Master of Public Administration
Overview
The Master of Public Administration prepares students to work in government, nonprofit organizations, and private entities that deal with governmental agencies and public entities and public policy issues. It is a 45-hour program that includes 33 hours of core courses and 12 hours of electives. Classes on both public policy and public management are offered.
Core courses include studies in economics, budgeting, finance, organizational behavior, program evaluation, and human resource management. Additionally, students link coursework to real-world experience through an internship or practicum. Students already working in public service will complete a practicum through their employer. Pre-service students will find and complete an internship.
Application Process
The MPA Program evaluates applicants based on the following items:
- Undergraduate academic performance
- GRE scores*
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Work experience
- Activities indicating an interest in public management/public policy
- Other experiences that may indicate the ability to complete a professional program.
Each student and their portfolio will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Students may apply as either a full-time or part-time student. Applications will be accepted through the LSU Graduate School for admission in the fall semester. The deadline to apply is July 1.
GRE Information
The GRE is a standardized test designed to quantify your ability. Applicants are required to submit a GRE score with their application. The institution code for Louisiana State University is 6373.
For more information on the GRE General Text, visit the GRE website for more information on costs, test dates, requirements, and testing locations.
*The Department of Public Administration will waive the GRE requirement for MPA applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Provide a GMAT or LSAT score that was taken in the previous five years.
- Successfully completed a minimum of six hours of non-matriculating LSU MPA coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and no less than a B in any individual course.
- Have a minimum of three years of full-time, management level public service experience or five years full-time non-management experience in either the public, non-profit, or private sectors.
GRE waiver requests will be reviewed and approved by the director. Following the submission of the LSU Graduate School application, eligible applicants must provide a formal request to the Department of Public Administration at pa@lsu.edu indicating the criteria under which they are requesting a GRE waiver and any relevant documentation to support their request (transcript, test score, resume).
Financial Assistance
The Department of Public Administration offers assistance in the form of graduate assistantships. If you would like to be considered for an appointment, notify the department and your graduate school application will be utilized as an application for a position. Appointments are merit based, and contractual hours determine stipend amounts.
Periodically, opportunities may arise in other departments. When the Department of Public Administration learns of these opportunities, they will be forwarded to students.
LSU offers the Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars program. Please visit their website for more information.
Additionally, LSU provides information about scholarships, grants, and need-based aid through the Financial Aid & Scholarships website.