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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Public Administration

Public Administration provides graduates and professionals with the knowledge and skills to advance their careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, and academia.

Related programs
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Degree
  • Master of Public Administration
Location
  • Online
Type of Instruction
  • Online
Length

36 Credit Hours

Make a difference

The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Sam Houston State University is a 36-credit degree designed for future leaders in public and nonprofit sectors. It offers two concentrations: Disaster and Emergency Management, focusing on crisis management and disaster policy, and Management, aimed at improving skills in organizational management and program evaluation. The program provides a strong core curriculum in public management and governance, allowing for flexible, personalized learning to help students balance their various responsibilities.

Application Deadlines

Fall 

  • August 1

Spring

  • December 15

Summer

  • May 15

Leading the Future

Distinguished Faculty: Learn from dedicated professors with real-world public service experience and a passion for student success.


Applied Learning: Gain hands-on experience through project-based coursework and the capstone project, where you apply theory to solve real public sector challenges.


Flexibility & Accessibility: Start in fall, spring, or summer, and complete your degree 100% online. Perfect for working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting life on hold.


Affordable Excellence: Earn a respected MPA at a competitive tuition rate. Eligible Texas firefighters may even qualify for full tuition waivers through SHSU’s Firefighter Tuition Program.

  • Customizable Tracks

    Shape your degree to match your career goals. .

    Choose a concentration in Emergency & Disaster Management or Public Management and tailor your coursework to your professional interests.

  • Your Degree, your way

    Students can complete their degree in six semesters or less (depending on the number of courses students want to take per semester)

  • Firefighter Tuition

    Firefighters can complete the MPA degree tuition-free (still responsible for the fees)

Scholarships

The Scholarship Team in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office coordinates and administers SHSU scholarship programs for all student classification levels. SHSU utilizes a streamlined application, Scholarships4Kats, which simplifies the process by importing key information from student records and automatically considering students for all relevant scholarships. A student must be accepted to SHSU to apply.

Click here to explore Financial Aid's full list of Scholarships

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Discover Your Future

Designed for those who view leadership as service, this program builds the capacity to analyze and solve real-world challenges, contribute to policymaking, and communicate effectively in diverse and dynamic environments. Graduates lead with insight, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to the public interest.

Students walking past SHSU motto sign in plaza 'the measure of the life is its service'.

Learn From Our Outstanding Faculty

Our nationally recognized and award-winning professors bring extensive educational and research experience, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Become a Bearkat

Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our Admissions team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148