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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
36
October 23, 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 5 School by Military Friendly®, 2023-24, 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.

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.

2023-24 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 11Monday, August 21
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: 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 3: 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)$850
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)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

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

“Professors give real-life lessons and then connect them with God's purpose for your life in a relevant manner.”

Hannah Bell, M.A., 2012 Nonprofit Organization Leader

“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

“"If I had to choose one highlight of my time at Regent, it would be my working experience with my professor as a research assistant. Working with him has taught me first-hand how to honor God with my mind."”

Nathan Gill, M.A. in Government, 2013

“I'm so glad Regent isn't afraid to engage with other viewpoints. It's a place where people are willing to debate their position honestly and without fear.”

Larry Mayes, M.A., 1998 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston