FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE LAUNCHES MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM, ENROLLING FIRST COHORT FALL 2026

LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Southern College is proud to announce the launch of its Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, with its inaugural class beginning in Fall 2026. Designed to prepare students for impactful leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors, this new program builds on Florida Southern's legacy of excellence in civic education and leadership development. 

"The new Master of Public Administration program reflects our commitment to prepare effective leaders for public service.  The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate complex challenges and make a positive and consequential impact in their communities," said Dr. Tracey Tedder, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Florida Southern.

The MPA program provides a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practice of public administration in the United States, with a strong focus on the relationship between local, state, and federal agencies. Students will gain practical skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, public budgeting, and administrative ethics, key tools for navigating today's dynamic public service landscape. 

"The Master of Public Administration program reflects our commitment to preparing students to lead with integrity and vision in service of the public good," said Dr. Sara Fletcher Harding, Dean of Arts and Sciences at Florida Southern. "Whether pursuing careers in city management, nonprofit leadership, or public policy analysis, our students will graduate equipped to shape meaningful change in their communities." 

WHY CHOOSE FSC'S MPA PROGRAM? 

• Expert Faculty: Learn from professors with real-world experience in American political institutions, international relations, and public-sector consulting.
• High-Demand Field: With public service evolving rapidly, trained professionals in policy, budgeting, and administration are in high demand across sectors.
• Career Versatility: Graduates will be prepared for diverse careers in government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and consulting firms.
• Hands-On Learning: Through portfolios, evaluation projects, and either an internship or thesis, students gain practical experience solving complex public administration challenges.

This hybrid-format program offers both in-person and online coursework options, allowing students to tailor their experience to fit their personal and professional lives. Florida Southern's personalized approach ensures students receive individualized mentorship and support throughout their graduate journey. 

"We believe the MPA program will inspire a new generation of ethical and effective leaders," said Dr. Harding. "Our graduates will not only understand policy but will be ready to lead in shaping it." 

For more information or to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort, visit: www.flsouthern.edu/MPA 

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. In the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" guide, Florida Southern ranks #11 among "Best Regional Universities in the South," #12 in "Most Innovative Schools," and #24 in "Best Value Schools." The College is also highlighted in The Princeton Review's 2026 Best 391 Colleges guide and the "Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025." The 2025-2026 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB-accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, Florida Southern houses 13 Wright-designed structures.

SOURCE Florida Southern College