Master of Science in Administration

Online MSA in Public Administration

Prepare for management and leadership roles in public and nonprofit organizations.

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In 2019, ranked No. 22 by Best Colleges for Best Online Master’s in Public Administration
In 2019, ranked No. 12 by Intelligent.com Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs

Public 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.