Program Overview
Public Administration is a professional program that prepares students to be leaders who serve the public interest. The program combines both the theoretical foundations of leadership and management with hands-on skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic environment. The program focuses on student success in five areas: 1) to prepare individuals with the skills, knowledge, and abilities for an administrative career in public service in a public or nonprofit organization; 2) to familiarize students with the social, economic, and political factors that influence administration; 3) to put theory into practice; 4) to provide a flexible and multidisciplinary degree that will broadening students’ perspectives; and 5) to encourage students to seek responsibility for their professional development, assisted by mentorship from program faculty. The MPA is fully accredited by NASPAA since 1983. Learn more at usd.edu/public-admin.
DELIVERY: On campus
Concurrent M.P.A. Program with Juris Doctor or Ed.D.
A student can concurrently pursue a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctor, counting a maximum of twelve credit hours in certain Law courses toward the M.P.A. and twelve hours in certain Political Science courses counting toward the Juris Doctor requirements. Students pursuing the Ed.D. may also pursue a concurrent degree with the M.P.A. Additional information available from the respective program coordinators upon request.
General Application Requirements
- Completed application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts*
- Letters of recommendation*
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV*
*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog
Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs
This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.
USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.
Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.
Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.
For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.
Return to: 