Completed JSU Graduate Application for Admission. Non-refundable $35.00 application processing fee. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities with degrees posted. (Students who have previously attended JSU do not need to request a transcript from the university.) Official test scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Only applicants who do not meet the criteria for unconditional admission and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 must submit test scores for the GRE, MAT, or GMAT to be considered for conditional admission. Three Graduate Reference Forms completed by individuals who can provide qualitative assessment of the applicant’s potential for success in graduate coursework. Reference forms will be submitted electronically. Instructions for submission will be sent through email to the applicant upon submission of the online graduate application. A statement of purpose/interest that shows why the MPA degree is important to the applicant, what the applicant will bring to the program, and how the degree will benefit the applicant’s career aspirations. A professional resume, including academic history, employment, and voluntary/community work. Applicants with at least one year of full-time (or two years of part-time) administrative experience working for a federal, state, or local government, or a nonprofit organization, must include this experience on their resumes. Applicants should also provide a letter of reference from the federal, state, or local government agency or nonprofit organization. This letter must be on agency letterhead stating the job title, dates of employment, and nature of administrative experience and responsibilities. International student applicants must see the International Student Applicants section of this catalog for other application and enrollment requirements.