Overview

Why Study Public Administration?

Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, USD offers several program options that are flexible, affordable and even part-time to advance your career.

Graduates of the USD public administration program serve local, state and regional government and nonprofit organizations. This Public Administration program from University of South Dakota offers you flexibility and the skills to become a strong leader. The program combines in-depth study of core administration subject matter with elective coursework in several areas so you are able to effect change for your organization and your cause.

The on-campus MPA program prepares you with a strong theoretical background, as well as an experiential component to provide a practical experience. Lead and manage organizations; participate in the policy process; analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions; articulate and apply a public service perspective; and communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. The MPA is fully accredited by NASPAA since 1983.

An Affordable Education

Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.

Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice

Analytic Techniques in Public Policy

Seminar in Public Administration

Budgetary and Fiscal Management

Public Personnel Management

Organization and Management

Research Methods in Public Administration

Professional Report

Internship in Political Science

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-05-13 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Four weeks before the start of the semester

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

39 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vermillion, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 603 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application
Official Proof of English Proficiency
Official Transcripts - One official transcript (in English or with translation) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree or equivalent degree from an institution with regional accreditation and previous graduate credit and degrees must accompany an application.
Official Admission Test Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
You will need to submit a resume with your application.
Passport

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

12768 USD / year

≈ 12768 USD / year
Out-of-State

12768 USD / year

≈ 12768 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7118 USD / year

≈ 7118 USD / year

Living costs

Vermillion

United States

1024 - 1781 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Why Study Public Administration?

An Affordable Education

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Vermillion

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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