Online MSA in Public Administration
Prepare for management and leadership roles in public and nonprofit organizations.
Ready to Get Started?
Request InfoPublic Administration, M.S.A. Overview
The Master of Science in Administration with a specialization in Public Administration from the University of West Florida is a fully online program that can prepare you for advanced management and leadership roles in public, nonprofit and private organizations. In this program, you will learn from experienced, hands-on faculty who integrate administrative theory and best practices into a curriculum that gives a holistic understanding of organizational environments. The program’s expert faculty, with experience ranging from city planning to acquisitions and contracts, have published research in recent and highly-relevant peer-reviewed journals and are authors of relevant textbooks in the study of public administration, sustainability, resilience and ethics.
The master’s in public administration program gives you the opportunity to complete one of two certificate programs: Acquisition and Contract Administration or Managing Sustainability and Resiliency. Upon graduation, you will receive your chosen certificate credential in addition to your master’s degree. Our certificate programs are designed to allow you to further specialize your degree and skills for the career you want. The additional certificate credential will enhance your opportunities in the job market.
The Acquisition and Contract Administration certificate prepares graduates for employment in federal, state and local government contracting as well as the Department of Defense and civilian contracting.
The Managing Sustainability and Resiliency certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and apply sustainability and resiliency policies and strategies in their roles as managers and administrators of public service agencies.
Hear what a recent MSA alumnus has to say about the Online MSA in Public Administration program.
Program Scholarships:
The Master of Science in Administration with a specialization in Public Administration offers ample scholarship and funding opportunities for its students in addition to the financial assistance provided by the University. Available scholarships include but are not limited to the Bill W. Peebles, Jr. Scholarship, the Grant Holmes Memorial Scholarship, and the John C. Pace, Jr. Scholarship. Students interested in pursuing these opportunities should visit the College of Business scholarship page and follow the instructions there to apply.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Mid-career public administration professionals
- Students at the beginning of their careers
- Professionals seeking broader administrative positions of responsibility
- Individuals interested in elevating their administrative capabilities
You Will Be Able To:
- Develop and implement budgets
- Apply administrative reasoning, roles and responsibilities to your profession
- Employ ethical decision making
- Create, analyze and implement public policies
- Deploy sustainability and resilience planning in an organizational setting
Online programs may not be available in all states. If you are an out-of-state student, please review our State Authorization Status to confirm that the program is available in your state.
Courses and Requirements
The master’s in public administration program requires a core of 6 credit hours, which builds a foundation in financial management, management skills and organizational behavior. The next 21 credit hours are fulfilled by the public administration specialization, including courses in ethics, budgeting, political economy, strategic management and public policy. You can choose between the Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate or the Managing Sustainability and Resiliency Certificate (both 9 credit hours) to complete your degree. You could complete both certificates with additional credit hours beyond the degree program.
- GEB 5872 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management I
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Financial Management I
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students are introduced to the accounting process of analyzing, measuring, and reporting business activity. Explores the precise language, assumptions, concepts, principles, and logic patterns inherent in the analysis and measurement of business activity. Describes the form and content of major financial statements. Briefly introduces the recording and reporting process used by accounting systems and examines basic financial reporting issues.
- GEB 5875 - MBA Foundations: Management Skills and Applications
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Management Skills and Applications
Covers the historical evolution of management, organizational design, motivation, team building, leadership, change management, culture, strategic planning, and critical implementation/control elements critical to successful management and strategy. Social responsibility, ethics, globalization, and futures are also stressed.
- MAN 6156 - Management and Organizational Behavior
3 Credit Hours
Management and Organizational Behavior
Appreciation and understanding of the field of organizational behavior and its application in managing human and other resources. Emphasizes understanding individual behavior (motivation, self-awareness, leadership, etc.) and group dynamics (decision-making, group development and work) plus conflict, climate, learning styles, power, stress, process/content, human rights and quality. Utilizes experiential learning methodologies and other appropriate designs. May not be taken for credit by students having credit for INP 6397. Permission is required.
- GEB 5872 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management I
- PAD 6041 - Public Service Ethics
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Service Ethics
A fully online course concentrating on public service ethics and organizational integrity. Focuses on ethical dilemmas and concerns faced by public managers arising from their exercise of administrative discretionary power. Explores contemporary public service ethical dilemmas, and nascent studies and concepts of organizational evil, administrative evil, governance, moral inversion and technical rationality through case studies and ethics literature. Provides maps and tools to make ethical and integrity obligations more explicit and consistent.
- PAD 6053 - Public Administration Theory and Practice
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Administration Theory and Practice
Examines public administration theory and practice. Considers the role of administrators in government and the nonprofit sector, in increasingly complex political, social and economic contexts, through a survey of foundational texts in public administration. Topics include the theoretical framework and trends in public administration.
- PAD 6227 - Public Budgeting
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Budgeting
A fully online course focusing on the economics of public sector and politics of public budgeting and finance. The course identifies and investigates intergovernmental fiscal relations, including an analysis of the budgetary practices and relations at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The course provides a review of sources of government revenues; probes market failures, public expenditure theory, public goods, publicly provided private goods, sources of inefficiencies in the public sector; differentiates between externalities and the environment, introducing the concept sustainable budgeting and triple bottom line; and evaluates public expenditures.
- PAD 6275 - Political Economy of Public Administration
3.0 Credit Hours
Political Economy of Public Administration
A fully online course focusing on the political economy of public administration. The political economy factors and theories are analyzed and assessed, including markets, politics and democracy, market failure and bureaucratic failure, relationships between government and business, public choice theory, sustainability, privatization and contracting out.
- PAD 6417 - Public Service Human Resource Management
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Service Human Resource Management
An examination of the theories, practices and issues central to contemporary human resource management in public service and nonprofit organizations. This course focuses on leadership issues in public service HRM.
- PAD 6946 - Public Administration Capstone
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Administration Capstone
The capstone course is the culminating academic experience for students nearing completion of their MSA in the Public Administration program. The course involves content topics addressing the review and reflection of your MSA academic program, ethical leadership, including the end of the program research project. The research projects provide an opportunity for students to explore a problem or policy issues of professional interest and to address that problem or issue through focused study. The project will demonstrate the student's ability to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in his/her academic program to real-world issues and problems. This final project affirms students' ability to think critically and creatively, to solve practical problems, to make reasoned and ethical decisions, and to communicate effectively. Topics include the MSA PA program review, a final research project, and ethical leadership. Permission is required.
- PUP 5045 - Public Policy Analysis
3 Credit Hours
Public Policy Analysis
Examines the issues involved in and methods of developing, implementing, and analyzing public policy. The role of the public manager is assessed relative to other actors in the development of public policy. The graduate course in analytic techniques provides students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of methods of policy analysis and the processes and challenges of implementation. Pre/Co-requisite: None.
- PAD 6041 - Public Service Ethics
Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate
- PAD 5635 - Government Contract Law
3.0 Credit Hours
Government Contract Law
Examination of government contract law and ethics including major provisions of the federal Procurement Integrity Act and general federal acquisition contract principles. Authority of contracting officers, delegation of contracting officer authority, and impact of delegation. Procedures for formation of government contracts and contract protest, government property fundamentals, government contract funding and fiscal matters, labor, social, economic, environmental concerns and fraud are explored. Legal aspects of inspection, acceptance, delivery, warranties, changes, terminations and contract disputes are also examined.
- PAD 5855 - Contract Planning and Formulation
3.0 Credit Hours
Contract Planning and Formulation
Provides an overview of the role of acquisitions/procurement in government and the nonprofit sector, highlighting foundational concepts of Federal procurement as outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other sources, and purchasing systems at other levels of government. A survey of government contracting policies and procedures from acquisition planning through solicitation of government contracts; emphasizes the importance of the statement of work and development of the solicitation.
- PAD 5862 - Contract Award and Administration
3.0 Credit Hours
Contract Award and Administration
Examines government contracting policies and procedures from pre-award evaluation and negotiation to post-award contract administration activities and contract close-out. Includes cost-price analysis needed to prepare or evaluate and analyze cost proposals and costs incurred in federal government contracts, and methods utilized by the federal government to establish estimates of fair and competitive prices for goods and services.
Managing Sustainability and Resiliency Certificate
- PAD 5434 - Leadership in Sustainability
3 Credit Hours
Leadership in Sustainability
Explores the essential components of front-line leadership in sustainability, including integrating sustainability into an organization, executing organizational strategy, and committing to it for a lifetime. Students are provided with tools to analyze various leadership styles in public service organizations. Topics include administrative and sustainable leadership roles within organizations and with policyholders.
- PAD 6357 - Sustainability and Resiliency Planning
3 Credit Hours
Sustainability and Resiliency Planning
The course explores the concepts of sustainability and resiliency in modern organizations and communities. Topics include theories of sustainability, sustainable development, climate resilience, targets, measurements, planning, and implementation of sustainable and resilient measures.
- PAD 6335 - Strategic Management for Public Service Organizations
3 Credit Hours
Strategic Management for Public Service Organizations
Examination and exploration of planning, targets, goal setting, and strategic sustainable management in public sector organizations. Topics include strategic planning, strategic management, and strategies deployed in sustainable and resilient public service organizations.
- PAD 5635 - Government Contract Law
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online master’s in public administration program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:
- Undergraduate transcripts and institutional GPA
- Graduate GPA, if applicable
- Submission of letter of intent describing the candidate’s work experience and reasons for pursuing the degree program, including how the degree relates to career goals.
- Overall fit with the program
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit a letter of intent
Admission Deadlines:
- Fall admission deadline: August 1
- Spring admission deadline: December 1
- Summer admission deadline: April 1
Program Start Dates (2023-2024): Aug: 8/21, Oct: 10/16, Jan: 1/8, March: 3/4, May: 5/13, June: 6/24
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $13,845.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,538.00 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $37,592.64 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $17,237.88 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online campus programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 24 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our MSA in Public Administration, you can pursue a variety of careers with desirable salaries and growth potential.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
City and County Managers
These employees manage workers who provide services to the public, and can be employed by almost any industry. They are responsible for researching key demographics, tracking the success of public services, collecting and analyzing data, giving presentations and securing funding. In 2021, the average city manager salary is $118,411 per year**. Job outlook is expected to grow 13 percent through 2028, which is much faster than the average for most other occupations.
**Salary information from Zippia https://www.zippia.com/city-manager-jobs/salary/
Budget Directors
Budget directors help public and private institutions organize their finances. They can work in government agencies, universities and private companies. Most work full time. Budget directors made a median annual salary of $79,940 in 2021, and job growth is expected to increase 3 percent through 2031.
Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners work with other city officials to revitalize communities, develop facilities, accommodate growing populations and analyze data. These employees can be found in offices or in the field, and use a variety of tools and technology. Their median annual salary in 2021 was $78,500, and job outlook is expected to grow as fast as average for other occupations at 4 percent.
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and Community Service Managers run social service programs and organizations in various community positions, including nonprofit organizations, private for-profit social service companies and government agencies. Employment of these professionals is expected to grow 12 percent through 2031, and they made a median annual wage of $74,000 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.