The 2020 Guide to Online Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Programs

If you would like to change the educational landscape by implementing policies and developing programs, then a career in public administration might be for you. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a degree that focuses on public service or nonprofit management. Masters of public administration programs (commonly referred to as MPA programs) prepare students for management and executive organization on a local, state and federal level in different sectors, which include government service, education, community management, nonprofit organizations and more.

Jumpstart Your Career in the Public Sector, Explore Online MPA Programs:

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    • An Executive MPA for mid-career professionals
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Enroll in University of North Carolina's highly ranked MPA online program
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If you choose to specialize in education in the public administration field, you will manage policy issues in leadership positions of primary, secondary and higher educational systems. Some MPA programs require you to participate in field internships to hone your administrative, policy making, communication and research skills.

MPA degrees are one of the most popular degrees for mid-career professionals and, as a result, gaining an MPA online has become an increasingly common choice. Enrolling in an online master’s of public administration is a great way to save time and an effective way to continue earning an income whilst earning a valuable degree. A master's degree from an accredited institution may be required to become a practicing school administrator. This, along with state certification, will allow you to become an administrator at any grade level.

Online MPA Admissions Requirements

Before you begin to apply to online MPA programs, be sure to contact your accredited institutions of choice for information about any prerequisites you may need to fulfill. Depending on the requirements of the program you are applying to, you may be asked to submit some or all of the following items:

  1. Application: Fill out an initial application, which you can find  on the website of the accredited institution of your choice. Paper and online forms are both generally accepted.
  2. Bachelor’s degree: You should have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution prior to applying to an MPA program.
  3. Transcripts: Request transcripts before the application deadline, and upload one official copy of each transcript from any postsecondary schools you have attended.
  4. Experience: Include any relevant work experience in public administration.  
  5. Personal statement: Write a personal statement, which is typically in the form of an essay. You may be required to submit multiple essays to fully express the intent and purpose of your application. Below are some common topics that should be mentioned in a statement.
    • Your main academic and personal interests
    • Experiences in school or work that have helped to prepare you for this course of study
    • Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen
    • Why you wish to study at the university
    • Your plans for the future after you earn your degree
  6. Resume/CV: Upload a copy of your most recent resume or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
  7. Letters of recommendation: Submit your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies with each school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.
  8. Test scores: Mail in copies of your test scores. Many schools require GRE General Test scores or TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students; however, some programs do not require test scores at all.

Often, MPA online programs will have an executive track that features advanced coursework and an accelerated curriculum that is designed for mid-career public service professionals. These types of programs can be advantageous to busy mid-level professionals who want to gain an online mpa as efficiently as possible.

Some programs, like Syracuse’s top ranked Executive MPA program can be completed in as few as 15 months!

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Online MPA Program Structure

Online MPA programs can take a variety of different forms, but typically have the same emphases and similar required coursework. Some examples of variances of master of public administration programs are executive programs that are designed for mid-career professionals and dual degree programs with public policy or public health coursework in addition to traditional classes.

Executive MPA (EMPA) vs MPA

An executive MPA, or EMPA, might be the perfect option for working professionals who have years of experience in their chosen field and who want to take an accelerated path towards becoming an MPA holder. Whereas an MPA student could be coming straight from out of their undergraduate years of study, EMPA programs typically require some sort of demonstrated work and/or leadership experience under the umbrella of public administration. Additionally, there will likely be some differential in the amount of credits required within the program and the average completion time between EMPA and MPA programs.

Executive MPA Overview

Average Program Requirements

  • 27-33 required credits
  • Between 15 and 24 months to complete
  • Coursework offered during evenings and weekends

Requirements for Admissions

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Typically 5+ years of experience in a relevant field and demonstrated leadership experience in public administration
  • GRE or GMAT test scores typically not required

MPA Overview

Average Program Requirements

  • Typically over 30 credits
  • One to four years to complete
  • Both full time and part time options are usually available

Requirements for Admissions

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Often no set requirement for years of experience in the field, less demonstrated ability is needed
  • GRE or GMAT scores are often required

Online MPA Curriculum 

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete a master’s program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. However, a typical online MPA program includes courses in:

  • Microeconomics
  • Budgeting/finance
  • Policy process and policy analysis
  • Ethics
  • Public management
  • Leadership

Public Administration Career Outlook

After completing an MPA online program, the next step is to get licensed. This certification will enable you to officially work in the field of your choice. Every state has its own licensure requirements for becoming a school public administrator. The average annual salary for school administrators in elementary and secondary schools ranged from $70,840 to $107,900 in 2015. School administrators can work at the elementary through high school level. Another popular degree to jumpstart your career in education administration specifically is a doctorate of education degree that sets students up for success in educational leadership.

In addition to these common school administrator roles, there are also specializations and different roles that a recent graduate from an online master’s in public administration program can pursue:

Possible Career Paths in Education

District administrator

This role provides service to a school system as a district level administrative officer.

Principal

This role provides service to a school system as a district or school level executive overseeing daily operations

Supervisor

This role oversees and maintains daily activities within a school system and ensures that standards are being met.


Finding the Best Online MPA Program for You

Featured Online MPA Programs

Featured Online MPA Programs
School Name GRE Requirement Degree Type Credit Requirement
Syracuse University No GRE Required Executive Master of Public Administration 30
University of North Carolina GRE Waivers Available Master of Public Administration 36

Sponsored Programs

All Online MPA Programs

Teach.com has compiled a comprehensive list of all the online master of public administration programs in the United States along with their GRE requirement information, degree type and credit requirements. In searching for the best online mpa program that fits your needs, carefully consider the structure of the coursework and the admissions requirements to make your decision. Find a school that interests you and find out what it takes to graduate with an online master of public administration!

All Online MPA Programs
School Name GRE Requirement Degree Type Credit Requirement
American University GRE Required Master of Public Administration and Policy 36
Arizona State University GRE Required Master of Public Administration N/A
Brandman University GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
Califronia State University-Los Angeles No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
Clemson University GRE waivers Available Master of Public Administration 21
DePaul University No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 52
Eastern Carolina University GRE Required Master of Public Administration 45
Eastern Kentucky University GRE waivers Available Master of Public Administration 39
Excelsior College No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
Fairfield University No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 42
Florida International University GRE waivers Available Master of Public Administration 42
Kent State University GRE waivers Available Master of Public Administration 39
Lindenwood University No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
Marist College GRE Required Master of Public Administration 42
Northeastern University N/A Master of Public Administration 40
Northwestern University No GRE Required Master of Public Policy and Administration N/A
Nova Southeastern University GRE waivers Available Master of Public Administration 42
Old Dominion University GRE Required Master of Public Administration 39
Penn State World Campus GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
Rutgers University GRE Required Master of Public Administration 42
San Diego State University GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
Syracuse University No GRE Required Executive Master of Public Administration 30
Touro University Not GRE Required M.A. in Public Administration 36
University of Alabama GRE Required Master of Public Administration 39
University of Baltimore No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 45
University of Central Florida GRE Required Master of Public Administration 30
University of Delaware GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
University of Illinois Springfield No GRE Required Master of Public Administration 40
University of Oklahoma GRE Required Master of Public Administration N/A
University of Massachusetts Boston GRE Required Master of Public Administration 36
University of Miami GRE Waivers Available Master of Public Administration 42
University of Nebraska Omaha GRE Required Master of Public Administration 39
University of North Carolina GRE Waivers Available Master of Public Administration 36
University of North Dakota GRE Waivers Available Master of Public Administration 34
University of San Francisco GRE recommended Master of Public Administration 39
University of Southern California GRE Required Master of Public Administration 40
Villanova University GRE Required Master of Public Administration 39

American University

Overview:

American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) equips students with analytical skills, practical knowledge, and the necessary leadership abilities needed to exist in a variety of roles under the umbrella of public administration. Graduates go on to pursue careers in areas such as advising public policy, implementing programs across sectors, and managing nonprofit business functions.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: Public Policy Capstone included at the end of the program
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Arizona State University

Overview:

Arizona State University's Masters of Public Administration Program integrates Civility, and Respect in all public disclosure, fair, transparent and inclusive service to an increasingly diverse public, and constant adherence to professional ethics and public accountability. Through exposure to extensive faculty scholarship and excellent instruction, students will develop professional competencies as well as tools and techniques to perform in public and nonprofit organizations.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 42
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Nonprofit Management, Public Management/ Local Government, Environmental Management and Policy, Collaborative Governance, Native American Policy, Public Policy, Health Policy, Education policy, Higher Education Policy
  • Length of Program: 2 Years or 1.5 Year option
  • Capstone Information: Capstone Course offered in the final spring semester and is completed in groups. 6 of 8 core courses required to be completed before enrolling
  • Program Format: 42 hours divided into 4 components

Brandman University

Overview:

At Brandman University students will apply principles of finance and public administration as well as the ethical standards of law to aid in the development of a political strategy for problem solving. Graduates continue on to fulfill careers in Urban and Regional Planning, Regulatory Affairs, and Social and Community Service.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 or 2.5 with satisfactory score on the GRE
  • GRE Requirements: Not required unless GPA is below 3.0
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Organizational Leadership
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: Course offered completely online as well as a Hybrid option

California State University-Los Angeles

Overview:

Within the diverse and dynamic urban environment of California State LA, students develop leadership qualities including effective intra-organizational communication, critical thinking/problem solving skills, and knowledge of public administration theory to understand the ethical basis of public service. Housed in Cal State LAs Department of Political Science, students are exposed to many government and nonprofit agencies that are seeking graduates with the public administrative skills obtained from this program.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: 2 years (Full Time), (3 Years Part Time)
  • Capstone Information: Completed in the last semester
  • Program Format: In-person only, once a week in the evening

Clemson University

Overview:

Clemson offers students complete flexibility by providing a fully online experience that has also allowed the MPA program to grow for a regional onsite program to a national program. With the majority of students currently working as public administrators or nonprofit professionals, a unique environment is created in which students can experience and contribute to an engaging and collaborative experience.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39-42, depending on students choice of comprehensive exam or a capstone project
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Emergency Management, Government, Homeland Defense and Security, Non-Profit Administration, Regional Sustainability
  • Length of Program: 2.5 years with summer sessions, 3.5 without
  • Capstone Information: Optional, counts as 3 credit hours
  • Program Format: Coursework completed online

DePaul University

Overview:

DePaul University's MPA program aids government leaders in domestic and global issues, alleviating poverty, and building a responsive government while always promoting accountability, justice, professionalism, and transparency. Designed for individuals or current government professionals seeking to pursue a career in either local, state, federal, or international government.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 52
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Emergency Management, Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs, International Public Management, and Public Management
  • Length of Program: 2.5 Years
  • Capstone Information: An action research project integrating applied research, theoretical frameworks, and professional practice.
  • Program Format: On-site and Online options available

Eastern Carolina University

Overview:

Eastern Carolina University MPA program provides an enhanced learning experience by having professional faculty that have previously or currently are serving in public and nonprofit sectors, while keeping class sizes to an average of 15 students. The curriculum is designed to enhance and develop the necessary skills to implement policies and programs to resolve problems in society.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.7
  • GRE Requirements: Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 45
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Management and Public Policy
  • Length of Program: Two years (Full Time), 29-25 months (Part Time)
  • Capstone Information: Professional paper that identifies a public management problem or policy as well as a solution, completed in last semester
  • Program Format: On-site and Online options available

Eastern Kentucky University

Overview:

Eastern Kentucky University's regionally accredited fully online program can be tailored to an individual career goal by providing specializations in a range of areas. EKU MPA graduates go on to serve as budget analysts, researchers, program evaluators, grant writers, community and economic development specialists, and elected officials.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.75
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required, unless GPA is below 3.0
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Community Development,Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience, Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: Completely Online

Excelsior College

Overview:

The Excelsior College MPA program teaches students the needed skills to communicate with stakeholders and team members, respond to ethical issues in the workplace and how to manage staff and human resources responsibilities. Graduates, throughout the program, create a complete professional portfolio that includes strategic budgets, accounting data, and financial reports ready for current or prospective employers.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 30
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: 6 Years max to complete
  • Capstone Information: 3 credit eight-week master’s culmination course
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Fairfield University

Overview:

The MPA program offered by Fairfield University focuses on strengthening leadership abilities for career advancement by emphasizing pressing ethical, social and professional issues. Graduate professionals find careers in areas like Healthcare Management, Regional/City/State/Government offices, and Management Consulting firms.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 42
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: 1.5 years (Full Time), 3-4 (Part Time)
  • Capstone Information: options available of specially designed course, independent study, or a master’s thesis
  • Program Format: On-site and Online options available

Florida International University

Overview:

With the option of either attending on campus or online Florida International University provides the flexibility to meet the needs of both continuing professional and traditional students. With faculty having extensive publication records or having held significant positions in federal,state, and local government, students are exposed to a range of experienced professionals.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required if GPA is less than 3.25, waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 42
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Human Resource Management, Public Management, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Nonprofit and Community Development, Comparative and International Public Administration
  • Length of Program: 16 Months
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: On campus, Online, and Hybrid

Kent State University

Overview:

The Kent State University MPA program is designed for students who want to gain the knowledge, skills and credibility required for advancement in the public sector. Graduates by the end of the program will be able to gain momentum in a public service career, stand out to potential employers, expand their professional network and learn new ways to implement public policy.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: N/A
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: 15 week format, final work presented via web conferencing technology
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Lindenwood University

Overview:

Lindenwood University's Masters in Public Administration program blends business administration, human services, and a range of core topics to provide the knowledge needed to prepare students to serve as managers in the executive arm of government. Graduates will possess the applications of interdisciplinary skills needed for government operations.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: Completed in form of a major research paper
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Marist College

Overview:

The MPA at Marist creates innovative leaders of public policy and nonprofit organizations by providing the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for managing in a diverse society. The program underlines effective communication, data driven decision making as well as the use of technology to build leadership qualities of public organizations. Ethical values are also integrated to assure students are able to understand critical issues.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.75
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Public Management, Ethical Leadership, Health Care Administration
  • Length of Program: Two years (Full Time) 3 years (Part Time)
  • Capstone Information: Independent self driven format, Thesis or comprehensive exam not required
  • Program Format: On Campus, Online, Hybrid

Northeastern University

Overview:

The Public Administration Masters Program at Northeastern University is a completely online course with a practice oriented, research based graduate education aimed at professionals seeking management and leadership careers. Through engaging interactions with faculty and fellow students, graduates exchange views, and work collaboratively to shape their own learning experience.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 32
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: One-Two years
  • Capstone Information: Faculty guided, Team format
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Northwestern University

Overview:

Northwestern's Masters in Public Policy and Administration program provides students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a holistic approach to both administrative and analytical sides of policy. Graduates will leave the program with the tools needed to further their career and inspire change at the local, national and international levels.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: N/A
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Public Administration, Public Policy, Global Policy, Global Health, Data Analytics for Public Policy Specialization
  • Length of Program: 1 year (Full Time accelerated), 2-5 years (Part Time)
  • Capstone Information: Public Policy and Administration focused research project completed either independently or as an instructor led course
  • Program Format: On Campus and Online

Nova Southeastern University

Overview:

The Masters of Public Administration program at Nova Southeastern University develops skills to understand the social, economic and political context in which public decisions are made. With new millennium based developing theory, employee surveys, and focus groups of professional administrators, the MPAs program is tailored to meet public sector needs.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.25
  • GRE Requirements: Required, if GPA is below 3.0
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Criminal Justice, Generalist, Non Profit/Non Governmental Organizations, State and Local Administration
  • Length of Program: 21 Months
  • Capstone Information: Offered in 3 formats (Internship, Integrative Project, Practicum Research Paper
  • Program Format: On Campus, Online

Old Dominion University

Overview:

Old Dominion University's Master of Public Administration Program develops students with the knowledge, abilities and skills to strengthen public service in a diverse environment. The program supports the professions of public administration and public service while promoting the state of knowledge through scholarly research.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.8
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Traditional, Non Profit Management & Governance, Multi-Sector Public Service
  • Length of Program: Two years (Full Time), 3-4 Years (Part Time)
  • Capstone Information: Case approach to Public Administration and Public Management
  • Program Format: On campus, Online

Penn State World Campus

Overview:

Students who are looking for marketability and opportunities for advancement as public service professionals can obtain the accepted professional credential by completing a Masters Degree in Public Administration at Penn State World Campus. With the competencies gained in this program, graduates go on to meet the high demand of effective leaders who also have the flexibility to move between sectors.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required if GPA is below 3.0
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Homeland Security, Human Resources, Nonprofit Management, Policy Analysis and Evaluation, Public Budgeting and Financial Management, State-Local Government and Administration
  • Length of Program: 3-5 Years
  • Capstone Information: Public Policy Capstone included at the end of the program
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Rutgers University

Overview:

The completely online Master of Public Administration Program at Rutgers University trains students to become skilled at defining public problems, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data and implementing ethical course of action. By the end of the program graduates should be equipped with professional competencies in public administration and management.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required if GPA is below 3.0
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 42
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Leadership of Public Organizations, Budgeting and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public and Nonprofit Performance Management, Technology and Information Management
  • Length of Program: N/A
  • Capstone Information: Written report and oral presentation of a research question that addresses an existing public or nonprofit problem
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

San Diego State University

Overview:

San Diego State University offers a 16 month Masters of Public Administration program that is geared toward experienced professionals who currently work in government and nonprofit agencies. The program is broken down into accelerated cohorts complete with a capstone research project that will be presented to a panel of professional practitioners and faculty.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.85
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Urban Government Administration, Employer/Employee Relations, Non Profit Relations and Government, Administrative Behavior, and Comparative Public Administration
  • Length of Program: 16 Months
  • Capstone Information: Final module where students develop an applied research project
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Touro University

Overview:

Touro University's online Master of Arts in Public Administration equips graduates with the required knowledge and skills to play a key role Public Leadership and Administration, NonProfit Management, and Policy Analysis in many types of organizations. By blending theoretical and applied concepts, the curriculum effectively addresses areas of government administration, policy analysis and administration of government agencies.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.5
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Government Administration, Policy Analysis, and Administration of Government Agencies
  • Length of Program: 1 Year
  • Capstone Information: Final course of program that demonstrates the students ability to integrate all facets of public administration study
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

University of Alabama

Overview:

The University of Alabama's Masters of Public Administration program upholds the integrity of public service while enabling students to formulate policies and approaches to management. Through a learning experience that combines theory with practice the program emphasizes public service values while promoting intellectual and professional development.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.2
  • GRE Requirements: Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: 3 years
  • Capstone Information: Public Policy Capstone included at the end of the program
  • Program Format: None

University of Baltimore

Overview:

The Masters of Public Administration program at the University of Baltimore strives to enhance students skills in research methods and quantitative techniques with concentrations in six different areas. The program pushes students to reflect immensely on the role of public administration in a democratic society, as well as how to apply the constitution and what their civic responsibilities are, as a public servant.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.5
  • GRE Requirements: Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 45
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Public Policy and Administration, Health-Care Policy and Administration, Budgeting and Fiscal Administration, Negotiations and Conflict Management, Global Affairs and Human Security, and Public and Nonprofit Management
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: Online and Hybrid Options available

University of Delaware

Overview:

The University of Delaware's MPA degree program trains highly motivated students to lead and manage public and not-for-profit organizations while maintaining the aspect of diversity. By the end of the program students will have utilized coursework and gained knowledge to develop leadership, analytical, and problem solving skills that are essential to diverse multi-sectored environments.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Nonprofit Management, Public Policy Analysis, Emergency Management, Public Management, Student Designed Specialization
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: Online and On Campus options available

University of Central Florida

Overview:

The University of Central Florida's Masters of Public Administration degree program integrates strategic planning, organizational management, and public policy to prepare the graduate for employment or career advancement. By incorporating real world experiences, service learning, and community partnerships, students are able to cultivate leadership skills.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 42
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Strategic Planning, Public Policy, Organizational Management, Financial Fanagement
  • Length of Program: 2-3 Years
  • Capstone Information: Final Course worth 3 Credit Hours
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

University of Illinois Springfield

Overview:

The University of Illinois Springfield offers an MPA degree program that strives to educate current and future government and nonprofit public servant professionals with a combination of disciplinary knowledge and skills of practice. Students are highly exposed to a diverse networked community of public affairs, with the program being located in the state capital.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.5
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required, unless GPA is below minimum requirement
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: Integrates academic research with issues faced by practicing professionals. Major paper and oral presentation required
  • Program Format: On Campus and Online options available

University of Oklahoma

Overview:

The University of Oklahoma's mission for the MPA program is accomplished by offering a robust curriculum, student preparation of leadership skills, and engaging teaching service activities.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Not Required
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, Individualized Intensive Study
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: Eligible for enrollment after 27 credits
  • Program Format: On campus

University of Massachusetts Boston

Overview:

The University of Massachusetts Boston Masters in Public Administration degree program facilitates the skills and insight needed to effectively lead and manage public programs. Graduates proceed to pursue careers in government, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Gender, Leadership and Public Policy
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: 2 options available, either a case study of a public policy or significant piece of legislation, or a critical examination of a policy issue confronting a student at his or her place of employment
  • Program Format: Coursework completed in person

University of Miami

Overview:

The Masters of Public Administration online degree program offered by the University of Miami, was designed to equip students with a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the requirements to be an effective public service leader. Areas of focus that aid in the success of the program include planning, financial budgeting, political analysis, and personnel administration.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 42
  • Specializations/Concentrations: None
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

University of Nebraska Omaha

Overview:

Students in the Masters of Public Administration Program at the University of Nebraska Omaha will use their gained practice to transform society through a career in public service. The mission of the program is to strengthen the public service in a democratic and diverse society.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Emergency Management, Healthcare Administration, Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Information & Technology Management
  • Length of Program: 2.5 Years
  • Capstone Information: Allows students to integrate the public administration course experiences into a project that reflects the gained knowledge from class instruction
  • Program Format: Online and On Campus options available

University of North Dakota

Overview:

The University of North Dakota offers both online and oncampus MPA program that prepares students to address the challenging obstacles that are facing government and non-profit organizations. The graduates will have to confront issues ranging in areas that include, ethics, management, and leadership.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 2.75
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 34
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Health Administration, and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Length of Program: 2 Years
  • Capstone Information: Case-based class that requires students to apply what they have learned in the program to analyze and find solutions to real problems.
  • Program Format: Online and On Campus options available

University of San Francisco

Overview:

The mission of the University of San Francisco is to fully prepare the graduates for public leadership by advancing a challenging curriculum through learning experiences that combines theory with practice. Through the collection and analysis of essential evidence for implementing public service strategies, students are prepared to address the public interest.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: N/A
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 38
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Health Services Administration
  • Length of Program: 21 Months
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: On Campus

University of Southern California

Overview:

The University of Southern California Masters of Public Administration program is a multidisciplinary environment that combines management and leadership in the modern political environment. Students will complete the program with the skills required for all the challenges and opportunities of the constant changing nature of public administration.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Public Policy or City and County Management
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: Program held in the last spring semester. Students use newly acquired skills to solve real world problems, targeting desired outcomes for a specific client or jurisdiction
  • Program Format: Coursework completed entirely online

Villanova University

Overview:

Villanova University's mission for the Masters of Public Administration program is committed to providing students with the ethical, creative, inclusive, and intelligent leadership knowledge. Graduates are exposed to a range of effective practices in public service areas, in addition to networking opportunities and professional development.

Admissions Information:
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE Requirements: Required, Waivers available
Program Information:
  • Credit Hours: 39
  • Specializations/Concentrations: Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, City Management
  • Length of Program: Two years
  • Capstone Information: N/A
  • Program Format: On Campus and Online options available