The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is guided by our mission, and a set of core values that reflect the heart of our program and discipline. Our mission and values include a dedication continuously improving our program through the use of assessment and evaluation.

The MPA program enhances the performance of public and nonprofit organizations in our region, state, and the nation by preparing public service leaders to competently and ethically lead public and nonprofit organizations.

As an interdisciplinary professional degree program, we seek to:

  • provide a broad education for individuals entering government and nonprofit organizations in administrative positions,
  • enhance the capabilities and performance of individuals currently serving in management positions in our region,
  • produce impactful public administration research,
  • emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in public service, and
  • provide curriculum offerings and outreach that strengthen the governing capacity in the region.

About Our Program

Contact Us

MPA

Summerville Campus

Allgood Hall

Suite N312

706-737-1710

mpa_program@augusta.edu

Mailing Address:
1120 15th Street AH-N312 Augusta, GA 30912

Our Programs

Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Urban Planning and Community Development

BA to MPA in 5 Years

View all Pamplin programs  COURSE CATALOG

Our Faculty

photo of Dr. Allison Foley

Dr. Allison Foley

  • Professor
photo of Dr. Martha Ginn

Dr. Martha Ginn

  • Professor
photo of Dr. Kimberly Gray

Dr. Kimberly Gray

  • Director of Strategic Initiatives and Assessment for Pamplin College
photo of Dr. Augustine Hammond

Dr. Augustine Hammond

  • Associate Professor
photo of Dr. William Hatcher

Dr. William Hatcher

  • Chair, Professor
photo of Dr. Wesley Meares

Dr. Wesley Meares

  • Associate Professor
photo of Dr. Saundra Ribando

Dr. Saundra Ribando

  • Retired: Professor Emerita
photo of Dr. Rhucha Samudra

Dr. Rhucha Samudra

  • Assistant Professor
photo of Dr. Melissa Bemiller

Dr. Melissa Bemiller

  • Associate Professor

In the News

photo from article AU political expert sheds light on Donald Trump as he is the first former president to face federal charges.

Insider

AU political expert sheds light on Donald Trump as he is the first former president to face federal charges.

Augusta University professor Mary-Kate Lizotte weighed in on what might be ahead for Trump and the nation. Read the story on the Augusta Chronicle.

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photo from article Cybersecurity attacks in local government

Insider

Cybersecurity attacks in local government

Dr. Meares interviewed by the Augusta Chronicle on cybersecurity attacks in local government and implementing the next steps to the cybersecurity policies. https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/education/campus/2023/11/03/augusta-university-professors-look-at-improvements-in-cybersecurity/71425783007/

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photo from article Augusta University’s MPA program looks at the emotional toll of those in the workforce

Jagwire

Augusta University’s MPA program looks at the emotional toll of those in the workforce

“I think it does help the students get that perspective from some different experts. We don’t always bring in academics, sometimes we bring in service people, but to get those perspectives is important and can have a lasting impact," said Wesley Meares, PhD, MPA director.

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photo from article Think your city is ready for a cyberattack? Think again

Jagwire

Think your city is ready for a cyberattack? Think again

“Local government is increasingly being more digitally connected, with vital infrastructure, data and services connected which creates more opportunities for cyber-attacks. Additionally, local governments tend to lag in updating critical technology due to limited resources (both human and financial resources),” said Wesley Meares, PhD.

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photo from article ‘Rejection was a redirection toward something better’: MPA grad lands role as planner in Cobb County

Jagwire

‘Rejection was a redirection toward something better’: MPA grad lands role as planner in Cobb County

Since being hired as a planner by Cobb County in August 2021, Augusta University alumnus LeDarius Scott has already been promoted, received a significant pay increase and passed the certification exam for the American Institute of Certified Planners.

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photo from article Augusta University alumni make list of Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch

Jagwire

Augusta University alumni make list of Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch

Garrett Green, EdD, chief diversity officer at Augusta University, and AU alumnus David Bash, CEO of Get Up Productions, were selected for the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch list.

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