Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degrees
Are you an aspiring government or nonprofit leader? Online MPA programs can prepare you with the leadership, financial, and decision-making skills you’ll need. Learn more about what you can expect to learn in your MPA, jobs you’ll qualify for, and where to find the best online programs in our guide.
The Best Online MPA Programs
To identify the most suitable online MPA program for your needs, it is essential to consider various factors, including total cost, available concentrations, program format and duration, and admissions prerequisites. To assist you in locating a program that will provide the greatest return on your investment, we have created the following rankings, which provide information on the best online MPA programs available throughout the country.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Private
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Public
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Public
Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont
Private
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Public
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Public
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Private
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Public
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Public
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Public
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Public
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, New York
Public
Hilbert College
Hamburg, New York
Private
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, Texas
Public
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Public
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Webster University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
Public
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Public
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, New York
Private
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
Public
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Public
Saint Augustine’s University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Private
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Public
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, Alaska
Public
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Public
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Private
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Public
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Public
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi
Private
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Public
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Private
Clayton State University
Morrow, Georgia
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
Public
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Public
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Gannon University
Erie, Pennsylvania
Private
How to Choose the Right Online MPA Program for You
There are a variety of online MPA programs that give students the chance to study in a way that’s convenient for them as they take coursework to gain the expertise they need to excel in their field. Although the needs of students are different, there are some common factors that all students should evaluate when looking at programs. When researching schools, people should consider:
What You’ll Learn In an Online MPA
Online MPA programs are designed to teach students skills and knowledge to become leaders of public organizations and government agencies. By the time you graduate, you should expect to gain proficiency in the following areas:
Concentrations Available for Online MPA Degrees
Many students decide to earn an MPA with a specific career path in mind, and in order to help them achieve these goals, online programs may offer concentrations that allow them to gain relevant expertise. The following are examples of some of the areas that students can focus their studies on.
Nonprofit Management
Although general leadership skills can be applied in the public and private sectors, managing a nonprofit organization comes with its own set of unique challenges. Students in this specialization learn how to tackle these challenges through classes in effective nonprofit leadership, government regulations for nonprofit organizations, and grant writing.
Health Services Administration
Those who are interested in a career in health services organizations or public health agencies can enroll in this concentration in order to learn how to plan, organize, and manage health-related programs. Specific coursework may cover health care law and ethics, strategic communication methods, finance and budgeting, and leadership skills.
International Relations
Students who are interested in applying their skills to helping the global community can enroll in this concentration to learn how public administration principles are applied on an international scale. The specific classes may cover national security, foreign policy, intercultural communication, and diplomacy.
Local Government
This specialization provides a look at what it’s like to work in local government administration. Students may learn about parks and recreation management, urban planning, waste management, and budgeting.
Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy
This concentration is for students who are interested in human rights issues in the government, as well as in private companies and nonprofit organizations. Students who choose this area take classes about humanitarian policies, human rights advocacy, the politics of reconciliation, and genocide prevention.
Core Classes in an Online MPA Degree Program
No matter what area students choose to specialize in, the core curriculum in online MPA degree programs is designed to give them the leadership and analytical skills they need to tackle organizational and policy issues. The following are examples of classes students can expect to take during their degree program.
Strategic Planning
Addresses planning strategies that professionals use to overcome the complicated challenges that organizations may face. Coursework covers engagement processes, environmental analysis, and organizational transformation. In addition, students may learn how tactics and strategies differ and when the use of each one is appropriate.
Arts Administration
Students learn about how arts and cultural administration work in nonprofit organizations, as well as government agencies. Specific topics may include the history of arts and cultural administration, and how the arts affect the economy and the people who consume them. In addition, there is a discussion of the different types of arts and cultural organizations and how they are managed.
Public Administration Research Methods
Introduces the different ways research is conducted and how studies are designed and executed, as well as how results are written up and presented. Students may learn about the principles of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and the computer programs that are used to compile and analyze data.
Project Management
Students learn the fundamental concepts of how projects are managed, including determining project scope, time management, project design, and the different roles that workers take during the length of a project. Also, the course helps students understand how these ideas are applied in private companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Sustainability Management
No matter where those with MPA degrees decide to spend their careers, sustainability will be a concern as organizations are increasingly looking for solutions to decrease their footprint. This course introduces students to the theories of sustainability management and how organizations create an environmentally-sound workplace.
Leadership and Ethics
Discusses the relationship between ethics and good governance, and the consequences leaders face when they go against these principles and behave in a corrupt manner. In order to illustrate the concepts taught in class, students may be required to read case studies that outline examples of good ethical leadership, as well as ethical failures.
Budgeting
This course provides a look at how budgeting is handled in government agencies on the local, state, and federal level, as well as in nonprofit organizations. Topics may include debt management, cost-benefit analysis, tax policy, and expenditures.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Public Administration?
Completing an online master’s degree in public administration provides numerous opportunities for pursuing managerial careers. Graduates can apply their expertise in various settings such as city government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, or private companies. The MPA program curriculum provides a skillset that equips graduates for success in their future roles. Below are some examples of job positions that MPA graduates can qualify for.
City Manager
City managers, who are appointed by elected officials, oversee the smooth running of all operations within a city. Whether managing a small or large city, their responsibilities encompass a wide range of duties including budgeting, supervising specific departments, and representing the city during public events such as conferences.
Budget Director
Given that funding for government and nonprofit organizations can be limited, budget managers play a crucial role in optimizing the use of available resources. Budget directors conduct extensive research and analyze financial data to determine the allocation of funds and identify areas where costs can be reduced to make the most of the available budget.
Director of Development
Fundraising managers are responsible for overseeing an organization’s fundraising efforts. They manage the recruitment and training of volunteers, provide information to the public about the organization’s mission and activities, and supervise the work of fundraisers on staff.
Human Resources Director
Human resources directors play a vital role in ensuring that organizations, whether nonprofit, private, or government, have the right employees for their needs. They manage the recruitment, hiring, and training processes of new employees, while also creating and managing benefits and compensation packages. Additionally, they resolve employee conflicts and work to maintain a positive work environment.
Public Affairs Director
Public affairs directors are responsible for ensuring that their organization or agency has a positive public perception. In order to do this, public affairs directors grant interviews to reporters, write press releases, and participate in fundraising events.
FAQs About Earning Your MPA Degree Online
How long does it take to earn a master’s in public administration online?
The exact amount of time it takes to complete an online master’s in public administration depends on the program students enroll in. However, generally MPAs can take around two to five years to complete, depending on the program and whether students enroll on a full- or part-time basis. The number of credits students must complete can also differ between schools. For example, the online MPA program at Excelsior College requires students to complete 30 credits, while the University of San Francisco requires 38 and the University of North Carolina has a 45-credit program.
How much does an online MPA degree cost?
While finding an online MPA program that has the right curriculum and concentrations is important, prospective students should still consider tuition rates and total out-of-pocket costs. In order to help you get an idea of how much a master’s in public administration will cost, we have gathered the per credit tuition of five different schools. Review the table below for a glimpse into what MPA students pay for their education. Then check out our ranking of most affordable online MPA programs to find quality programs with low costs.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | 38 | $1,440 | $54,720 |
| Grand Canyon University | 38 | $590 | $22,420 |
| Excelsior College | 30 | $715 | $21,450 |
| University of Southern California | 40 | $2,244 | $89,760 |
| University of North Carolina | 45 | $641.79 (in-state); $1,658.01 (out-of-state) | $28,880.55 (in-state); $74,610.45 (out-of-state) |
What are the admissions requirements for online MPAs?
Admissions requirements for online MPA programs vary from one school to another, but generally, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria for acceptance:
Is it possible to enroll in an online MPA without taking the GRE?
Yes. Although many schools require that applicants earn a certain score on the GRE to gain admission, more and more MPA programs are waiving this requirement because the test is not necessarily a predictor of how successful an applicant will be. Instead, these schools are relying on other factors, like grade point average and professional experience, in order to make their admissions decisions. Alternatively, some MPA programs may allow you to submit a GMAT score instead of a GRE.
Will I learn the same skills in an online MPA as an on-campus program?
Although some prospective MPA students may be reluctant to enroll in an online program because they’re concerned about quality, they can rest assured that they will receive the same high-caliber education that their on-campus counterparts do. In many cases, online programs feature the same curriculum as the traditional versions, so as long as distance students keep up with their work, they will reap the same benefits as other students.
Accreditation for Master’s in Public Administration Online Programs
Accreditation is an extremely important factor that prospective MPA students should keep in mind when choosing an online program because it certifies that a school offers a quality curriculum. In order to receive this designation, schools are rigorously vetted to ensure that they are training students to industry standards.
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is responsible for accrediting MPA programs, including those taught online. During the accreditation process, the organization reviews a self-report of schools’ curriculum, mission, and outcomes, as well as visits the campuses in order to verify the information provided.
Beyond NASPAA accreditation, students should check to make sure the university they are researching holds institutional accreditation, which governs the entire school, not just the MPA program. Search the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to check a school’s accreditation status.