Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration degree program at Belhaven University equips graduates for increased leadership and management responsibilities within government agencies. Our goal is to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities of public sector professionals and to serve other student who desire careers in public and non-profit organizations. The program will convey knowledge and develop competencies in public sector management practices, public policy analysis, and public decision-making processes. The program is offered in the evenings to facilitate participation by students who are employed full time and wish to pursue their education. Classes are accelerated and consist of one class meeting per week plus a weekly learning team meeting.
- 36 credit hours
- 7-week courses, taught year round
- All classes taught from a Christian worldview
- Small class sizes so you know your professors and classmates
- Competitive tuition rates
- Administrative Services Manager
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Local Government Manager
- Political Scientist
- State and Federal Manager
- Public Housing Manager
- Budget Analyst
Objectives of the Master of Public Administration Program
Change Yourself
- BUILD on Certified Public Management designation
- UNDERSTAND economic, political, legal, and social issues
- DEVELOP a problem-solving approach to public management and policy analysis
- BECOME A MORE proficient, empathetic, sincere, and compassionate public administer and public servant
- BE PREPARED to meet the needs and challenges of public service
Change Your Life
- REWARDING career in public service
- EXCELLING as a professional with increase advancement opportunities
- INCREASING your earning power
- ATTENDING accelerated adult learning style night classes
Change Your Point of View
- PARTICIPATING in learning teams
- STUDYING of Public Administration through scholarly and applied research
- SHAPING your prospective through classes taught from a Christian worldview
Admission Information
Up to 6 hours of accredited graduate work may be transferred if a B or better has been earned in each course. A 2.5 cumulative GPA or a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours from undergraduate work is required for admission or 9 hours of graduate work with a B in each course.
Students applying to the Master of Public Administration degree program must also submit the following:
- Two completed recommendation forms (one being from a current or former supervisor), if requested.
Students may transfer up to six (6) hours of graduate credit from the State-sponsored Certified Supervisory Management (CSM-3 credit hours) and Certified Public Management (an additional 3 graduate credits = 6 total acceptable graduate credit hours). CPM program completion accepted toward a degree must be completed within the last six years. An official certificate or course completion transcript must be submitted before transfer credit is awarded; it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the advisor receives the official certificate or transcript. The advisor makes decisions regarding transfer credit. Students may appeal decisions related to transfer credit to the Dean of the School of Business.
MBA-Finance Concentration Curriculum Summary
The Master of Public Administration with Finance Concentration is designed for students who would like an MPA but are also interested in the field of Finance. Finance teaches the techniques that managers use to make and evaluate all types of organizational decisions. In addition to careers in corporate finance, investments, and banking, this concentration allows students to prepare for a wide range of organizational activities.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MBA 671 | Financial Markets | 3 |
| MBA 672 | Investments | 3 |
| MBA 673 | Contemporary Issues in Finance | 3 |
The Master of Public Administration with Human Resources Concentration allows students to look into and experience the field of Human Resources. The courses will have a heavy focus on the study and application of human resource principles. Students will explore areas of study that include employee relations, compensation and benefits, and look at current issues in the field. Students who desire to pursue a MPA may already know the field they intend to work in, and will benefit from the opportunity to add a concentration to the core MPA degree program. Note, the concentration classes are only available online.
Human Resources Concentration Curriculum Summary
Electives: Choose 2 of the following (online only):| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSL 661 | HR Employee Relations | 3 |
| MSL 662 | HR Compensation and Benefits | 3 |
| MSL 663 | Issues and Innovations in Human Resources | 3 |
Accreditation
Belhaven’s business school is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Why is this important?
Knowing the School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education tells you that Belhaven University voluntarily holds itself to a set of quality standards and is willing to allow outside business experts come to campus and verify Belhaven is doing what we say we are doing. Belhaven’s commitment to the accreditation process benefits you because it ensures you will be provided a quality education. Additionally, it may assist you in meeting eligibility requirements for state and federal financial aid and in pursuit of graduate education.
These rates are for August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023.
| Tuition and Fees | Per Credit Hour | Full Program Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Administration | $277 | $9,975 |
* As these courses are deeply discounted, there are no additional discounts (military, first responder, education, etc.) for this program.
Visit the Scholarship, Discounts and Fees web page to view other fees and the cost estimate calculator.
We look forward to receiving your application! Please follow the steps on the How Do I Apply page to see how easy it is to submit your application to Belhaven University.