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Masters in Public Administration Online
Great for anyone interested in public service or promoting social welfare, a Masters in Public Administration Online (MPA Online) leads to various upper management careers. Those who earn an MPA end up working in many different industries, including public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
Some potential careers come with high salaries and a strong job outlook. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that urban and regional planners earn a median salary of $74,350, and projections show an 11% job growth rate from 2019-2029. Like other professionals, urban and regional planners require at least a master’s degree. Fortunately, students can complete their MPA entirely online, and some learners choose to earn their degree part-time as they continue working. This resource explores online MPA programs and includes potential career outcomes, industry resources, and what to expect from an online degree.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online MPA Programs
While accredited online MPA programs meet a specific set of academic standards, colleges and universities structure their programs. Based on numerous factors, including program outcomes, degree requirements, and prestige, we’ve determined that these are the best online MPA programs.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
| #2 Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085 | $20,506 | 90% |
| #3 Texas A&M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #4 Marist College 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 | $15,300 | 84% |
| #5 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
| #6 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $55,350 | 93% |
| #7 Northwestern University 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208 | $56,067 | 94% |
| #8 Indiana University, Bloomington 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405 | $9,501 | 79% |
| #9 California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, California 90840 | $7,176 | 74% |
| #10 DePaul University 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604 | $19,584 | 74% |
| #11 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $30,351 | 79% |
| #12 San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California 92182 | $7,176 | 73% |
| #13 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,916 | 72% |
| #14 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,264 | 71% |
| #15 Penn State University, World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 | $21,682 | 71% |
| #16 Rutgers University 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07102 | $17,736 | 69% |
| #17 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
| #18 Kent State University Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 4424 | $1,1766 | 62% |
| #19 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $10,534 | 61% |
| #20 California State University, Northridge 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, California 91330 | $7,176 | 55% |
| #21 University of Illinois, Springfield One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703 | $8,270 | 54% |
| #22 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #23 Arizona State University 411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 | $11,720 | 58% |
| #24 Arkansas State University 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 | $4,986 | 53% |
| #25 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,542 | 41% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Online MPA Programs
A degree’s cost continues to rise, but some programs — particularly online programs — offer affordable MPA degrees. After reviewing various online MPA programs, we’ve determined that these are the most affordable online masters in public administration degrees.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Sul Ross State University HWY 90 East, Alpine, Texas 79832 | $3,900 | 25% |
| #2 Arkansas State University 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 | $4,986 | 53% |
| #3 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #4 Texas A&M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #5 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,916 | 72% |
| #6 California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, California 90840 | $7,176 | 74% |
| #7 San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California 92182 | $7,176 | 73% |
| #8 California State University, Northridge 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, California 91330 | $7,176 | 55% |
| #9 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,542 | 41% |
| #10 University of Illinois, Springfield One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703 | $8,270 | 54% |
| #11 University of Texas, Arlington 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, Texas 76013 | $8,474 | 51% |
| #12 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
| #13 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,264 | 71% |
| #14 Indiana University, Bloomington 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405 | $9,501 | 79% |
| #15 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $10,534 | 61% |
| #16 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
| #17 Arizona State University 411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 | $11,720 | 58% |
| #18 Kent State University Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 4424 | $11,766 | 62% |
| #19 Marist College 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 | $15,300 | 84% |
| #20 Central Michigan University 106 Warriner Hall, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859 | $16,700 | 61% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Online MPA Programs
An online master’s in public administration covers various public problems, teaching students to find creative, ethical solutions supported by data. However, with many concentrations and degree types available, the specifics of an online MPA could vary from student to student.
Types of Online Master’s in Public Administration Admission Degrees
While many public administration learners choose an MPA, some schools also offer a master of science or master of arts in public administration. Each option covers similar materials, though career outcomes can vary.
- An online MPA teaches students to become organizational leaders. This option is best for those who want to lead nonprofits, join politics, or serve public organizations.
- An online master of arts in public administration focuses heavily on research. Anyone interested in research careers might prefer a master of arts.
- An online master of science in public administration embraces quantitative practices and experience. This option is best for anyone interested in fields like public finance.
EMPA Vs. MPA
While most universities offer the master’s in public administration as an MPA degree, some universities offer it as an online executive MPA program. The main difference between MPA degrees and executive MPA degree is that the EMPA program focuses mainly on public administration leadership aspects. These programs are designed for executives expected to have significant professional experience in public administration or a closely related field.
SPECIALIZATIONS
One of the best ways to seek niche jobs in the public administration domain is to specialize in a sub-field of the subject. Here are some examples of focus areas students can consider:
Global Strategic Communication
A focus on Global Strategic Communication is suitable for those motivated by a sense of purpose. Through thorough and purposeful communication, this program equips students with the required tools and abilities to assist in the resolution of the world’s most critical issues. Students in this program will study how to communicate successfully across cultural and geographic boundaries in order to provide solutions to global concerns such as climate change and immigration. They will learn to deal with global issues by using strategic interpersonal communication skills and cultural awareness. The University of Florida is one institution that offers this specialization.
Public Interest Communication
Public interest communication has emerged as an interdisciplinary, systems-level profession with strategic benefits that transcend far beyond an organization’s communications position. Students who pursue this concentration will master the skills, methods, concepts, and procedures required to form movements and promote good social change through strategic communication tactics. This multidisciplinary program combines academic and practical work, drawing on practice and scholarship in public relations and journalism, advertising, and marketing research, as well as sociology, political science, anthropology, and neuroscience. Students can consider the University of Florida when opting for this concentration.
Online Master’s in Public Administration Admission Requirements
Every school sets its requirements for an online MPA program, though most accredited schools set similar requirements. While specific requirements vary by institution, some common admission requirements include the following.
Bachelor’s Degree
All online master’s in public administration programs require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some schools prefer candidates with a bachelor’s in a field related to public administration.
Resume/CV
Some online programs want applicants to demonstrate relevant professional experience. Regardless of requirements, a strong resume/CV could help applicants stand out.
Letters of Recommendation
Online MPA programs require at least two letters of recommendation. These should come from previous college professors or current professional supervisors.
GPA
Many programs require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, though other schools set no requirements. However, high GPAs could improve a candidate’s chance of getting admitted and securing financial aid.
GRE Scores
The Graduate Readiness Exam (GRE) is a standardized test that colleges use to evaluate applicants. This requirement is becoming less common, though some schools still require minimum GRE scores.
Courses and Curriculum for an Online MPA Program
Online master’s in public administration programs that receive accreditation tend to offer many of the same courses. However, some programs also offer concentrations so that those specific course requirements could vary significantly from school to school. Regardless, future master’s in public administration can anticipate completing the following courses.
- Public Personnel Administration: An important course for anyone interested in a government or public role, public personnel administration covers the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of personnel. This course also covers topics like compensation, training, and benefit. Public personnel administration directly applies to many human resources and leadership positions.
- Administrative Theory: Administrative theory introduces the groundwork used for many public administration courses. Students explore many historical and current public administration theories, then evaluate the different uses for each theory. This course also includes extensive reading and research, two skills required for many public administration positions.
- Public and Nonprofit Organizational Behavior: Organizational behavior provides students with a look at how individuals and systems behave within an organization. This course focuses specifically on public and nonprofit organizations, great for anyone interested in a leadership role.
- Public Financial Management: An analytics-heavy course, public financial management applies financial management topics to nonprofits and public organizations. Topics include tax administration, financial analysis, and cost-benefit analysis. While not always required, this course prepares students for financial management careers, a niche career for MPA graduates.
- Collaborative Governance: Collaborative governance deals with the process of implementing policies. The course teaches students to interact with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders. Other topics include negotiating and policy design. Depending on the position graduates secure, collaborative governance could play a large role in day-to-day operations.
Accelerated MPA Programs Online
Accelerated MPA Programs OnlineMany online master’s in public administration students choose to study part-time to continue working. However, other students want to complete their graduate degrees as quickly as possible. An accelerated MPA program teaches the same materials as a regular program, only at a faster pace. These degrees usually take one year to complete, though students can anticipate an intensive course of study. Here are some universities that offer accelerated online MPA programs, including one-year online masters in public administration:
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – 12 months
- Syracuse University – 15 months
- Barry University – 14 months
- Troy University – 15 months
- San Diego State University – 16 months
Free Online Master’s in Public Administration Programs
While uncommon, some students could enroll in a free online MPA program. These programs do not charge tuition rates to learners, making it an excellent way to earn a graduate degree. However, these rare programs are usually incredibly exclusive. Regardless, students who enter these programs enjoy quality degrees at no cost. While there aren’t any accredited free MPA programs, some courses are taken from previous years’ MPA programs and made available online. Here are some free courses from MPA programs:
| MIT OpenCourseWare | Coursera |
|---|---|
| Making Public Policy Resolving Public Disputes Urban Transportation Planning Research Design for Policy Analysis and Planning Community Growth and Land Use Planning Science, Politics, and Environmental Policy | Social and Economic Networks – Offered by Stanford via Coursera Measuring Causal Effects in the Social Sciences – Offered by University of Copenhagen via Coursera |
Skills Gained in an Online Master’s in Public Administration Program
A public administration degree leads to many different careers in various industries. To prepare graduates for these many possibilities, schools teach an array of useful skills. These skills help graduates thrive in their future positions while preparing them to continue their education potentially.
- Leadership: A master’s in public administration prepares students for leadership positions, so the programs teach valuable leadership skills. Leadership is used to oversee tasks and personnel, plan projects, and evaluate programs.
- Analytics: Many courses in an online MPA program emphasize analytics. Analytics is used in many career outcomes as public, private, and nonprofit officials use censuses, studies, and sources to make decisions. Some career outcomes rely heavily on analytics.
- Communication: Regardless of where students work, they must communicate with professionals in different fields. During an MPA program, students learn to communicate with personnel, lead employees, and explain their reasoning.
- Research: Depending on the MPA program, students may conduct heavy amounts of research. Most professions require public administrators to research before creating new policies or planning projects.
- Decision Making: As leaders in their field, MPA graduates are usually the ones to make the final decision on projects, hiring, or planning. MPA coursework teaches various skills that reinforce decision making, so graduates should feel confident in their decisions as a professional.
How to Pay for an MPA Degree
Master’s in public administration students, including those who study online, use various methods to pay for their degree. Before taking out student loans, many MPA students first secure grants, fellowships, financial aid, and scholarships.
Techniques for Paying for Your Online MPA
Grants: Grants provide learners with free money, similar to how scholarships work. Students can secure grants through their school, a private institution, or the state or federal government.
Fellowships: Fellowships, such as the Byron Hanke Fellowship, provide funding for public administration students in exchange for work. Similar to internships, a fellowship helps students pay for their degrees while also gaining valuable experience.
Financial Aid: All graduate students should submit the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA), a government program that helps students who demonstrate financial need pay for their degree. After completing the FAFSA, new learners automatically apply for financial aid, ranging from student loans to grants.
Scholarships for Online Master’s in Public Administration Students
Besides other grants, financial aid, and fellowships, online MPA students also use scholarships to help pay for their degree. Many scholarships only accept applicants who pursue a master’s degree in public administration, and some could finance a significant portion of a graduate degree.
- Walter W. Mode Scholarship Who Can Apply: Awarded through the American Society for Public Administration, the Walter W. Mode Scholarship awards $1,500 to an ASPA who demonstrates a commitment to public service. Amount: $1,500
- National Forum of Black Public Administrators Scholarships Who Can Apply: The NFBPA provides various scholarships for members and those who study at a Historically Black College or University. Some scholarships only accept graduate student applicants. Amount: $2,000-$10,000
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation Who Can Apply: A comprehensive award that finances students’ education pursuing various degrees, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has extended over 3,000 awards to date. Amount: $30,000
- Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship Who Can Apply: Those planning to earn a degree in government finance can apply for the GFOA Finance Professional Development Scholarship. Four winners are selected each year. Amount: $10,000
- Herbert Roback Scholarship Who Can Apply: Named after a lifelong public servant, the Herbert Roback Scholarships awards one scholarship to a student pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, international affairs, public policy, or a related field. Amount: $7,500
Career and Salary Outlook for Online MBA Graduates
A master’s in public administration introduces a wide range of topics to prepare students for careers in private, public, and nonprofit organizations. As a result, potential career opportunities can vary.
Regardless of which direction they take their career, graduate public administration students can anticipate good wages and steady job growth. Some potential career and salary potentials for online MPA graduates include the following.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2019-2029) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and Regional Planner | $74,350 | 11% | Urban and regional planners design and create communities in towns, cities, and metropolitan areas. These professionals work closely with public officials, conduct research, discuss potential projects with developers. |
| Human Resources Specialist | $61,920 | 7% | A human resources specialist recruits new candidates, conducts interviews, and manages employee relations. These professionals work in all fields and both private and public organizations. |
| Political Scientist | $122,220 | 6% | Important members of the political process, political scientists study political systems to analyze new governing methods, create new policies, and use political trends to influence future changes. |
| Administrative Services Managers | $96,940 | 6% | Administrative services managers coordinate and direct initiatives to improve the flow of an organization. These professionals work in the private and public sectors. |
| Financial Managers | $129,890 | 15% | Some MPA graduates end up working as financial managers. Financial managers evaluate a business or organization’s financial health by conducting research, creating reports, and communicating with organizational leaders. |
(Source: BLS)
Certifications and Licenses for Public Administration Degrees
Fortunately for public administration students, many potential careers do not require any certification or license. However, those who are unsure of what to do with their career should consider becoming Certified Public Managers. Other career outcomes, such as financial managers, could benefit from niche certifications.
- Certified Public Manager: A Certified Public Manager (CPM) is an individual who demonstrates excellence in their field. Aside from improving resumes and applications, the CPM certification qualifies individuals to join the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. To qualify, individuals must complete the CPM program.
- Certified Government Financial Manager: Ideal for anyone interested in financial management, the CGFM certification proves competency in auditing, financial reporting, and controlling budgets at the local, state, and federal levels. Applicants need a degree and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- SHRM Certification: This organization is created for human resources professionals. The SHRM certification requires master’s degree graduates to complete at least one year of professional HR experience before applying. The certification helps professionals advance their careers and secure higher salaries.
FAQs
| What is an MPA Degree? | A master’s in public administration is a graduate degree that leads to careers in public policy, foreign affairs, and related roles. |
| Why get a master’s degree in public administration? | A master’s degree in public administration leads to various high-paying and high-growth positions, both in the private and public sectors. |
Resources for Online Public Administration Students
Before completing an online MPA, students should consider joining a professional organization. These organizations provide members with various benefits, ranging from career boards to scholarship opportunities.
- American Society for Public Administration: ASPA members serve as civil servants, elected officials, and industry thought leaders. Aside from networking, members gain access to professional development and various industry publications.
- Government Finance Officers Association: Founded in 1906, GFOA serves over 20,000 public finance officials across North America. The association offers membership for current professionals and students, including public administration students.
- National Academy of Public Administration: A non-partisan association dedicated to providing expert advice to government leaders, NAPA doesn’t offer membership. However, public administration professionals can connect with NAPA Fellows and gain valuable industry insights.
- Alliance for Nonprofit Management: The Alliance for Nonprofit Management works to connect nonprofit professionals to promote social change. Members receive various industry discounts, access to educational opportunities, and plenty of networking opportunities.
- National Forum for Black Public Administrators: NFBPA works for the advancement of Black public leaders. Members get access to a job board, industry discounts, and an extensive community of professionals.
