Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Department of Political Science is pleased to offer Clemson University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. This is a graduate-level, professional degree designed for and considered a top credential for non-profit, community and government leadership. The program includes elements of business management and public policy, a combination that prepares students to become effective leaders in the public and non-profit sectors.
The majority of students in the program are working public administrators or nonprofit professionals, representing local and state government, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit and non-governmental organizations. This diverse mix of student representation, along with faculty with experience from both academic and applied professional backgrounds is a key strength of the CU MPA. The online, evening class format gives students greater professional and personal flexibility while still allowing students to have a face-to-face learning experience and participate in group activities. This format, along with the professional and academic experience of faculty and students, contributes to an engaging and collaborative learning environment.
Utilizing the best online and technology tools available has allowed the Clemson MPA program to grow from a regional onsite program, to a nationally ranked MPA program. The program is an exceptional value that students and alumni agree is important for career development and growth.
-
Admissions
Application deadlines for Clemson University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program are:
- Spring semester: October 15
- Summer semester: March 15
- Fall semester: June 15
The MPA program is flexible with these deadlines if an applicant submits a complete application packet.
To obtain information about the program, prospective students should email cumpa@clemson.edu.
- A complete application consists of:
- An online application form at https://www.clemson.edu/graduate/admissions/apply/index.html
- Unofficial transcripts of all previous academic work, both graduate and undergraduate. Official transcripts will be required once admission had been granted.
- Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic and / or job performance (when possible one of each).
- A personal statement outlining the purpose for pursuing an MPA degree.
- A current resume or CV.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit acceptable TOEFL scores.
Once all materials have been received it takes an average of two weeks to fully process an application.
If you have a bachelor's degree and would like to take a couple of courses without actually pursuing a degree, you should apply as a non-degree student.
The Clemson MPA program also has a non-degree certificate program. All credits earned in this program are fully transferable to the full degree program. If you are interested in applying for the certificate program please click here for more information.
Still have questions? Either visit our FAQs or email cumpa@clemson.edu.
-
GRE
GRE is not required for admission; however official GRE scores can be reviewed as part of the application.
-
Financial
The Clemson MPA program offers competitive tuition rates whether a student is in-state, out-of-state or international. Our tuition rates do not distinguish between S.C. residents & non-residents.
Click here to calculate tuition & fees. Be sure to click on the "Graduate" tab at the top of the calculator.
Here are a few reminders about financing your education:
- Education financing is a tax deductible expense - deduct your tuition payments, books, and other expenses on your taxes.
- Remember to check with your employer for tuition reimbursement.
- Contact Clemson's Financial Aid Office and ask for help with your personal financing options.
Currently the MPA program does not offer Assistantships or Graduate Tuition Deferral opportunities. Students who live close to Clemson University may inquire about assistantship opportunities with other departments and centers on campus.
As program staff are made aware of scholarship opportunities relevant to MPA students, we will make all students aware of these via the student list-serve.
-
MPA Events
Spring Fling
Graduation Reception
-
Our Faculty
Alfred Bundrick
alfredb@clemson.eduLori Dickes
lorid@clemson.eduRobert Frager
rfrager@clemson.eduVictoria Hann
vhann@clemson.eduVaiva Kalesnikaite
vkalesn@clemson.eduAmanda Knight
aritsem@clemson.eduKatherine Kransteuber
kkranst@clemson.eduChris Mayhugh
cmayhug@clemson.eduEkaterina Yazykova Mellott
eyazyko@clemson.eduMark Mellott
mellott@clemson.eduShannon Owen
ssowen@clemson.eduChisa Putman
chisap@clemson.eduErik Rundquist
ekrundq@clemson.eduScott Schmidt
saschmi@clemson.eduKevin Staley
kstale@clemson.eduNathan Teklemariam
nteklem@clemson.eduMichael Wales
mdwales@clemson.eduThomas Walker
tcwalke@clemson.eduAndrew Waters
abwater@clemson.eduDavid Young
dmyoung@clemson.edu -
Contact Us
For General Information and Inquiries - Email cumpa@clemson.edu
Find Us on Social Media - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Brandon Turner
Director of Graduate Programs
864-656-3233
Bturne2@clemson.eduAlexis Jennings
Graduate Programs Operations Manager
864-656-0765
award7@clemson.eduShea Mazique
Academic Programs Coordinator
864-656-3233
cmaziqu@clemson.edu
Hear From Program Graduates
-
Curriculum Requirements
All course work for the Clemson, Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is offered using Zoom online technology and students generally meet live one evening per week (per course) from 6:30-9:10 pm. All courses are recorded and asynchronous course components are accessed through Clemson's online course management platform. The MPA program is proud to offer a full selection of courses in the Long Summer session, with class times extending until 9:45 pm due to the shortened semester length.
The program of study for the MPA program requires the completion of 39 or 42 total credit hours, depending on the student’s choice of the comprehensive exam or a capstone final research project. If a student chooses the comprehensive exam, they are required to complete 39 total credit hours. Because the capstone project is an actual course, if a student chooses this as their final project they are required to complete 42 total credit hours.
The program requires the following 7 (21 hours) core courses:
Perspectives on Public Administration - PADM 8210
Study and practice of public administration in the US in the 20th century; historical development of the field of public administration; current approaches to the study and practice of public administration.Public Policy Process PADM - 8220
Major models of policy making including incrementalism, rationalism, pluralism, and elitism; selected areas of public policy including transportation, poverty, energy, and the environment.Research Methods for Public Administration - PADM 7020
Use of social science research methods for addressing issues in public management and policy; research design; measurement; sampling and polling; various aspects of locating, collecting, and processing data, including survey design and archive searches.Public Data Analysis - PADM 8410
Various aspects of database management, storage, and retrieval; data description; univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis in policy studies and decision-making theory.Administrative Leadership - PADM 8620
Foundations of ethical leadership in public organizations; personal and organizational values underlying decision processes in the public service.Public Personnel Administration - PADM 8270
Organization, techniques and theories of personnel management; interpersonal relations in organizations; personnel change and development; changing conditions in the public service; educational specializations, unions, collective bargaining; ethics for the public service.Public Financial Management - PADM 8290
Organization and techniques of governmental financial management; budgetary theories; intergovernmental financial relations.You must take all of the courses listed above, plus one of the government courses described in the next column and five electives. There are some exceptions to this policy. Please inquire as to these exceptions during your advising sessions.
American Government - PADM 8600
In-depth study of the American political system, its institutions and processes.State Government Administration - PADM 8670
State government problems and policy issues emphasizing the modernization of government institutions and comparative state politics.Local Government Administration - PADM 8680
Administration of local government from the perspective of the professional administrator; the growth of the manager form of local government; the role of local government administrators with regard to policy making, management, and the delivery of services.We strongly suggest that students take Research Methods and Public Data Analysis in sequence. Additionally, once students have completed the core coursework they may take the comprehensive exams if they are not choosing the capstone project.
Students must complete 18 or 21 elective hours depending on the student’s choice of the comprehensive exam or capstone final research project. One course (3 hours) of total elective hours must be a government course.
Students may declare a specialization from one of five MPA specializations or they may create a hybrid specialization with a mix of courses from MPA elective courses.
