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CSWE accredits the MSW
program.

Our MPA degree is the only NASPAA-accredited program in Middle Tennessee.

Pi Alpha Alpha is the national Honor Society for graduates who excel in public administration studies.

The College of Public Service is proud to have had an ICMA Student Chapter since 2017.

The College is one of 24 partners nationwide with the Harvard Institute of Politics' National Campaign for Political and Civic Engagement.

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The College is a member of the Vote Everywhere Project - one of only 23 higher education members nationwide.

Degree Programs

You Have the Mission -- We Provide the Skills

Help advance the state of knowledge in public problem solving and prepare to engage effectively in serving your communities—local, regional, national, and global—through the interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Public Service.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Offered by the Department of Social Work and Urban Studies:

Urban Studies: B.S.—Interdisciplinary major grounded in the social sciences prepares students for community-oriented professions, graduate school and active engagement in public service.
Nonprofit Management and Leadership: minor—Ideal for students with a commitment to the community and the desire to apply knowledge gained in their major to future employment in the nonprofit sector.
Social Work - The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree prepares students for professional social work practice, leadership, and service in an urban setting. The program promotes social and economic justice, the application of cultural competence, scholarly inquiry, and lifelong learning. Students can also earn a Child Welfare Certification, which is a program for social workers who intend to work with children and families served by public agencies.

Undergraduate Certificate Program

Professional Management Academy (PMA)

Receive a Certificate in Urban Leadership (18 credit hours, 6 courses)

The certificate in Urban Leadership is a six-course program covering critical leadership skills to participate effectively in political processes on behalf of communities. This certificate is offered in partnership with State of Tennessee agencies on a cohort basis.

NOTE: This certificate is also designed to integrate smoothly with the BS Urban Studies degree. 100% ONLINE.

Courses:

• URBS 2010 Introduction to Urban Studies

• URBS 3000    Community Leadership/Public Service

• URBS 3030    Urban Policies & Issues

• URBS 3601    Urban Administration

• URBS 4450    Non-Profit Management

• URBS 4700    Amer Govt Inst And Governance

Apply online for the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Degree Programs

Offered by the Department of Public Administration:

Public Policy and Administration: Ph.D. —a rigorous research-based degree that prepares you for faculty positions and leadership roles in public and nonprofit organizations. 100% ONLINE.Upcoming annual application deadline: completed applications must be received in GradCAS by March 1, 2025 for Fall 2025 admission consideration. Late applications to this program cannot be considered for the listed semester; they will be included in the next year's round of admissions decisions (must be complete by March 1, 2026 to be considered for Fall 2026 start). Please note program capacity is limited and meeting minimum admission criteria described in the Graduate Catalog does not guarantee a place.
Master of Public Administration (MPA) —the key professional degree enabling you to work in fast-growing public and nonprofit sectors, our program is offered fully online helping you earn a degree while employed. TSU's MPA degree is the only NASPAA-accredited program in Middle Tennessee. 100% ONLINE Admission deadlines April 1 (Summer); July 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring)
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) —a Masters degree program, offered by TSU through the TN eCampus. 100% ONLINE. Admission deadlines April 1 (Summer); July 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring). Concentrations available are:
- Strategic Leadership,
- Human Resource Management, or
- Training and Development

Offered by the Department of Social Work and Urban Studies:

Master of Social Work (MSW) — This program is designed for the working professional with on-campus courses offered in the evening and the remaining classes offered online. Individuals who have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 are eligible for advanced standing.

Apply for graduate programs.

Graduate Catalog (includes admissions requirements)

Public Service Research Brown Bag Series

Graduate Certificate Programs (all are fully online)

Offered by the Department of Public Administration:

Certificates may be pursued on their own or, with department approval, in conjunction with a degree. If you are applying to a certificate in hopes of using the GRE waiver on a future PhD in public policy and administration application, contact Department Chair Dr. Streams via email first for more information on that option. Admitted M.P.A. students seeking to add a certificate should notify Dr. Streams by email . Admitted M.P.S. students interested in adding a certificate should contact their advisor. Certificate students wishing to pursue an M.P.A. or M.P.S. degree should contact Dr. Streams (MPA only) or Dr. Stanley (MPS only, any concentration).

Local Government Management — a six-course program that prepares students for successful careers in local government management. (Department of Public Administration) 100% ONLINE. Admission deadlines April 1 (Summer); July 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring)
Nonprofit Management — a six-course program for professionals ready to succeed in this rapidly growing sector. (Department of Public Administration) 100% ONLINE. Admission deadlines April 1 (Summer); July 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring)
Public Administration Executive Leadership — a six-course program covering critical leadership skills relevant to the public sector. This certificate may be pursued by individual students or it can also be offered by special arrangements for agency personnel on a cohort basis. Contact Dr. Rodney Stanley for more information on agency cohorts. (Department of Public Administration). NOTE: This certificate is also designed to integrate smoothly with the M.P.S. degree (Masters in Professional Studies or the MPA - see above). 100% ONLINE. Admission deadlines April 1 (Summer); July 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring)
Public Policy — a six-course program to build analytical expertise that makes a difference in the policy arena. (Department of Public Administration) 100% ONLINE. Admission deadlines April 1 (Summer); July 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring)