About

This program is designed for a variety of public service, law enforcement and non-profit social service agency professionals. This program will teach you the ins and outs of public service management through three distinct components: human relations, management and research. From understanding cultural diversity to statistics to media relations, you’ll learn about a variety of topics crucial to today’s public sector.

The MSP program was instituted in 1996 with the first graduates receiving the Master of Public Service Management (MSP) degree at the May 1998, graduation. Enrollment in the MSP degree program is limited.  Students who enter the two-year program will attend classes for five (5) consecutive semesters usually sequenced fall-spring-summer-fall-spring.

Primarily, students are admitted for the incoming class during the fall semester, but other admitted students may become part of the program, on a space available basis, in other terms.

MSP Mission

The mission of the Master of Public Service Management degree program is to provide graduate education to current and potential managers employed by state and local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations and agencies through academic course work in the broad areas of human relations, management, and research.

MSP Alumni Group

The graduates of the Master of Public Service Management have established an alumni group, which is a sub-division of the general alumni association of the university. Graduates and current students are both invited and encouraged to participate in the activities of this group.

What our graduates say

“This opportunity helped me gain valuable skills that directly benefited and impacted my professional work. I left the program with a deeper understanding of my work within the nonprofit sector, with more knowledge of who I am personally and professionally and with an incredible support network of professors and peers.”

-Sarah Warren, Operations Manager, Plant the Seed

“This program was the best type environment and learning alongside individuals who were working to address some of the most pressing contemporary community issues will motivate you to want to make a difference in your jobs that play a major role in your city, state or one’s own community.”

-Scott Ridgeway, Executive Director, TN Suicide Prevention

“I began searching for a Master’s Program that would provide flexibility with my busy schedule. Little did I know at the time that it would provide not only flexibility, but also a feeling of family. The education, tools, friendships and networking gained have afforded me the opportunity to work in the highest levels of national government, where I continue today.”

-John Fesler, Deputy Director of Staff White House Military Office

Contact us. We’re here to help.

If you have any questions or need any help through your next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Program Director, Dr. Bill McKee at (615) 547-1311 or email  bmckee@cumberland.edu. We’re here to help guide you through this process and discuss your future at Cumberland University.

The Admissions Office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm CST. Please contact the Admissions Office at 615-547-1246 locally or 615-547-1211 to speak with our Graduate Enrollment Specialist or email graduateadmissions@cumberland.edu.

Contact Graduate Admissions