MPA program receives prestigious accreditation

Augusta University’s Master of Public Administration program was recently reaccredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration – a hallmark of excellence in public service education that is earned by only 63 percent of the world’s graduate public administration programs.

“Our MPA faculty, staff, and students work hard at maintaining a standard of excellence in public service education and we are indeed honored that our accreditation with NASPAA has been reaffirmed,” said Charles Clark, dean of the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the university.

Augusta’s MPA program must complete a rigorous process involving internal review, evaluation, and adjustments, as well as a peer review process, every seven years in order to maintain NASPAA accreditation.

“We are very proud to have this accreditation, because it shows the excellence of the program and serves as a signal of reliability to potential employers seeking highly skilled graduates,” said William Hatcher, an associate professor and director of the program.

NASPAA sets the global standard in public service education through a membership organization of nearly 300 members – located across the U.S. and in 14 countries – representing graduate education programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration, and public and nonprofit management and overseeing the standards for awarding MPA, MPP, MPAff and similar degrees.