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If you want to be an agent of change, here’s your chance! With the NSU Edge, you will be able to make lives better, help families, and strengthen communities on a state and local level. With the abundance of opportunities nationwide, professionals like you are in high demand.
Nova Southeastern University’s Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program will propel you into a successful career path, providing you with a foundation in advanced public administration skills intensely focused on state and local administration, as well as non-profit management. Our curriculum is designed to help you understand the social, economic, and political context in which public decisions are made. Our faculty members will tap into their thorough experience outside of the classroom to ensure that your learning experience is practical, useful, and powerful.
Upon completion of this program, you will possess the skills necessary to lead public and community agencies, raise the bar to better serve others, and advance your professional career. Make your leadership dreams a reality today.
Quick Facts
Winter: December 1
Tuition Assistance for NSU Business Programs
Employer Tuition Assistance Program
NSU Business partners with more than 135 local and national organizations to offer discounted employee tuition of up to 20% through our employer tuition program.
Find Out if Your Company Participates
NSU Alumni Tuition Discount
NSU alumni are eligible for a tuition award of 20% off any graduate business degree. Alumni also receive an application fee waiver and access to a dedicated adviser to assist throughout the admission process.
Alumni Tuition Discount InformationMaster of Public Administration Curriculum
M.P.A. Core Courses (33 credits)
Credits
Capstone (3 credits - choose one from the following)
Credits
For a full list of all course descriptions, visit coursewizard.nova.edu.
Current students: Please consult your academic adviser for program requirements or access SharkLink for your Degree Works audit. Program requirements are subject to change, and your academic adviser or Degree Works audit can provide you with the courses required for your catalog term.
NSU's M.P.A. is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards. Being part of a program that is accredited by NASPAA is widely considered the global standard in public service education.
M.P.A. Program Mission
The mission of NSU's H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship's Master of Public Administration program is to enhance local governance through teaching, research, and active public service. Our flexible course delivery options prepare our diverse student population to serve the local community with integrity, objectivity, and creativity. The program fosters critical thinking, analytical decision-making, and ethical leadership skills necessary to effectively address public sector challenges and opportunities.
In addition to embodying the Nova Southeastern University core values: Academic Excellence, Student Centered, Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, Scholarship/Research, Diversity, and Community, the NSU Florida M.P.A. program is committed to:
1. Transparency and accountability in teaching, research, and service that supports the local community and advances the public administration profession.
2. Demonstrating mutual respect among faculty, students, and the community to support diversity and inclusiveness.
3. Developing ethical, knowledgeable, and proficient public service leaders that serve with integrity, objectivity, and creativity.
4. Providing experiential learning opportunities to foster sustainability through critical thinking and analytical decision-making skills.
PG 1.0: The M.P.A. program will maintain a mission, public service values, goals, and outcomes that support the needs of local government and align with available resources.
PG 2.0: The M.P.A. program will maintain administrative and governance capacity sufficient to fulfill its mission.
PG 3.0: The M.P.A. program shall maintain a diverse faculty who are effective teachers, are involved in academic research, participate in scholarly activity, and provide service to their community and profession.
PG 4.0: The M.P.A. program will maintain enrollments that are diverse and reflect a commitment to public service that strengthens communities.
PG 5.0: The M.P.A. program will provide a structure and support services (e.g., advising, career counseling, and job search assistance) that allow students to complete their degrees in a timely fashion and advance their careers in public service.
PG 6.0: The M.P.A. program will provide a curriculum aligned with local government needs and maintain student learning outcomes in support of its mission.
LG1. Public Sector Knowledge: Our students will apply knowledge and skills in public policy and administration.
LO1. Our students will demonstrate competence in applying public policy and administration
theories, perspectives, and practices to enhance the policy process.
LG1. Analytical Decision-Making: Our students will be analytical decision-makers.
LO1. Students will apply financial, economic, statistical, and technological models to
make evidence-based decisions on public sector projects.
LG3. Communication: Our students will be effective communicators.
LO1. Students will compose technically proficient and professional public sector documents
appropriate for the intended audience.
LO2. Students will arrange and deliver persuasive and productive oral presentations to
convey information and findings on public sector projects.
LG4. Critical Thinking: Our students will be critical thinkers.
LO1. Students will apply critical thinking processes to evaluate complex social problems
within the public sector.
LG5. Ethical Leadership: Our students will be ethical leaders.
LO1. Students will employ effective, ethical leadership skills, and community welfare
principles to public sector situations.
In addition to embodying the Nova Southeastern University core values: Academic Excellence, Student Centered, Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, Scholarship/Research, Diversity, and Community, the NSU Florida M.P.A. program is committed to:
1. Transparency and accountability in teaching, research, and service that supports the local community and advances the public administration profession.
2. Demonstrating mutual respect among faculty, students, and the community to support diversity and inclusiveness.
3. Developing ethical, knowledgeable, and proficient public service leaders that serve with integrity, objectivity, and creativity.
4. Providing experiential learning opportunities to foster sustainability through critical thinking and analytical decision-making skills.
PG 1.0: The M.P.A. program will maintain a mission, public service values, goals, and outcomes that support the needs of local government and align with available resources.
PG 2.0: The M.P.A. program will maintain administrative and governance capacity sufficient to fulfill its mission.
PG 3.0: The M.P.A. program shall maintain a diverse faculty who are effective teachers, are involved in academic research, participate in scholarly activity, and provide service to their community and profession.
PG 4.0: The M.P.A. program will maintain enrollments that are diverse and reflect a commitment to public service that strengthens communities.
PG 5.0: The M.P.A. program will provide a structure and support services (e.g., advising, career counseling, and job search assistance) that allow students to complete their degrees in a timely fashion and advance their careers in public service.
PG 6.0: The M.P.A. program will provide a curriculum aligned with local government needs and maintain student learning outcomes in support of its mission.
LG1. Public Sector Knowledge: Our students will apply knowledge and skills in public policy and administration.
LO1. Our students will demonstrate competence in applying public policy and administration
theories, perspectives, and practices to enhance the policy process.
LG1. Analytical Decision-Making: Our students will be analytical decision-makers.
LO1. Students will apply financial, economic, statistical, and technological models to
make evidence-based decisions on public sector projects.
LG3. Communication: Our students will be effective communicators.
LO1. Students will compose technically proficient and professional public sector documents
appropriate for the intended audience.
LO2. Students will arrange and deliver persuasive and productive oral presentations to
convey information and findings on public sector projects.
LG4. Critical Thinking: Our students will be critical thinkers.
LO1. Students will apply critical thinking processes to evaluate complex social problems
within the public sector.
LG5. Ethical Leadership: Our students will be ethical leaders.
LO1. Students will employ effective, ethical leadership skills, and community welfare
principles to public sector situations.
To be a change agent and see how physical improvements, beautification efforts, and economic development impact the way citizens feel about themselves and where they live is extremely rewarding.
George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. | President & CEO of Nova Southeastern University, Professor of Public Administration, and former City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, FL
Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
We’re thrilled you’re applying to NSU’s Master's in Public Administration program.
This program accepts students in the fall and winter terms.
NSU recommends that you start the application process at least 1–2 months prior to
the deadline date.
Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Admissions essay of 500–1,000 words
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- TOEFL scores (if applicable)
You may also be asked to complete an interview for admission.
Required Admission Documentation:
1. Completed Master's Application for Admission.
2. $50 non-refundable application fee.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. The
applicant's bachelor degree transcript must show degree conferral date in order to
be evaluated for admission consideration. Electronic transcripts can be sent to electronictranscript@nova.edu. Hard copies may be mailed to:
Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
Attn: H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
3300 S. University Drive
PO Box 299000
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33328-2004
4. A current professional resume that demonstrates five or more years of public sector
experience in positions with increasing levels of responsibility.
5. Two (2) letters of recommendation from employment supervisors.
6. An essay of 500-750+ words explaining why you wish to pursue the Master of Public
Administration degree and how it will help to fulfill their personal and professional
goals. Also, describe in detail your accomplishments, experiences, value, potential
for professional excellence, and commitment to complete the degree program.
Optional Admission Documentation:
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Phone or in-person interview with department chair and/or faculty.
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GRE/GMAT scores.
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A one-hour online diagnostic entrance test to be administered at no-cost by the department. Details will be provided to students once they have submitted all other application materials.
International Applicants
To be considered for acceptance into the M.P.A. program, international applicants
must fulfill additional admission criteria.
Applications are evaluated as soon as the student's file is complete.
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A conferred bachelor's degree earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or equivalent for international applicants, with a 3.1 GPA overall may be considered for admission.
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For all applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.1, the M.P.A. Faculty Admissions Committee reserves the right to place conditions on the applicants' first terms, such as: remedial coursework in appropriate subjects, limit course enrollment to appropriate levels, suspend or dismiss such applicants based upon first term course grades or require GMAT scores of 450+ or GRE scores of 306+. The exam must have been completed in the past three years.
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Applicants with a GPA between 2.25-3.09 overall or in the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate program, and/or applicants with an undergraduate degree from a non-regionally accredited institution may be granted admission at the discretion of the Dean in consultation with the M.P.A. Faculty Admissions Committee. This consideration is based on an overall review of the application package.
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A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or IELTS or PTE Academic) is required for any applicant whose native language is not English and whose bachelor's degree education was not completed in English. The minimum required scores are as follows: a TOEFL score of 550 (paper test) or 79 (Internet test), a score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or a score of 54 on the PTE Academic exam. Test scores cannot be more than two years old. A letter on official letterhead from the applicant's prior university stating that all bachelor's degree course material was taught and studied in English may suffice for the TOEFL requirement.
If you are a public servant in a leadership capacity at any type of government entity, this is the program for you.
Adriana Fazzano Ficano, M.P.A. 2015 | Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Corporate Relations, Broward College
My field is fairly specialized, however the MPA prepared me in numerous ways for this position. I’m prepared for board meetings, commission meetings, and all aspects of my job.
Bryant Walker, M.P.A. 2010 | Director of Aviation, City of Brownsville, San Padres Island International Airport
After serving in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years, Marjorie embraced her dream of living in a small town and utilized her M.P.A. degree to gain the latest and greatest skills for her career.
Majorie McNichols-Sealey, M.P.A. 2012 | Assistant Chief of Quality & Systems Improvement, Veteran's Affairs
I had the privilege of attending NSU as an undergraduate and wanted to continue my education in public service, where I could work to positively impact lives and make a difference in my community.
Desiree Casanova, M.P.A. 2021 | Assistant to the County Administrator
Master This Changing World and Fulfill Your Purpose
The world is changing more rapidly than ever and it’s not kind to those who settle for ordinary. Instead of chasing the paycheck, we say do it for the payoff. People, planet, then profit. That’s the triple bottom line. Do your best. Be your best. Because that’s how to be Best for Our World.™
Be an earth shaker. A risk taker. A barrier breaker. Be anything you want to be. As long as you become a Difference Maker.
About the NSU EdgeThe H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship graduate enrollment office is located in the Carl DeSantis Building in Suite 1115 on NSU's Fort Lauderdale-Davie campus in Davie, Florida. Click here for a map.
Phone: (954) 262-5067 or Toll-Free: 800-672-7223 x25067
Email: hcbeinfo@nova.edu
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.