Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Texas

One of the largest of the 50 states, both geographically and in population, you may have heard that “everything is bigger in Texas.” While that’s up for debate, one thing you can count on being big in Texas – and full of opportunities – is state and local government. With more than 440,000 state employees as of 2024, public administration is big business in the Lone Star State.

If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, a master’s degree in public administration, or MPA, can help you make a career change or advance in your public policy career. With plenty of on-campus and online MPA programs in Texas, you can read on to see which one might be right for you.

Top Online MPA Programs in Texas

If you prefer to study for your MPA online, Texas has you covered. Many of the state’s universities offer online or hybrid MPA programs where you can earn your degree by studying full-or-part time from home. Online MPA programs in Texas can be ideal for students with paid jobs who want to work while studying, or if there are personal or family responsibilities that make relocating to campus difficult. If you’re interested in studying online, but also enjoy the resources and networking opportunities of a campus, you might also consider a hybrid program. Take a look below to see who made our list of top schools this year.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MPA Students in Texas

It’s a valid concern before you start one of the best MPA programs in Texas to know how you’ll pay for it. While you can shop around for cost-saving measures like in-state tuition, and studying online can save you money on relocation costs, it’s also a good idea to apply for financial aid through your school and from external scholarships.

The State of Texas has compiled a list of scholarship opportunities for graduate students, potentially for Texas online MPA students, and there are also private foundations that offer MPA-specific scholarships. You may also want to see if you’re eligible for other forms of private scholarship funding such as those for historically marginalized students. These are smaller scholarships with more specific eligibility requirements, but they can be great opportunities since there are often fewer applicants than general funding sources, improving your odds of getting a grant.

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for MPA Graduates in Texas

Once you’ve graduated from an in-person or online MPA, Texas has plenty of job opportunities for you. As you can see in the table below, many popular jobs for Texas MPA grads are growing fast, and they can be very lucrative with regular six-figure salary averages. There are many opportunities now for MPA holders, and job openings are only projected to increase over the next decade. As a new graduate from one of the best MPA programs in Texas, you’ll be a particularly good candidate for the following opportunities.

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Texas Public Administration Professional and Student Resources

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of starting your MPA, you’re not alone. Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of resources to help you connect with other top Texas MPA students and professionals from all over the country, both during and after your studies. Here are a few organizations worth checking out,

• Pi Alpha Alpha
  Pi Alpha Alpha is a national honor society for public affairs and public administration. They have chapters across the nation and around the world, including 14 chapters at different Texas institutions, and provide networking opportunities and public service volunteering through your chapter.
• American Society for Public Administration
  The American Society for Public Administration, or ASPA, is a professional membership organization with a mission to promote public service. Both students and working professionals can join ASPA, making it a valuable networking resource. While they are an American organization, they also collaborate with international organizations.
• National Academy of Public Administration
  The National Academy of Public Administration is an academic fellowship organization with a mission to promote effective governance at national, state, and local levels. They publish research, fund fellows, and create networking opportunities. These include online forums as well as panels, working groups, and annual events.
• Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
  The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, or NASPAA, is an organization that describes itself as “the global standard in public service education.” They have 317 member schools across 25 different countries and encourage collaboration and networking among member schools.
• International City and County Management Association
  The International City and County Management Association, or ICMA, is a professional organization dedicated to local government. They have more than 11,000 members and a mission to identify the most effective forms of local government and initiatives and encourage their implementation.