The Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Social Entrepreneurship option at Southern Arkansas University is designed for the modern visionary who seeks to merge business innovation with social impact. This program equips public and non-profit leaders with the tools to solve societal challenges through sustainable, entrepreneurial models, ensuring that public service is not just effective, but innovative and self-sustaining.
We understand the demands of today’s community leaders. Our MPA is built for maximum flexibility:
- Online: Complete 100% of your coursework from anywhere in the world.
Program Duration & Start Dates
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load.
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- Accelerated Master’s Option: Qualified SAU undergraduates can begin MPA coursework during their senior year to fast-track their entry into the social impact sector.
Why Choose SAU for your MPA in Social Entrepreneurship?
- Social Innovation Focus: Our curriculum emphasizes “double bottom line” thinking—prioritizing both social impact and organizational sustainability.
- Community Leadership: Gain specific insights into rural politics, civic engagement, and the unique administrative challenges of the South.
- Exceptional Value: One of the most affordable and high-quality MPA programs in the region, designed to minimize debt for those entering public service.
Skills You Will Gain
- Social Venture Creation: Learn to design and launch organizations that address social, environmental, or cultural problems.
- Strategic Non-Profit Management: Master the complexities of governing mission-driven organizations.
- Grant Writing & Implementation: Develop practical expertise in securing funding and managing high-impact public projects.
- Ethical Leadership: Navigate the complex ethical landscape of public policy and organizational governance.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
- Expert Practitioners: Learn from faculty who have managed non-profits, influenced public policy, and specialized in rural administration.
- Collaborative Platforms: Engage in meaningful policy debate and project planning through modern asynchronous learning management systems.
- Applied Capstone: Complete a professional project that addresses a real-world administrative or social problem, building a portfolio of impactful work.
Curriculum
Core Courses (24 hours)
PA 6003 – Principles of Public Administration
PA 6053 – Public and Non-Profit Budgeting
PA 6063 – Public Policy
PA 6073 – Research Methods
PA 6083 – Organizational Leadership
PA 6153 – Human Resources in Public Organizations
PA 6263 – Program Evaluation
SE 6263 – Social Entrepreneurship
Elective Courses (9 hours)
Select 9 hours from the following*:
SE 6013 – Project Management
SE 6033 – Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
SE 6043 – Issues in Environmental Economics
SE 6053 – International Business
SE 6063 – Special Topics in Social Enterprise
SE 6083 – Leadership Development
SE 6133 – Nonprofit Organizations
SE 6143 – Sustainable SCM Practices
SE 6253 – Civic Engagement in Public Administration
SE 6273 – Planning, Grant-Writing, and Implementation
*At least one course must be taught by an MBA faculty member.
Professional Project (3 hours)
All students are required to complete a professional project. This project is expected to incorporate the skills learned in the MPA program in a written product that is of use to a particular agency or organization. The student must receive prior approval in writing from the director of the MPA program before proceeding on the project. The student must be registered for SE 6113 – Professional Project during the term in which the project is completed. If a project is not completed during the term for which the student is enrolled, a grade of NC will be assigned. In order to complete the project the student must be enrolled for the credits during the term in which it will be completed. If the student is successful in completing the project a grade of CR will be assigned for the term during which the project was completed. However, any previous NC grades will not be changed and only the credits the student earned while enrolled in the semester that the project was completed will be awarded.
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.5+).
Prerequisites:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. While students from all fields are welcome, a basic understanding of American government and civic processes is encouraged.
Career Outcomes
The MPA in Social Entrepreneurship prepares students for leadership and innovation-focused careers across the nonprofit, public, and mission-driven private sectors. Graduates develop the skills needed to lead organizations, launch community initiatives, and create sustainable solutions to complex social challenges. Career pathways may include:
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Social Enterprise Founder
- Community Development Manager
- Public Policy Consultant
- Government or Public Agency Administrator
- Grant and Program Manager
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator
- Economic and Community Development Specialist
Career Outlook
Organizations across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors are increasingly seeking leaders who can combine mission-driven work with strategic management, financial sustainability, and community impact. As partnerships between governments, nonprofits, and social enterprises continue to expand, professionals with expertise in social entrepreneurship, public administration, and organizational leadership are positioned for growing career opportunities in a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.
Course Offerings
Schedule subject to change
Fall
- PA 6003 Principles of Public Administration
- PA 6033 Rural Politics (elective, odd years)
- PA 6053 Public and Non-profit Budgeting
- PA 6063 Public Policy
- PA 6083 Organizational Leadership
- PA 6113 Professional Project
- PA 6183 State and Local Government (elective, even years)
Spring
- PA 6003 Principles of Public Administration (on as-needed basis)
- PA 6043 Legal Issues in Public Administration (elective, even years)
- PA 6153 Human Resources
- PA 6263 Program Evaluation
- PA 6073 Research Methods
- PA 6113 Professional Project
- PA 6273 Planning, Grant-Writing, and Implementation (elective, odd years)
Long Summer
- PA 6073 Research Methods
- PA 6113 Professional Project
Summer I
- PA 6133 Nonprofit Organizations (odd years)
- PA 6253 Civic Engagement in Public Administration (even years)
Summer II 2026
- PA 6283 Public Technology (odd years)
- PA 6293 Global and Comparative Public Administration (odd years)
*SE students will have additional course requirements through the Business College while in the program
