{"id":11655,"date":"2016-10-24T15:18:04","date_gmt":"2016-10-24T20:18:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=11655"},"modified":"2026-08-11T14:18:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T19:18:05","slug":"master-of-public-administration-social-entrepreneurship","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-public-administration-social-entrepreneurship\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Public Administration with Social Entrepreneurship Emphasis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0<strong>Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Social Entrepreneurship<\/strong> option\u00a0at Southern Arkansas University is designed for the modern visionary who\u00a0seeks\u00a0to 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.<\/p>\n<p>We understand the demands of today\u2019s community leaders. Our MPA is built for maximum flexibility:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online<\/strong>:\u00a0Complete 100% of your coursework from anywhere in the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Program Duration &amp; Start Dates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>:\u00a0Can be completed in as little as 12\u201324 months\u00a0depending on course load.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Dates<\/strong>:\u00a0Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, and Summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accelerated Master\u2019s Option<\/strong>:\u00a0Qualified SAU undergraduates can begin MPA coursework during their senior year to fast-track their entry into the social impact sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Why Choose SAU for your MPA in Social Entrepreneurship?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Social Innovation Focus<\/strong>:\u00a0Our curriculum emphasizes &#8220;double bottom line&#8221; thinking\u2014prioritizing both social impact and organizational sustainability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community Leadership<\/strong>:\u00a0Gain specific insights into rural politics, civic engagement, and the unique administrative challenges of the South.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Exceptional Value<\/strong>:\u00a0One of the most affordable and high-quality MPA programs in the region, designed to minimize debt for those entering public service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Social Venture Creation<\/strong>:\u00a0Learn to design and launch organizations that address social, environmental, or cultural problems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strategic Non-Profit Management<\/strong>:\u00a0Master the complexities of governing mission-driven organizations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grant Writing &amp; Implementation<\/strong>:\u00a0Develop practical expertise in securing funding and managing high-impact public projects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ethical Leadership<\/strong>:\u00a0Navigate the complex ethical landscape of public policy and organizational governance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Expert Practitioners<\/strong>:\u00a0Learn from faculty who\u00a0have managed\u00a0non-profits, influenced public policy, and specialized in rural administration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Collaborative Platforms<\/strong>:\u00a0Engage in meaningful policy debate and project planning through modern asynchronous learning management systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Applied Capstone<\/strong>:\u00a0Complete a professional project that addresses a real-world administrative or social problem, building a portfolio of impactful work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Social Entrepreneurship option\u00a0at Southern Arkansas University is designed for the modern visionary who\u00a0seeks\u00a0to 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&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-public-administration-social-entrepreneurship\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":15443,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18307,18317,18304],"delivery":[28834],"types":[28851,71780],"class_list":["post-11655","program","type-program","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","college_department-history-political-science-and-geography","college_department-college-of-liberal-and-performing-arts","delivery-online","types-graduate","types-masters","entry"],"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/lpa\">College of Liberal &amp; Performing Arts<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"36","tuition_instate":"","tuition_outstate":"","estimated_total_tuition":"","start_dates":"Rolling admissions (Fall, Spring, and Summer)","duration":"12-24 months","Degree Plans":"<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=11&amp;poid=2703&amp;returnto=407\">2026-2027<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=9&amp;poid=2093&amp;returnto=346\">2025-2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"overholser-amber\"]","Catalog Entry":"<h4>Core Courses (24 hours)<\/h4>\nPA 6003 - Principles of Public Administration\nPA 6053 - Public and Non-Profit Budgeting\nPA 6063 - Public Policy\nPA 6073 - Research Methods\nPA 6083 - Organizational Leadership\nPA 6153 - Human Resources in Public Organizations\nPA 6263 - Program Evaluation\nSE 6263 - Social Entrepreneurship\n<h4>Elective Courses (9 hours)<\/h4>\n<strong>Select 9 hours from the following*:<\/strong>\nSE 6013 - Project Management\nSE 6033 - Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship\nSE 6043 - Issues in Environmental Economics\nSE 6053 - International Business\nSE 6063 - Special Topics in Social Enterprise\nSE 6083 - Leadership Development\nSE 6133 - Nonprofit Organizations\nSE 6143 - Sustainable SCM Practices\nSE 6253 - Civic Engagement in Public Administration\nSE 6273 - Planning, Grant-Writing, and Implementation\n*At least one course must be taught by an MBA faculty member.\n<h4>Professional Project (3 hours)<\/h4>\nAll 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.","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>:\u00a0Submit\u00a0your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>:\u00a0Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>GPA Requirement<\/strong>:\u00a0Minimum\u00a0cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.5+).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\nA\u00a0Bachelor\u2019s\u00a0degree from an accredited institution is\u00a0required. While students from all fields are welcome, a basic understanding of American government and civic processes is encouraged.","careers":"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:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Nonprofit Executive Director<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Social Enterprise Founder<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Community Development Manager<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Public Policy Consultant<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Government or Public Agency Administrator<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Grant and Program Manager<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Economic and Community Development Specialist<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Career Outlook<\/h3>\r\nOrganizations 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\u00a0expertise\u00a0in social entrepreneurship, public administration, and organizational leadership are positioned for growing career opportunities in a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.","faq":[{"faq_question":"Is this program different from an MBA? ","faq_answer":"Yes. While an MBA typically focuses on private-sector business management and profit-driven decision-making, the MPA with a Social Entrepreneurship emphasis is designed for students who want to create community impact through public service, nonprofit leadership, and mission-driven innovation. The program combines public administration, organizational leadership, budgeting, policy, and ethical decision-making with entrepreneurial strategies that help organizations address social and community challenges in sustainable ways."},{"faq_question":"Do I need prior experience in the non-profit sector?","faq_answer":"No. This program is designed to provide you with the foundational skills needed to enter or advance within the sector. "},{"faq_question":"How does the Accelerated option work? ","faq_answer":"SAU undergraduate students can take up to 12 hours of graduate coursework during their senior year, allowing them to complete the Master's degree in just one additional year."},{"faq_question":"Can I transfer credits? ","faq_answer":"Up to 9 credit hours of graduate work from an accredited institution may be transferred, pending departmental review. "}],"Accreditations":"","Testimonials":"","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"public service, community, government, administration, leadership, bureaucracy, politics, organization, non-profit","custom_tab_title":"Course Offerings","custom_tab_text":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Schedule subject to change<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<strong>Fall<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>PA 6003 Principles of Public Administration<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6033 Rural Politics (elective, odd years)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6053 Public and Non-profit Budgeting<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6063 Public Policy<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6083 Organizational Leadership<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6113 Professional Project<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6183 State and Local Government (elective, even years)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Spring <\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>PA 6003 Principles of Public Administration (on as-needed basis)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6043 Legal Issues in Public Administration (elective, even years)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6153 Human Resources<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6263 Program Evaluation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6073 Research Methods<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6113 Professional Project<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6273 Planning, Grant-Writing, and Implementation (elective, odd years)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Long Summer <\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>PA 6073 Research Methods<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6113 Professional Project<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Summer I <\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>PA 6133 Nonprofit Organizations (odd years)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6253 Civic Engagement in Public Administration (even years)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Summer II 2026<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>PA 6283 Public Technology (odd years)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>PA 6293 Global and Comparative Public Administration (odd years)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*SE students will have additional course requirements through the Business College while in the program","rfi_shortcode":"[gf_embed site=\"1\" id=\"88\" prog=\"MPA Social Entrepreneurship\" type=\"Graduate\" comments=\"true\" notify_emails=\"aroverholser@saumag.edu\"]"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18085,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11655\/revisions\/18085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15443"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"college_department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college_department?post=11655"},{"taxonomy":"delivery","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/delivery?post=11655"},{"taxonomy":"types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types?post=11655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}