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An alumnus: Pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Leadership and Management degree at Regent University.

MPA – Public Leadership & Management

Take Charge of Transforming Your Community

Do you have a head for administration and a heart for building stronger communities? Our online and on-campus Master of Public Administration – Public Leadership & Management equips you with executive management skills through hands-on opportunities in public administration analysis and a foundation in constitutional government so you can serve key stakeholders in the public and nonprofit sectors.

On Campus, Online
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May 8, 2023
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Manage Strategically

Gain tools in budgeting, policymaking, law, communication, program analysis and development, and management.

Access Faculty Experts

Be mentored by renowned scholars and skilled practitioners.

Become an Exceptional Leader

Regent University’s MPA program equips Christian servant leaders with exceptional character and competence to promote the public interest.

Earn Your MPA in Two, Three, or Four Years

Full Time: Four semesters (8 8-week sessions; approx. 9 credits per semester) Part-Time: Six to seven semesters part-time (12-14 8-week sessions; 2 courses per semester).

Presented from a Christian perspective, this degree is supported by our respected faculty in Virginia Beach. Regent has been ranked among Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. We have also been recognized as a Military Friendly Top 10 School by Military Friendly®, 2022-23, and among the Top 10 Best for Vets Colleges: Online & Nontraditional by Military Times, 2020. Experience the Regent difference.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Regent University ranked #24 of Top 25 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Programs
Regent University ranked #10 of the Best Master's Degree Colleges in Virginia | UniversityHQ, 2022

On completing the MPA – Public Leadership & Management degree, you can:

  • Understand management processes and the roles of local, state and federal government.
  • Develop, analyze and implement programs to strengthen communities.
  • Employ management principles for healthy relations with colleagues and those you serve.

Career Opportunities

  • Budget/Finance Director
  • City Manager or Council Member
  • Executive Director, Nonprofit Organization
  • Economic Development Director
  • Human Resource Management Director
The application of information systems concepts and tools to challenges and opportunities in the public sector focusing on information system trends; managerial use of information systems; hardware, software, and telecommunications; systems development processes and practices; strategic and policy issues in IS, and ethical and moral issues surrounding information system management.
Addresses the work of local government managers and leaders in promoting ethical, effective, efficient and accountable government for cities, counties and local and regional authorities.
Examination of the management process in federal government and agencies, focusing on contemporary issues and problems facing the modern-day federal manager, how the manager addresses these issues and with what tools. Uses case studies.
Policies and procedures to mitigate, prevent and respond to disaster, the literature of risk, regimes for safety and risk reduction, the ethics of care and compassion, and mechanisms for measuring threat and recovery.
Relationships among national, state and local governments, the theory of federalism, intergovernmental cooperation and conflict, municipal and state collaboration, regional relationships and unfunded mandates.

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 12Monday, August 22
Session MFriday, September 9Monday, September 19
Session BFriday, October 14Monday, October 24
Session CWednesday, January 4Monday, January 9
Session TFriday, January 27Monday, February 6
Session DFriday, March 3Monday, March 13
Session EFriday, April 28Monday, May 8
Session FFriday, June 9Monday, June 19

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Questionnaire

  • After you submit your application, you will receive a link to complete the required admissions questionnaire.

Step 3: Submit Your Unofficial College Transcripts

  • Email your unofficial college transcripts to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company.

Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

  • Email a photo of your government-issued ID to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Government ID.
  • Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$9006$5,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6959$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$9009$8,100

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6756$4,050
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6756$4,050

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6759$6,075
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6759$6,075

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

Whether you are a prospective student or a current student, your questions matter. Please take a few moments to skim our Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.

Andrew Owen, MPA, Class of 2017

“The whole concept at Regent was, if you are pursuing administration in the public interest, you aren't just doing it to be a bureaucrat, but to serve those around you. You have to be engaged and know what you believe when you go into it, to stand up for what you think is right.”

Andrew Owen, MPA, 2017 Deputy Treasurer, City of Suffolk

“Your time in school, and certainly at Regent, molds how you think, molds how you approach things … Regent offers a serious academic environment that provides for growth in those areas.”

Chris Connelly, M.A. in Public Policy, 1998; Ph.D. in Communication, 2020 Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

“What distinguishes Regent from other graduate schools is the Christian application to public policy issues. My faith is more complete because I was able to integrate a biblical worldview with domestic and international political issues.”

Amber Sells, M.A., 2008

“Regent provided valuable internship experiences — from working for a Congressman to work in Iraq with the Kurdish government.”

Jennifer Salcido, M.A., 2012