Program Overview
Where Tennessee turns for leadership.
Every community has unique needs and must have leaders who possess the capacity to both understand community complexities as well as the knowledge base to contend with the challenges that inevitably arise. Most importantly, community leaders must have the capability to respond by implementing solutions-focused interventions and policies. The need for community leadership in all social contexts has never been greater than in the present, whether the context is urban, rural, suburban, economically challenged or affluent. The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University has been created and designed to train leaders who can serve strong communities by implementing tangible solutions. The genesis of the M.A. program was predicated on both informal and formal guidance of local, state, regional, and national public servants in multiple sectors and venues of public service.
Discover ways to lead and serve with the State of Tennessee as your primary laboratory, providing a firsthand view of how this vibrant and growing state deals with dilemmas and opportunities. Accordingly, cities, counties, businesses, and public and private organizations offer countless opportunities for field placements designed to help students gain a valuable understanding of diverse policy issues. Join your classmates for immersive learning experiences throughout the state in cities like Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, as well as many of Tennessee’s smaller cities, towns, and rural communities to learn the dynamics of leadership and governance in a variety of contexts and to explore how the policy development process works from current leaders. You will have the opportunity to discover that inspiration is not without the difficulties and complexities of poverty, race and economics. The program facilitates the building of critical skills in leadership, communication and conflict resolution. Our faculty and community experts will lead you along the way.
One year can change your life and your career trajectory. Join us as we work together to engage, equip, and empower those who strive to serve the common good.
Regional Scholars Program
The challenges of government don’t just affect large cities and metro areas. Small towns and rural communities face unique issues that require adept leaders who can find creative solutions that lead to flourishing.
Because Lipscomb University is “Where Tennessee Turns for Leadership,” we want to support leaders in cities and communities large and small across the state. To equip leaders and prepare them to govern in rural areas and small communities, the Regional Scholars Program gives public servants from rural areas of Tennessee the opportunity to earn a discounted master’s degree and take their education back to their communities to better serve their constituents.
Our aim is that communities would be changed and lives transformed across Tennessee through this program. To learn more about the Regional Scholars Program, contact Mark White, Director of Leadership and Public Service.
Admissions Requirements
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Application Form: Available online.
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Application Fee: Each application should include a $50 nonrefundable application fee ($75 for international students).
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Standardized examination score OR writing sample:
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Accepted standardized test scores include those of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT), Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
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The writing sample should demonstrate clarity of thinking, reasoning ability, logic, and strong writing and communication skills. The sample should be an academic or professional document that has been previously written in an academic or professional setting. Previously published work may also be considered. The sample should not be something prepared for the sole purpose of admission to the program.
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References: Two letters of reference are required as follows: one from a college or university administrator or professor, one from a professional supervisor/employer, or one from a personal reference with knowledge of your ability to satisfactorily perform at the graduate level.
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Official Transcripts: Each applicant must submit an official transcript showing degree conferral, when appropriate, from all schools attended.
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Health Form: Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider.
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FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
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Résumé: A résumé detailing academic, personal and professional experiences and achievements.
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Goals Statement: A 750-1000 word expanded goals statement concerning the applicant’s interest in and application of the program’s curriculum to expected career progression is required.
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TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students.
Courses
Program of Study
- LPS 5003 - Introduction to Leadership and Public Service
- LPS 5053 - Ethical Leadership
- LPS 5133 - Leading and Service for the Public Good
- LPS 5A0V - Special Topics in Leadership and Public Service: Community Development
- ICM 5013 - Negotiation and Settlement Processes
- LPS 5063 - Effective Cross Sector Collaboration
- LPS 5153 - Data and Decision Making
- LPS 5023 - Budget & Finance: Tennessee Travel Course
- LPS 5143 - State Politics, Policy, and Economics: The Role of States in Shaping Economies
- LPS 5393 - Project in Leadership and Public Service
Tuition & Aid
Lipscomb University is committed to making our first-class education as affordable as possible. For students earning their Masters in Leadership and Public Service, the tuition is approximately $1,091* per credit hour.
With various scholarship and financial aid programs available, your out-of-pocket cost of attendance can be much lower. Learn more about your financial aid options below.
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.
