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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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January 13, 2025
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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 the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). We have also been recognized as a Military Friendly Top 5 School by Military Friendly®, 2024-25, and among the Top 10 Best for Vets Colleges: Online & Nontraditional by Military Times, 2020.

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

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
Featured Courses
GOV 608Public Information Systems Management3
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.
GOV 621Public Program Evaluation3
Provides conceptual and methodological tools to analysts charged with assessing and evaluating program implementation effectiveness. Develop an understanding of different analytic strategies for assessing if a program is being executed as designed and is reasonably connected to its articulated goals. Focuses on formative and summative evaluations. Cross-listed with GOV 721.
GOV 667Local Government Administration3
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.
GOV 669Public Management3
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.
GOV 681Intergovernmental Relations3
Relationships among national, state and local governments, the theory of federalism, intergovernmental cooperation and conflict, municipal and state collaboration, regional relationships and unfunded mandates.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All 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 9Monday, August 19
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: 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)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

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)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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

“My time at RSG was a rewarding experience! I was enlightened about the various ideas that influence the political, economic, and social agendas of the world. In addition, I built relationships with faculty, staff, and students and benefited from several RSG-sponsored opportunities.”
Takeshia Stokes, M.A., 2010
“A Master of Public Administration with honors — I did that! A single mom, worked full time and a full-time grad student too.”
Keeley Daye, MPA, 2020 Workforce Service Representative, Virginia Employment Commission; Owner, Capture the Daye Photography
“All the time, when people hear I am studying public administration, they say, ‘Oh, we need more Christian leaders in government!’ It’s a perfect fit for Regent’s mission. And if you’re a Christian, you have something anchoring you to the decisions you make that affect an entire country.”
Sonya Mills, MPA, 2018 Human Resources Administrative Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Hawaii
“All of my professors have such a passion for what they are teaching and it is contagious. RSG professors have first-hand knowledge about the subjects they teach. They emphasize that we can make moral arguments in the public sphere.”
Keelyn Geoghean, M.A., 2014
“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