Tennessee State University

What you'll study

The MPA curriculum emphasises public sector management, policy analysis and organisational leadership. Core subjects typically cover public administration theory, public budgeting and finance, administrative law and ethics, programme evaluation, research methods and statistics for public managers. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as nonprofit management, urban policy, health administration, emergency management or human resource management.

• Core topics: public administration theory; public budgeting and financial management; administrative law and ethics; quantitative research methods and programme evaluation.
• Common electives: nonprofit sector management; urban and regional policy; health services administration; grant writing and fundraising; crisis and emergency management.
• Practical experience: practicum or internship placements with government agencies, nonprofit organisations or healthcare providers; policy projects and capstone seminars that apply analytical tools to real-world problems.
• Delivery: the programme is typically offered in formats that accommodate working professionals, including evening and hybrid or online course options alongside traditional campus delivery.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Admissions typically consider undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining career objectives, and a résumé demonstrating relevant experience.

• Academic record: a competitive cumulative GPA; applicants with lower GPAs may be considered with strong professional experience or additional supporting materials.
• Standardised tests: some applicants may be asked to submit GRE scores, though programmes sometimes waive this requirement for candidates with substantial professional experience or strong academic records.
• Work experience: professional or volunteer experience in public service, government, nonprofit organisations or related fields is advantageous, especially for applicants seeking advanced standing or specialised practica.
• Other requirements: a personal statement describing career goals and fit with the programme, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MPA programme pursue leadership and analytical roles across public, nonprofit and private sectors. The degree prepares students for positions that require policy expertise, programme management and fiscal oversight.

• Local, state and federal government roles: city or county manager staff, policy analyst, budget analyst, programme administrator.
• Nonprofit sector: executive director, development and fundraising manager, programme coordinator, grant manager.
• Healthcare and education administration: healthcare programme manager, practice administrator, higher education administrator.
• Other pathways: homeland security and emergency management, public affairs and communications, consulting and policy research.

Why study at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a public, historically Black university located in Nashville, offering a community-focused environment with strong ties to regional government, public agencies and nonprofit organisations. Students benefit from faculty with public sector and research experience and opportunities for applied learning through internships and capstone projects with local partners.

• Location advantages: Nashville’s concentration of state agencies, municipal government offices, healthcare institutions and nonprofit organisations provides plentiful practicum and networking opportunities.
• Supportive community: as an institution with a mission to serve diverse populations, TSU emphasises mentorship, professional development and career placement for graduate students.
• Flexible options: programmes are structured to accommodate working professionals with evening, hybrid or online course options and opportunities to tailor study through electives and applied projects.