Resources to Support Your MPA Program Experience

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program provides valuable resources to support students from admission to graduation and beyond. From financial assistance like the Juanelle Edwards Scholarship and Graduate Research Assistantships to practical experience through internships and global study abroad opportunities, MPA students gain the skills and experiences needed for impactful careers in public service.

Our strong network of alumni and community partners ensures job placement success, and our commitment to student growth continues to drive the program forward. Explore the resources available to help you succeed in your MPA journey!

Financial Resources

Listed below are some of the financial resources available to MPA students at Kennesaw State University.

  • The cost of attendance is based on the number of credit hours students enroll in and residency status. View the tuition and fees schedule.
  • A limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) are available to qualified students. Awarded on a semester-by-semester basis, duties typically include a research or project assignment relevant to the field of Public Administration. The position includes some tuition benefits and a stipend. More details and available opportunities.
  • The Juanelle Edwards Master of Public Administration Endowed Scholarship is an annual merit based award in the amount of $1,500. MPA students must be in good academic standing and enrolled full-time to be eligible.
  • For more information on the different types of aid available to graduate students, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Internships & Job Placement

The internship track is designed for students to gain public service experience before graduation. Interns are required to complete 300 hours of service in the field. The MPA program has had 100% internship placement for students on this track.

Recent Internship Experiences

MPA students have recently interned at the following locations:

  • Atlanta Beltline Inc.
  • City of Powder Springs - Community Development Department
  • City of College Park - Economic Development
  • Paulding County - Planning and Zoning 
  • Kennesaw State University CARE Services
  • CIFAL Atlanta
  • CIFAL Jeju, South Korea: Sustainable Communities
  • CIFAL Flanders, Belgium: Sustainable Development
  • Atlanta Regional Commission
  • International Rescue Committee
  • City of Kennesaw – Zoning and Planning
  • City of Woodstock – Human Resources
  • Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
  • Murray County Commissioner’s Office
  • Cobb County District Attorney’s Office
  • Marietta Police Department
  • Department of Health and Human Services

Recent Job Placements

MPA graduates have recently been employed with the following organizations:

  • City of Kennesaw
  • Fulton County - Strategy and Performance
  • Cobb County Senior Services
  • Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Georgia Symphony Orchestra
  • Town of Cape Charles, Virginia - Planning and Zoning
  • City of Powder Springs – Community Development
  • Virginia Tech — University Development
  • United Way of Greater Atlanta
  • The Georgia Department of Human Services
  • Emory University
  • Atlanta International School
  • City of Marietta – Human Resources
  • Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
  • Make-A-Wish Georgia
  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  • Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  • Kennesaw State University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Department of Administrative Services

Past Study Abroads

Listed below are both recent and upcoming Study Abroad opportunities for the MPA program at Kennesaw State University. 

2020 - Communication and Governance in East Asia

This program offers students insight into social and economic policy, event promotion, and government and corporate communication strategies and methods. Specific topics will include security threat planning at the municipal, regional, and national levels, planning and marketing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, tourism planning and marketing from a municipal government perspective, and how levels of government relate to each other in South Korea and Japan. 

*This program was canceled due to travel advisories and public health concerns. We hope to offer this program in future summers. 

Group of students posing in front of a sign reading 'Centrul Administrativ Sectorul 2 Bucuresti' in Romania.

2019 - Law, Communication, and Governance in Romania

Participants engaged with students and faculty at The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration in Bucharest in a series of lectures and workshops. Program highlights included meetings with the Cultural Attaché from the US Embassy, the Vice Mayor of Sector 2 in Bucharest, NGOs, and public relations firms.  At the same time, students experienced Romanian culture and examined the historical and political contexts of Romania in the post-communist era.
Group of people posing on stairs in front of international flags.

2018 - Economic and Environmental Sustainability Policies

While residing at the European Study Center in Strasbourg, France, students examined sustainable development policies Europe. The goal was to explore the various factors that must be integrated to achieve sustainable communities. The course focused on environmental, economic, infrastructure, and public communication issues. Program highlights included a visit to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, a presentation from the Center of Information on European Institutions, meetings with SPL Deux Rives and Algae Natural Food SAS, as well as lectures from experts on sustainability.
Group of people posing outside a building with European flags.

2017 - EU Immigration & Security Policy

The focus of this program was the refugee and migration crisis facing Europe. Through visits with EU institutions, national agencies, and local NGOs, as well as lectures from experts, students explored this issue from EU, national, and local perspectives. The program took place in Brussels, Belgium, Paris, France, and Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. Highlights included visits to the EU Commission, the French Ministry of the Interior, the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies, Proactiva Open Arms, and the UNHCR.  

2016 - Graduate Policy Studies in Romania

In June 2016 MPA students spent 3 weeks in Bucharest, Romania engaged in a variety of internships and research projects related to international comparative public administration. Program highlights included a visit to the United States Embassy, the Palace of the Parliament, and excursions to Sinaia, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași. The program concluded with a joint conference with our partners at The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration.