Are you ready to unlock the power of location data and become a leader in the rapidly expanding field of Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)? Our program at JSU equips you with advanced skills to capture, analyze, and interpret spatial data, preparing you for a dynamic career where you can make a real impact.
In today's complex world, understanding problems from a spatial perspective is invaluable. Our curriculum makes you a versatile expert, seamlessly blending cartography, computer science, geo-informatics, and spatial statistics with in-depth spatial analysis. You'll learn to develop innovative technologies and use a trans-disciplinary approach to tackle challenges across diverse fields.
Join us and become a highly qualified professional ready to embrace the multi-dimensionality of spatial sciences and excel in this in-demand industry!
Potential Careers
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares graduates for diverse leadership and management roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
- City Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Nonprofit Director (Executive Director)
- Program Manager (Government)
- Urban Planner
- Government Relations Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Grant Writer
Median Annual Salary
| City Manager |
$115,406 |
| Policy Analyst |
$100,949 |
| Nonprofit Director (Executive Director) |
$79,805 |
| Program Manager (Government) |
$96,395 |
| Urban Planner |
$54,401 |
| Government Relations Manager |
$106,522 |
| Budget Analyst |
$66,924 |
| Grant Writer |
$66,107 |
*Median annual salaries are according to ZipRecruiter.com
Additional Facts
Top Three Reasons to Choose JSU for your MPA degree:
- NASPAA Accreditation - The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) ensures the quality of our program. Our program meets the same accreditation standards as many larger schools, but with more student-teacher interaction. Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that you will get the highest quality courses taught by qualified area subject experts in a much more conducive environment.
- Choice of Concentrations - The MPA degree at JSU offers you 6 different concentration areas. This allows you to focus your career to what you want to do in the public sector. We offer concentrations in Administrative Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Geographic Information Systems Technology, Political Science and Generalist.
- Convenient Course Offerings - Whether you are wanting to take classes on campus or online, our program can meet your needs. No matter how you choose to take your classes, the quality of instruction meets NASPAA standards. We understand that many students have fulltime careers already and want the MPA to advance in their career. We offer on-campus courses, hybrid courses (partially on campus and partially online) and 100% online courses.
Department Information
Online Program Contact
Dr. Arjola Balilaj
abalilaj@jsu.edu
256-782-5132
