For more than 40 years, the LSU Department of Public Administration has worked to improve the understanding and practice of administration and government.
Building from a foundation of high-quality graduate education and scholarly research, our graduates find success in the public, non-profit, and private sectors — they work for the federal, state, and local governments, are legislators and attorneys, work as staff on Capitol Hill, and hold key positions with national healthcare providers, among many other varied accomplishments.
The Department of Public Administration seeks to improve public governance; prepare talented leaders in public, nonprofit, and private sector organizations; and improve the understanding and practice of administration and government through high-quality graduate education and scholarly research.
Join the ranks of talented LSU alumni who have used the knowledge and experience they gained through our programs, such as the Master of Public Administration, to advance their careers and improve governance.
Best Public Affairs Programs
(among US public programs)
- U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Best Masters — Public Administration/Management
(among US public institutions)
- Eduniversal, 2021
Of MPA graduates attribute their promotion/salary increase to earning an MPA.
Our researchers examine organizational, administrative, and policy sciences as they apply to government and governance. Public administration researchers are called to delve into controversial issues while remaining neutral.
Our faculty members are highly energetic, student-oriented, and nationally recognized for expertise in their fields. They bring academic integrity, professional training, and real-world experience to their classrooms.
In honor of Professor James Richardson’s 40-year commitment to the success of the Department of Public Administration, the LSU Foundation, along with the E. J. Ourso College of Business and the Department of Public Administration, created the James A. Richardson Endowed Fund. The endowment is used for general support of the department, funding activities such as student attendance at conferences and faculty research support.
The advisory council is a committee of volunteers established to promote and support the Department of Public Administration's educational programs and strengthen its role within the college, university, and community. This includes interacting with faculty and students, commenting on curriculum and materials being covered in our programs, career networking support, and enhancing the overall program of the Department.
Our Master of Public Administration students find success across the public, non-profit, and private sectors.
Placements for the 2022-2023 Academic Year:
The total number of students in 2022-2023 across all modalities was 96.
of the 2018 MPA cohort graduated within two years
of the 2018 MPA cohort graduated within four years
Our Master of Public Administration is fully accredited by the Network Of Schools Of Public Policy, Affairs, And Administration (NASPAA) through a mission and outcomes-based process, grounded by an in-depth self-evaluation of programs using a quality benchmark of graduate public service programs around the world.
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The Public Administration Student Association is the professional organization for students in our department. PASA provides professional development, career counseling, and social activities, and organizes networking events for students and alumni to interact with senior-level public administrators and political leaders.
This program allows students to experience public policy in action, learn about the Louisiana government's rich history and current affairs, and earn three credit hours of academic credit. Department of Public Administration faculty teach the program, and each Fellow is assigned to a local cabinet-level agency to collaborate with leaders on existing projects.
Experiential learning opportunities are an essential part of our curriculum. Internships, required for pre-service students, provide exposure to the working world in a governmental agency, non-profit, or private organization that interfaces with the public sector. Students already working in the public sector will complete a practicum with their employer.
Students from our department are invited to present at various conferences, participate in competitions, or are tapped to join prestigious fellowship programs. Opportunities include:
The Office of Research & Economic Development announced that three Ourso College faculty have received awards from the 2025 Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research: Anmol Soni (Public Administration), Paola Ugalde (Economics), and Andrew Schwarz (Entrepreneurship & Information Systems).
The E. J. Ourso College of Business Department of Public Administration is offering a seminar course beginning in January co-taught by Senator Bill Cassidy and Department Chair and Associate Professor Roy Heidelberg. The class is titled Special Topics: Ethics and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence.
The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business is excited to announce the opening of the Office of Graduate Business Programs (OGBP), a centralized hub that provides a comprehensive collection of services to graduate students.
Department of Public Administration
3000 Business Education Complex
501 South Quad Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
225-578-6743
pa@lsu.edu
Follow Department of Public Administration activities on our social media channels.
Give to the Department of Public Administration Development Fund to support research, student experience and more.
