Teacher talking at a table with a student.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Tuition and Aid

Prepare for a life of public service in government and nonprofit sectors at Lipscomb, where Tennessee turns for leadership. Our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is considered the gold standard for young people pursuing these fields with intent to enter public service.

Perhaps you're wondering, "what is public administration and why is it important for a career in public service?" Public Administration, simply put, is the study and implementation of government policy. This skillset is undeniably key for a successful career in public service because public services are a governmental function to aid society.

Lipscomb's MPA coursework strongly emphasizes leadership development. Additionally, you will gain a clear understanding of state finance processes, data analysis and critical thinking to make impactful decisions. Not only will you receive world class preparation in the classroom, but you will also be assigned a mentor. Each mentor is involved in state/local government or a nonprofit, and they will guide you toward specific job opportunities upon graduation.

This degree program is ideal for individuals with less than five years work experience or seeking to make a career change. The small cohort model and hybrid in-person/online learning system, with two Friday and Saturday weekends per class, allows you to easily work full-time while pursuing this degree. In 15 months, you will graduate with a degree to take you to the next level in your career of service.

What is the difference between the MPA degree and the LPS degree?

The MPA is focused on the implementation and management of policy. 
This program is designed to equip leaders for the first years of their careers in public policy. Administrators such as directors, managers and coordinators or those at the onset of their career are best suited for this degree. MPA graduates roll up their sleeves and carry out programs in their areas.

The LPS is focused on the design and impact of policy. Those who hold public office, policy leadership or executive leadership roles are best suited for this degree. LPS graduates are the public face of their areas and as leaders, set the momentum and tone for programs in their areas.

Master of Public Administration Program Outcomes

Students in this program will:

Gain leadership skills to become bold public servants
Engage in courses with combined emphasis on use of data and metrics in decision making.
Learn from faculty with a variety of expertise, including statewide leadership, public policy, urban and rural development, and finance.

Capstone Project

Internships

Admissions Requirements

Ready to apply?

We're eager to get you started. Our application includes the following items:

Completed online application
- Application fee (contact Frank Osteen for fee waiver)
- Resume
- Official college undergrad transcripts
Two letters of reference
Personal statement
No testing required - writing sample in lieu of testing (such as GRE)
Interview

Scholarships and Financial aid are available for qualified applicants.

Courses

Lipscomb University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program requires the following core courses to be completed.

LPS 5003 - Introduction to Leadership and Public Service
LPS 5023 - Budget & Finance
LPS 5063 - Effective Cross Sector Collaboration
LPS 5143 - State Politics, Policy, and Economics: The Role of States in Shaping Economies
LPS 5153 - Data and Decision Making
MPA 6013 - Human Resources in State and Local Government
MPA 6043 - Readings in Public Administration
MPA 6143 - Foundation of Careers in Public Administration
MPA 6213 - Qualitative Analysis and Public Service
MPA 6313 - Organizational Leadership
MPA (code TBD) - The Intersection of the Federal System and State Leadership – Dr. Craig Bledsoe
Project: LPS 5393 - Project in Leadership and Public Service
Internships (non-credit)

Tuition and Aid

Lipscomb University is committed to making our first-class education as affordable as possible. For students earning their Master of Public Administration, 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: Graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective at the start of the summer term.

Types of Aid

Assistantships and Scholarships

Student Loans

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans.

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. View eligibility requirements.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the Office of Veteran Affairs school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit the Yellow Ribbon Program website.

Contact Information

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Frank Osteen
Director of Graduate Enrollment
(615) 966-6691
frank.osteen@lipscomb.edu

Why Study Public Administration at Lipscomb University?

Mentorships

Gain real-world insight through one-on-one interactions with full time government and nonprofit employees.

Networking

Engage with key leaders, such as the Tennessee governor, legislature, mayors, and nonprofit leaders, is built into our courses.

Expedited Coursework

This program is offered in short term courses that allow for completion in 15 months.

Our Faculty

Steve Joiner

Executive Director ICM and Dean, College of Leadership and Public Service

Steve Joiner is the Dean of the College of Leadership and Public Service and Executive Director of the Institute for Conflict Management at Lipscomb University. Joiner also serves as Professor...
Meet Steve Joiner
Andrea Blackman

Adjunct Faculty

Meet Andrea Blackman
Kenyatta Lovett

Scholar in Residence

Meet Kenyatta Lovett
Hope Nordstrom

Special Counsel to the President on Strategy

Dr. Hope Nordstrom is the Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning and an Associate Professor of Education. As director, she provides administrative oversight and is directly involved in...
Meet Hope Nordstrom

Career Paths

State and local government

Be a part of entities that develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level.

Public policy institutes and entities

Those who work for these organizations apply their skills in study of public policy and its effects.

Nonprofit work

Join a nonprofit organization to further a cause or benefit others through active leadership.