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4+1 Master of Public Administration
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Make a Lasting Impact in Your Community and Beyond

The 4+1 Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Florida Southern College equips high-achieving students to lead effectively, influence policy, and drive meaningful change across the public and nonprofit sectors. This accelerated pathway allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and an MPA in as little as five years, preparing them for careers in city management, nonprofit leadership, and public policy. With a flexible format and a practice-focused curriculum, FSC’s 4+1 MPA enables students to gain advanced leadership and policy skills while seamlessly transitioning from undergraduate to graduate study positioning them to step confidently into roles that shape communities.

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Upcoming Term Start Date

Fall 2026

High Demand

Employment of management-level roles in government and nonprofit organizations is projected to grow 6% by 2034 - faster than the average for all occupations (BLS).

Strong ROI

City and county managers salary of over $100,000, while nonprofit directors, budget analysts, and policy advisors consistently earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the sector and region.

Career Impact

Graduates pursue leadership in local, state, and federal government, as well as nonprofits, thing tanks, and NGOs. Roles range from city manager and policy analyst to nonprofit executive director, positions that directly shape communities and influence poicy.

Why choose 4+1 MPA at FSC?

Save Time and Money

Complete your undergraduate and MPA degrees in an accelerated timeframe, reducing overall tuition costs and entering the workforce sooner.

Flexible Learning Options

Courses are offered in a hybrid format, a combination of online and in-class meetings. One class will be offered on campus in the evening, and one course will be offered online.

Feel Prepared for the Workforce

The MPA is designed to connect theory with real-world work. Through an internship or a thesis, you’ll gain both practical experience and academic knowledge.
R. Bruce Anderson, Ph.D.

Featured 4+1 MPA Faculty

R. Bruce Anderson

It must be current, it must be relevant, and it must be useful. The student centered approach, through experiential learning, is the only approach that properly prepares future leaders for the leadership they will assume in our world.
Read More about R. Bruce Anderson Meet Our Faculty

4+1 MPA Program Details

Admission Requirements

Students interested in enrolling in the 4+1 MPA at Florida Southern College should apply during their junior year to ensure a seamless transition. While the program is open to all majors, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate Credit Hours: At least 93 completed undergraduate credit hours by the start of the program.
  • GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Current Resume: Include an up-to-date resume with your application.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Submit a completed Recommendation Form or a professional letter of reference.
  • Personal Statement:Write a personal essay (no more than 1,000 words) that:
    • Detail your interest in the MPA program and its connection to your professional goals.

Approval: Obtain approval from the MPA Program Director.

Additional Requirements for International Students

(needed after undergraduate degree completion)
  • A recent bank letter verifying funds from your sponsor (must be on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official).
  • A completed Sponsor’s Guarantee Form.
  • A valid passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Public Administration Info Sessions

Join us to learn about Florida Southern College's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program! Hear from one of our MPA faculty members and your admission counselor to go over the course plan, get the next steps for admission, and get your questions answered.

Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

MPA Virtual Information Session

Oct 14 6:30 PM

Join us to learn about Florida Southern College's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program! Hear from one of our MPA faculty members and your admission counselor to go over the course plan, get the next steps for admission, and get your questions answered.

Location: Online

Learn More about the October 15 MPA Virtual Information Session

Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

MPA Virtual Information Session

Nov 12 6:30 PM

Join us to learn about Florida Southern College's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program! Hear from one of our MPA faculty members and your admission counselor to go over the course plan, get the next steps for admission, and get your questions answered.

Location: Online

Learn More about the November 12 MPA Virtual Information Session

Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

MPA Virtual Information Session

Dec 16 6:30 PM

Join us to learn about Florida Southern College's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program! Hear from one of our MPA faculty members and your admission counselor to go over the course plan, get the next steps for admission, and get your questions answered.

Location: Online

Learn More about the December 16 MPA Virtual Information Session

4+1 MPA Program Contact
Abbey Bonet Abbey Bonet, MSHE

Assistant Director of Adult and Graduate Admission

 863.680.3090

text message 863.656.0755