School of Public Service and Administration

Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA)

Program Overview

The Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) is designed to provide high quality education to meet the demand for professionally trained public administrators in the public and nonprofit sectors. This program instills the knowledge and values you need to lead and manage effectively in government and nonprofit organizations. The core courses will prepare you to be a leader, manager, or analyst in public service. You’ll develop the foundational skills public administrators need to develop effective public policy, apply public policy to societal needs, be a good steward of public resources, and conduct research that supports evidence-based policy development.

Admission Resources

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Program at a
Glance

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

36

DETAILS

Total Credit Hours: 36
Program Type: Master’s
Format: Online
Time to Complete: 12 Months (fast track) | 24 Months
Start Date: Fall: August | Spring: January | Summer: May
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Why AU?

Anderson University isn’t just the largest private institution of higher education in South Carolina—it’s one of the premier Christian universities in the nation. AU provides a rigorous educational experience, grounded in faith and innovation, and is regularly recognized by national organizations for affordability, excellence, and a commitment to our student’s engagement and growth. Here, you’ll discover your purpose, uncover your passion, and take a journey toward joy.
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The Knowledge You Will Gain

Upon degree completion students will learn and demonstrate: • Demonstrate applied management, leadership, communication, and analytical skills needed by managers and leaders in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government. • Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in complex and dynamic environments. • Articulate, apply, and advance public service principles through a clear understanding of the roles, development, and principles of public administration. • Participate in the management of public policy processes and executive-legislative relations. • Demonstrate understanding of public budgetary processes, financial management, and administrative law. • Understand and apply public personnel management skills to a complex public human resource environment. • Demonstrate professional ethics and interact productively in culturally responsive ways with a diverse workforce and society. • Conduct scholarly research and produce theory-based research through publication.

Career Outlook

The Master of Public Service and Administration core courses will prepare students to be leaders, managers, and analysts in public service. Core courses develop the foundational skills public administrators need to develop effective public policy, apply public policy to address society needs, be good stewards of public resources and budgets, and conduct research that supports evidence-based policy development.

knowledge 2

Knowledge You’ll Gain

Upon degree completion students will learn and demonstrate: • Demonstrate applied management, leadership, communication, and analytical skills needed by managers and leaders in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government. • Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in complex and dynamic environments. • Articulate, apply, and advance public service principles through a clear understanding of the roles, development, and principles of public administration. • Participate in the management of public policy processes and executive-legislative relations. • Demonstrate understanding of public budgetary processes, financial management, and administrative law. • Understand and apply public personnel management skills to a complex public human resource environment. • Demonstrate professional ethics and interact productively in culturally responsive ways with a diverse workforce and society. • Conduct scholarly research and produce theory-based research through publication.

Career Outlook

The Master of Public Service and Administration core courses will prepare students to be leaders, managers, and analysts in public service. Core courses develop the foundational skills public administrators need to develop effective public policy, apply public policy to address society needs, be good stewards of public resources and budgets, and conduct research that supports evidence-based policy development.

Admission Requirements

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Previous Degree Required

A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in this program.

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Transcript Requirements

Official undergraduate transcripts will need to be submitted as part of the application process for this program.

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Application Deadline

The application deadline is two (2) weeks before a term start date.

More Information

I-20 Approved: No
I-17 Approved: No
Non Degree Option Available (Minor): No
Program Director:
Dr. Chuck Williamson
Breakdown of Credit Hours:
36 Credit Hours – Program Requirements
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Alumni Spotlight

Visit the AU NETWORK and meet more alumni in their Journey of Significance.

Cox Justus
COE
Justus Cox, director of Young Brothers Academy in Greenville, is dedicated to helping young men reach their fullest potential.
Justus Cox
'16
College of Education
Adam Gibbs
CCS
As Media and Communications Director at Concord Baptist Church, Anderson University graduate Adam Gibbs manages the technology that supports Christian ministry.
Adam Gibbs
'20
College of Christian Studies
Lawyer Maris
CAS
For this AU graduate , an English Degree proved to be versatile.
Maris Lawyer
'17
College of Arts and Sciences
Nick Bethea
CCS
Nick Bethea discovered a theology program with a solid biblical foundation that has helped equip him as he serves at Cross Church, a growing congregation in Northwest Arkansas.
Nick Bethea
'15
College of Christian Studies
Jared Back
COB
Business graduate Jared Back learned lots of valuable lessons about both business and people skills from Anderson University.
Jared Back
'21
College of Business
Caroline Hopper
SCSA
For Graphic Design Graduate Caroline Hopper, what began as an internship morphed into a rewarding career with The Walt Disney Company.
Caroline Hopper
'17
South Carolina School of the Arts
Andy OBrien
COB
Since graduating from the Anderson University College of Business, Andy O’Brien has practiced accounting in several different types of settings, from small firm to manufacturer.
Andy O’Brien
'10
College of Business
Gary and Apryl Bailey
COB
Gary and Apryl Bailey, graduates of the Anderson University College of Business, purchased a dilapidated building and transformed it into an award-winning downtown destination.
Gary and Apryl Bailey
'00, '01
College of Business
Courtney Wright
CAS, COB
After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Anderson University, Courtney Wright joined the staff of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
Courtney Wright
'10,'16
College of Business
McCarver Morgan
SCSA
Morgan McCarver is a multi-award-winning ceramic artist based in Asheville, North Carolina.
Morgan McCarver
'19
South Carolina School of the Arts
Tracy Grate
SPSA
To be effective as a school resource officer (SRO), it helps to have a big heart and a servant’s attitude.
Tracy Grate
'21
School of Public Service and Administration
Jenny Clark
COE
Jenny Clark had a good job at an Upstate company, but after more than 20 years, she decided to follow her heart and pursue her dream of teaching.
Jenny Clark
'23
College of Education
apple

Anderson University is a national leader in higher education in its use of technology to support and enhance all aspects of its core function—teaching and learning, which has led to the institution being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2014. Through Anderson’s Digital Learning Initiative, Anderson has provided all of its residential undergraduate students and select graduate program students with an iPad Air and Apple Pencil. The mission of transforming learning experiences and preparing students to serve their communities and careers in the twenty-first century is enhanced through mobile devices developed by Apple.

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