Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Texas
For Texans looking for careers in public service, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree can be a valuable addition to their resumes. However, Texas is a famously large state, so even looking exclusively at schools within the state can mean a major move or a long commute.
That’s where a top-rated online MPA program can come in handy. These accredited programs allow you to earn your master’s from home, saving you both time and money. Use this STEPS student resource to find out what an online MPA can do for Texan students like you.
School Spotlights: A Closer Look at Your MPA Options
There are plenty of schools in Texas offering online or hybrid MPA programs, but choosing between them can be tricky. Online MPAs are typically designed for adults with at least some professional experience and are usually fully online, but a few have mandatory internships that may require some travel to on-site locations.
Beyond the mode of coursework a program offers, it’s important to look at specialization options, as these can help you shape your future career. For example, you could choose to focus on public finance budgeting or nonprofit management. Be sure to also review application requirements when choosing which program to apply to.
To help get you started, below are profiles of three popular online MPA programs available in Texas today.
Texas A&M International University
One of the largest public universities in Texas, Texas A&M University offers a fully online MPA through Texas A&M International University, their distance-learning arm. This program, which holds programmatic accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), is competitive, with applicants needing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
In addition to core courses and electives, you will complete either a final capstone project or an internship before you graduate. Your advisor will help you determine which of these paths are most suitable to your study and career goals.
Duration: 16-20 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $367 per credit hour (residency dependent)
Curriculum:
- Advanced Methods of Social Research
- Program Evaluation
- Administrative Law
- Organization Theory
- Communication for Public Administration
- Administrative Ethics
- Survey of Public Administration and Public Affairs
- Human Resource Management in Public Administration
- Principles and Politics of Public Budget
- Public Policy Development and Implementation
- Survey of Nonprofit Leadership and Management
- Philanthropy, Fund Raising Nonprofit Organizations (NPO)
- Grant and Contract Management
- Strategic Plan and Fiscal Administration
- International Nonprofit Management
- Leading for Performance in Nonprofit Organizations
- Special Topics in Public Administration
- Strategic Management
- Education Policy for Curriculum Leaders
- Seminar in Management Concepts
- Human Resource Development
Sam Houston State University
The fully online MPA at Sam Houston State University is designed to be flexible. Classes start during multiple time periods per year, and the program includes the opportunity to complete either an internship or independent study.
Once enrolled, you will also be able to choose a concentration in either management or emergency management, and the concentration you choose will impact the nature of your internship, as well as some additional course requirements. Applicants are required to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or a prior graduate degree from an accredited school.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $842.85 per credit hour (residency dependent)
Curriculum:
- Independent Study
- Public Service Internship
- Ethics in Government
- Human Resource Management
- Public Budgeting and Finance
- Public Management
- Organizational Theory and Behavior
- Scope and Methods of Public Administration
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
This accelerated online MPA program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley can be completed over the course of a single year. It is additionally an interdisciplinary program, which will have you studying key aspects of public affairs and administration, as well as completing a capstone project.
As an intensive program, you will need to commit a significant amount of time per week to your studies, which may impede any paid work or other tasks you’re involved in. The trade-off is that you will be able to graduate more quickly and proceed to the next stage of your career.
Duration: One year
Mode: Online
Cost: $444.44 per credit hour
Curriculum:
- Graduate Seminar in Public Administration
- Scope and Methods
- Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation
- Public Budgeting and Finance
- Political Leadership: Decision-Making and Management in Public Organizations
- Public Personnel Administration
- Public Service Ethics
- Intergovernmental Relations
- State and Local Government
- Formulation of Public Policy
- Management of Governmental Information Systems
- Grant Writing and Fund Development
- Public Finance Administration
FAQs About Online MPA Programs in Texas
What kind of jobs can I get with an MPA degree in Texas?
You’ll likely find a variety of jobs for MPA graduates in Texas. With an MPA, you can work in state and local government roles across Texas, as well as roles with the federal government, although this would potentially require you to move to Washington. You may also consider applying for upper-level roles in the nonprofit sector, especially if there is a particular nonprofit organization or cause you’re passionate about.
How long does it take to complete an online MPA in Texas?
As you can see from the school spotlights above, the usual time length to complete an online MPA in Texas is about two years of full-time study. However, some programs, like the MPA at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, are accelerated and can be completed in as little as one year. On the other hand, programs that offer part-time or possibly interrupted study options may take longer to complete.
Is it important for online MPAs in Texas to be accredited?
Yes, it is absolutely vital that your program is from an accredited school. This is what entitles your school to grant degrees, gives your degree legitimacy, and will allow it to be recognized by future schools and employers. Furthermore, some programs, like the online MPA program offered at Texas A&M International, have programmatic accreditation as well, which can be viewed as an additional mark of program quality and academic vigor.
Is there financial aid for online MPA programs in Texas?
With a little research, you will find that there are plenty of opportunities to get financial aid for your online MPA in Texas. Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will determine what federal aid, including grants and loans, you may qualify for, so be sure to fill out your FAFSA on time.
Since your school may also offer financial aid, make sure to apply for any aid programs alongside your application to the program. Finally, check out which private scholarships for public administration students you may be eligible to apply for, as these can be a great source of additional funding.
Can I work while I attend an online MPA in Texas?
Many students choose to work while they study online MPA programs in Texas. This can be for resume experience, extra funding, or a combination of the two.
However, it is a good idea to make sure that you can handle the academic responsibilities of your program, especially if it’s accelerated in any way, while keeping up with your professional responsibilities. Try making a study plan that balances your work, life, and study obligations before committing to working while you study. It can also be a good idea to communicate with your employer before entering an online MPA program, as they may be able to assist you with scheduling.
MPA Graduate Careers: Texas Salary Insights
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Handy Resources for Texas MPA Students & Professionals
As a student or a professional working in public administration in Texas, building your network and maintaining a “finger on the pulse” of public administration is important. Learning about the resources and organizations available to students and professionals like you can help. Below are links to organizations throughout the state that provide networking, continuing education, and more.
- American Society for Public Administration — North Texas Chapter As the North Texas chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), this membership organization connects students, professionals, and academics to networking opportunities and advances the field of public administration.
- American Society for Public Administration — Central Texas Another chapter of the ASPA, the Central Texas (CenTex) chapter is one of the largest and most active in the state. The organization holds regular in-person and virtual conferences and networking events.
- Texas City Management Association The Texas City Management Association (TCMA) is a membership organization that comprises ten regions throughout the state and brings together local government officials to promote good local government practices. They additionally offer continuing education and networking.
- Texas Municipal League The Texas Municipal League (TML) is a membership organization for city government officials, which dates back over a century. The organization hosts annual conferences, in addition to its year-round networking and education resources.
- Urban Management Assistants of Central Texas Urban management is a unique and vital area of public administration, and the Urban Management Assistants of Central Texas (UMACT) brings together Central Texas urban management professionals. They offer in-person and virtual networking events.
Best MPA Programs Online: Texas Edition
While you will have to decide which online MPA in Texas is best for you, there are some objective factors that go into determining program quality. That’s where rankings come in. Below, you’ll find a list that considers multiple factors, such as availability of online learning, student support services, availability of financial aid, graduation rates, and more.
To find out more about our rankings system, you can review the provided “About the Rankings” button. Now, continue reading to see the best online MPA programs that Texas has to offer.
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, Texas
Public
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Public
Sul Ross State University
Alpine, Texas
Public
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Public
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Public
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Public
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, Texas
Private
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Public
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Public
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Public
Texas Southern University
Houston, Texas
Public
