Public Administration at Florida Atlantic University is about preparing you to lead, manage, and make a difference in your community and beyond. You’ll learn how government, nonprofit, and public safety organizations work—and how you can help them serve people better. Whether you’re interested in emergency management, public policy, or organizational leadership, this area of study gives you the tools to solve real-world challenges and build a safer, more effective society.
About Public Administration at FAU
Florida Atlantic’s School of Public Administration stands out for its strong connections to South Florida’s dynamic communities and its commitment to hands-on learning. You’ll study with faculty who are active researchers and experienced professionals, and you’ll have opportunities to intern with local governments, nonprofits, and public safety agencies. The school offers flexible online and in-person options, nationally ranked programs, and a curriculum that blends theory with practical skills—so you graduate ready to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
Undergraduate Degrees
- Bachelor of Public Safety Administration (BPSA)
- Concentrations: Law Enforcement and Corrections, Disaster Management
- Bachelor of Public Management (see program page for details)
Graduate Degrees
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM)
- Ph.D. in Public Administration
Minors and Certificates
- Minor in Public Management
- Minor in Nonprofit Management
- Interdisciplinary Minor in Disaster Management
Graduate Certificates
- Nonprofit Executive Leadership
- Public Ethics and Leadership
- Public Procurement
- Public Policy
Explore Degree Programs in Public Administration
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
2. Provide a strong foundation in public policy, budgeting, ethics, and organizational behavior.
3. Foster analytical, technical, and practical skills for effective decision-making.
4. Encourage lifelong learning and professional development.
5. Promote ethical public service and community engagement.
2. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world public sector challenges.
3. Communicate effectively in professional settings.
4. Analyze and interpret public policies, budgets, and organizational processes.
5. Exhibit ethical decision-making and leadership in diverse environments.
6. Engage in research, internships, or service projects that connect classroom learning to community needs.
Professor Emeritus Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters School of Public Administration Associate Professor Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters Public Administration Program Assistant Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters Public Administration Assistant Professor Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters Public Administration Boca Raton Campus | FL 33431-0991 278
Efraim Ben-Zadok, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Ronald C. Nyhan, Ph.D.
Matilda Veillard
Kaila Witkowski, Ph.D., M.P.A., M.S.W.
The School of Public Administration has very competitive Assistantships available. Once admitted, students can be considered for this part-time appointment. Please visit FAU’s webpage – there are numerous resources to assist students financially plan for their education: https://www.fau.edu/financial-aid/
Transcripts from U.S. institutions or English-speaking Canadian institutions should be sent directly to the centralized application systems (CAS). For more information on how to send transcripts, please visit the Help Center.Frequently Asked Questions
February 1 f or summer admission
M ay 1 for fall admission
October 1 for spring admission
Materials received after the established deadlines are not considered; therefore, make sure all application materials are in order before applying to the MPA program.
GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for your undergraduate degree and completion of an undergraduate statistics course
Three letters of recommendation
A personal essay
Current resume
We are currently WAIVING THE GRE requirement in those circumstances. Your application is considered on the totality of documents you submit, sans GRE test scores.
MPA, 36 credit hours:
Typically, a part-time student taking two courses per semester in Fall, Spring and Summer can complete their MPA degree in just over two years (7 semesters).
A full-time student taking three courses per semester can complete their MPA degree in one and a half years (4 semesters).
Taken as an elective, the internship requires the student to work 15 to 20 hours per week throughout the semester, applying what they learned in the program to routine agency operations or to special projects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers some important information: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm#Other.
The ICMA also offers some good information to consider: https://icma.org/articles/member-news/annual-update-cao-salary-and-compensation-survey-available-members
Please Note: Applicants who previously attended FAU do not need to send their FAU transcripts.