There are countless benefits to earning a Master’s of Public Administration degree, including a fulfilling career in a multi-faceted position that has ties with dozens of industries throughout the country and the world. A master’s degree will help professional public servants advance their careers to a higher level, or find new channels through which to focus their energy.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job growth for public administrators at around 8%, which is as fast as average, and the median annual income at around $80,000 per year. Having earned a multi-disciplinary degree, public servants have the skill to apply for positions throughout numerous industries, rather than being pigeon-holed into one area. Public servants provide crucial service to local and national communities in many different ways.
QUICK LINKS
- Top Online Schools for Master’s of Public Administration Degree Programs
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
- VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
- FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNC CHAPEL HILL
- SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA-PEMBROKE
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY-BLOOMINGTON
- ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
- NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
- UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
- PARK UNIVERSITY
- REGENT UNIVERSITY
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- NORWICH UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Additional helpful information: 10 Great Concentrations in Business Administration and 5 Best Online Schools for Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) Degree Programs
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Top Online Schools for Master’s of Public Administration Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: Upon graduation from one of these Top 20 Online Schools for Master’s of Public Administration Degree Programs, alumni will find positions in many sectors, including federal, state, and local governments, healthcare industries, executive management, law enforcement, politics, and much more!
The editors of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com collect the most important and relevant data about colleges, universities, and campus facilities from various highly respected sources and offer them in a simple format that is easy to understand. In developing this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in an ordered way, but instead, highlighted twenty of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique strengths based on the following:
- Convenient and flexible learning format through 100% Online or Hybrid programs,
- Displays proper Accreditation requirements,
- Offers the best in Public Service education, training, and management,
- Trains to identify issues within Public Administration, as well as, ways to conduct research to solve specific issues in Healthcare, Social Policy, Immigration, and Urban Development, and others,
- Promotes positive policy changes,
- Financial Aid options; Grants, Scholarships and Military Discounts,
- Sharpens creative-thinking, communications, and problem-solving skills,
- Ease of credit transfer into an online Doctoral or Ph.D. degree program,
- Provides opportunities for career advancement and potential increased salary earnings,
- Can be utilized in many areas of industry types related to Public Administration,
- Taught by industry professionals,
- Ideal for working professionals already involved in the field of Public Administration.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Master of Public Administration Online
Program Standouts:
The University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy offers distance education students a Master of Public Administration that “connects extensive research to real-world solutions to help graduates navigate a modern, interconnected socio-economic and political environment.”
Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges; National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Tuition and Fees:
- $1,666 per unit (15-18 total units)—tuition
- $85 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Institutional, departmental, and alternative scholarships and awards; federal loans and work-study opportunities; Military/Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited institution representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE/GMAT scores, and some applicants may be required to submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and/or a writing sample.
Program Options:
- Nonprofit Management
- Local Government
- Public Management
Degree Outcomes:
The University of Southern California has been showered in awards for its coursework, research, and overall education of public administration, “placing it in the top 2.3% nationwide”—students learning from USC will receive the finest online education in this political discipline.
Learn more about USC’s Online Master’s of Public Administration Degree Program
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AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Standouts:
American Public University has designed its Master of Public Administration degree program to thrive on the diversity of students’ positions and experiences. This program is perfect for individuals currently in public management or public service, or who are breaking into the field as a new disincline! Through an engaging curriculum, students learn to maneuver current political trends.
Campus Location: Charles Town, WV
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council
Tuition and Fees:
- $350 per credit hour—tuition
- $325 per credit hour—military tuition
- $50 per course—technology fee
Types of Aid: Federal grants and loans; private loans; institutional scholarships; multiple payment plans; and numerous benefits for Military personnel and Veterans.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application and official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution.
Program Options:
- Disaster Management
- Environmental Policy
- Health Policy
- Human Resources
- National Security
- Organizational Management
- Security Management
Degree Outcomes:
The goals of this program are to educate students on how to solve difficult problems that affect large groups of people, use creative problem-solving skills to do so, and communicate solutions through diverse public, private, and nonprofit networks. APU graduates will have a broad range of understanding the field through which to implement effective change.
Learn more about American Public University’s MPA Degree Program
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VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
Distance Learning Master of Public Administration Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Villanova students learn a huge amount of beneficial skills from “recognized scholars and practitioners will help students develop their analytical, decision-making, management and leadership skills.” Students receive an online curriculum that is identical to VU’s on-campus program.
Campus Location: Villanova, PA
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
Tuition and Fees:
- $900 per credit hour—tuition and fees
Types of Aid: Federal loans, grants, and work-study programs; military grants; merit-based, need-based, and outside scholarships; Military benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited institution, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, statement of goals, and a current resume.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Strategic Planning
- Managing Public Networks
- Effective City Management
Degree Outcomes:
Villanova graduates will demonstrate strong capabilities in personnel management strategies and best practices in non-profit, private, and public-sector organizations; as well as effective management practices for the city and non-profit leaders. As it is boldly stated on their website, “Nothing looks better on your resume than a highly respected graduate degree from Villanova University.”
Learn more about Villanova University’s Online Master of Public Administration Degree Program
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FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
E-Learning Master of Liberal Studies in Public Administration Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Fort Hays State University has designed a Master of Liberal Studies in Public Administration that focuses on addressing the increasingly complex political, cultural, and racial issues throughout the United States today. This degree program attempts to bridge the gaps between public, private, and nonprofit sectors as the boundary between these industries becomes “increasingly blurred.”
Campus Location: Hays, KS
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $400 per credit hour—tuition
- $40 one time ($50 one time for international students)—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal and state grants; federal loans and work-study programs; institutional, state, and community scholarship opportunities; Military benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, the application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 2.5 or higher, letters of recommendation, and a personal letter/statement or current resume. International students must submit proof of English literacy.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Public Policy, Law, and Ethics in Information Networking and Telecommunications
- Law of Cyberspace
- Organizational Culture and Climate
Degree Outcomes:
Fort Hays State University graduate students have exciting opportunities to design coursework that directly applies to their career goals. All students are required to complete a “3-hour culminating experience (apprenticeship, internship, or thesis).” Through this curriculum, masters students graduate with a firm understanding of the field and exhibit finely tuned communication, leadership, and management skills.
Learn more about Fort Hays State University’s Online Master’s of Liberal Studies in Public Administration Degree Program
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UNC CHAPEL HILL
Master oF Public Administration Online
Program Standouts:
According to their impressive website, “UNC’s Master of Public Administration program is consistently ranked among the top 25 public administration programs in the nation.” Educating masters students in federal, state, and local government leadership roles—this program was designed to fine-tune and expand the skills of public service professionals.
Campus Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $5,537.02 per 9+ credit hours—in-state tuition and fees (based on full-time enrollment)
- $14,142,52 per 9+ credit hours—out-of-state tuition and fees (based on full-time enrollment)
For a full break-down of the tuition and fees structure, click here!
Types of Aid: Federal, institutional, and private grants and loans; institutional and outside scholarships; federal work-study programs; laptop grants; Military/Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 24.4%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores.
Program Options:
- Community & Economic Development
- Local Government
- Nonprofit Management
- International Relations
- Public Health
Degree Outcomes:
Earning a degree from this esteemed university is not only impressive on a resume, but it also gives graduate students a diverse and well-rounded education in a complex and many-faceted field. Through one of the five focus areas, graduates will expand their understanding of the field and open new doors on their individual career paths.
Learn more about UNC’s Online Master of Public Administration Degree Program
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SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE
Master of Public Administration Distance Learning Program
Program Standouts:
As it is brilliantly stated by the department, Southern University’s online Master of Public Administration is designed to “promote opportunities in public sector management; to support the goals of community agencies as well as governmental organizations, to produce the next generation of well-qualified and ethically-grounded practitioners and academicians, and to advance knowledge in the discipline through scientific inquiry.”
Campus Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Tuition and Fees:
- $819 per credit hour—tuition and fees
Types of Aid: Federal and state grants and loans; institutional and outside scholarships; and graduate assistantships.
Acceptance Rate: 45.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 2.7-3.0 or higher, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current resume representing at least three years of relevant work experience (two out of three years must be within the public sector).
Program Options:
- General Program
- Healthcare Administration
- Public Policy
- Non-profit Management
Degree Outcomes:
This well-designed and thought-out curriculum are designed to give students a hands-on approach to the field. Through challenging coursework and the MPA internship which gives students “authentic exposure” to environments of the profession, students learn new skills and fine-tune old ones.
Learn more about Southern University and A&M College’s Online Master’s Degree Program in Public Administration
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA-PEMBROKE
Online Master’s of Public Administration Degree
Program Standouts:
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s online Master of Public Administration is perfect for students without a professional or academic background in public administration, political sciences, and/or other social sciences. Students may choose from four unique specializations through which to concentrate their degree in an area most applicable to their goals.
Campus Location: Pembroke, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $704.68 per credit hour—in-state tuition and fees
- $1,928.38 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $45 one time ($60 for international students)—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities; institutional and alternative scholarships; Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 80.7%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, the application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a goals/personal statement.
Program Options:
- Public Management
- Emergency Management
- Criminal Justice
- Health Administration
Degree Outcomes:
UNC Pembroke believes in “aggressive career development,” whether that means climbing higher in a certain industry or find a better-suited path. The curriculum is designed for students to achieve leadership positions in both public and non-profit industries.
Learn more about UNC Pembroke’s Online Master of Public Administration Degree Program
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INDIANA UNIVERSITY-BLOOMINGTON
E-Learning Degree Program in Master of Public Affairs
Program Standouts:
The School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University-Bloomington has designed and implemented an online Master of Public Affairs degree program that redefines the discipline: blending the curricula of a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Public Administration, students earn a highly faceted and versatile degree.
Campus Location: Bloomington, IN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $566.47 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $1,096.10 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $30 per credit hour—distance education course fee
- $200 one time—enrollment deposit
- $55 one time ($65 for international students)—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal loans and work-study opportunities; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and external scholarships; AmeriCorps benefits; Veterans’ and Military benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed IU application, an SPEA application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s, three letters of recommendation, GRE/GMAT scores, a current resume or CV, statement of purpose, and TOEFL or IELTS scores from international students.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Risk Analysis, Management, and Communication
- Public Program Evaluation
- Public Management Information Systems
Degree Outcomes:
Indiana University-Bloomington graduates will be prepared to advance their career or enter a new position in nonprofit management, policy analysis, and/or public management; having learned from esteemed faculty members who are pillars of knowledge within their field, masters students develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills in a variety of disciplines.
Learn more about Indiana University-Bloomington’s Online Master of Public Policy and Master of Public Administration Degree Programs
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ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Online MPA Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Arkansas State University’s online Master of Public Administration is designed to “enhance the careers of law enforcement, public sector, and non-profit professionals in order to achieve management-, director- or executive-level positions within their chosen fields. This program will help students affect positive change within their local communities.
Campus Location: Jonesboro, AK
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $270 per credit hour—tuition and fees
Types of Aid: Institutional, state, and external scholarships; federal and state grants; federal work-study opportunities; federal and private loans; Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 2.75 or higher, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Grant Writing and Administration
- Administrative Behavior
- Non-Profit Management
Degree Outcomes:
Among many refined skills graduate students gain in ASU’s online MPA program, graduates will have developed dispositions, knowledge, and skills for rigorous problem analysis and successful collaboration leading to comprehensive solutions. Through “performance-based field activities” and internships, students learn hands-on approaches to working through complex PA scenarios.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s Online MPA Degree Program
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NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Online Master of Public Administration Degree
Program Standouts:
Northeastern University graduate students have the privilege of a brilliantly designed curriculum that is designed to “develop competencies in budgeting and human resources, organizational management and leadership, and the interplay between ethics and accountability in a diverse society.”
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition and Fees:
- $1,476 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Institutional, private, and community scholarship opportunities; graduate assistantships; federal loans and grants; various payment plans; Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 27.4%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, and GRE scores.
Program Options:
- Nonprofit Sector
- Urban Informatics
- Urban Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
Degree Outcomes:
Not only does a Northeastern University diploma make for a glowing resume, but this degree also prepares students for a huge variety of PA scenarios through career-oriented experience in internships, small group projects, and other interactions with professionals in the field. “A recent survey of MPA alumni concluded that 45% of recent graduates are working in the public sector, 29% in the nonprofit sector, and 5% in the private sector.”
Learn more about Northeastern University’s Online MPA Degree Program
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SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Online MBA in Public Administration
Program Standouts:
“One of the most affordable” Public Administration programs in the country, Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MBA in Public Administration in which students gain monumentally beneficial experience in multiple disciplines. This curriculum prepares students for leadership positions in a huge number of career paths.
Campus Location: Hooksett, NH
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Tuition and Fees:
- $627 per credit hour—tuition
- $470 per credit hour—active-duty Military (and their spouses) tuition
- $40 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal and state grants; institutional, departmental, and alternative scholarships; federal and alternative loans; Military benefits; various payment plans.
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s. GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Ethics, Corporate Culture, and Social Responsibility
- Government Impact on Business
Degree Outcomes:
SNHU’s online degree can be completed in as little as one year. That on top of the affordable tuition rates makes this one of the cost-efficient degrees available. Students learn in diverse online classroom environments from expert faculty members and establish strong networking connections throughout industries nationwide.
Learn more about SNHU’s MBA in Public Administration Degree Program
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Online Executive Master’s of Public Administration Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The University of South Dakota offers an online Executive Master’s of Public Administration that is designed for public service professionals seeking further understanding of effective communication and leadership skills within the field. “A curriculum in core professional competencies,” USD is focused on making the most professional public servants out of its master’s students.
Campus Location: Vermillion, SD
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $431.25 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; graduate assistantships and fellowships; institutional and alternative scholarships; federal work-study opportunities; Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 86.9%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s, statement of purpose, a current resume representing relevant work experience, and three letters of recommendation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Organization and Management
- Budgetary and Fiscal Management
- Executive Public Administration
Degree Outcomes:
Students graduate from the University of South Dakota with a huge number of applicable skills, including the ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective; and communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. Glowing professional and student recommendations highly regard this online MPA program.
Learn more about the University of South Dakota’s Online Executive Master’s of Public Administration Degree Program
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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
Master of Public Administration Distance Learning Degree Program
Program Standouts:
“Ranked in the top 15% in the United States,” the University of Nebraska Omaha’s online Master of Public Administration is a challenging degree program focused on developing and refining students’ understanding of the field and ethical decision-making skills. “Thirty-three percent of the faculty are fellows in the prestigious National Academy of Public Administration.”
Campus Location: Omaha, NE
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
Tuition and Fees:
- $249.50 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $697 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $25 per credit hour—distance learning fee
- $11 per credit hour—technology fee
- $85.30 per academic year—student access and success fee
- $45 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; federal work-study; institutional, graduate, and outside scholarships; graduate assistantships and fellowships.
Acceptance Rate: 86.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s, a current resume, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.
Program Options:
- Aviation
- Emergency Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Local Government
- Nonprofit
- Public Management
- Public Policy
Degree Outcomes:
University of Nebraska Omaha graduates have gone on to achieve many professional endeavors upon exiting the program, and have obtained positions in numerous industries: federal, state, and local governments; in nonprofit organizations delivering services such as health care, youth and human services, and community development; in international development; and in public service-related private businesses.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Online Degree Program
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PARK UNIVERSITY
Online Master’s Degree in Public Administration
Program Standouts:
One of the premier Master of Public Administration programs in Missouri, Park University is highly concerned with developing graduate students who, according to the Mission Statement, “exercise authority responsibly, make ethical decisions, act with moral courage, and advance human dignity worldwide.”
Campus Location: Parkville, MO
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $505 per credit hour—tuition
- $445 per credit hour—Veterans’ tuition
- $385 per credit hour—active duty Military tuition
- $35 one time—application fee
- $10 per credit hour—technology fee
- $40 per credit hour—graduate course fee
Types of Aid: Federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans; non-federal work-study; alternative grants; private loans; institutional scholarships; departmental grants; and numerous Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current resume.
Program Options:
- Public Management
- Business, Government and Global Society
- Nonprofit and Community Services Management
- Disaster and Emergency Management
Degree Outcomes:
Park University’s online Public Administration program is intended to instill a lifelong commitment to public affairs, service, and values with a focus on moral courage, social justice, and the public interest. This program does not merely offer education in public service, but a career and livelihood in highly crucial professionalism.
Learn more about Park University’s Distance Learning Public Administration Degree Program
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
Distance Learning Degree Program in Master of Public Administration
Program Standouts:
Regent University offers a unique online Master of Public Administration degree program—”the first public/nonprofit management program rooted in a Christian worldview…” Students have the opportunity to focus their curriculum in six concentration areas that conform to their personal career goals.
Campus Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $650 per credit hour—tuition
- $250 per semester—technology fee
Types of Aid: Institutional, private, and alternative scholarships; departmental awards; federal loans and grants; corporate sponsorships; various payment plans; military benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, the nonrefundable application fee, personal essay, writing sample, a current resume, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, and GRE or LSAT scores (optional).
Program Options:
- Emergency Management & Homeland Security
- General Public Administration
- Healthcare Policy & Ethics
- Law
- Nonprofit & Faith-Based Organizations
- Public Leadership & Management
Degree Outcomes:
Career paths vary greatly from specialization to specialization, but the versatile nature of the degree itself, particularly in the General Public Administration area, allows students to work in multiple fields of the discipline. That on top of the extensive networking connection Regent Alumni has made this a most valuable degree.
Learn more about Regent University’s Master of Public Administration Degree
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JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Online Master’s Degree in Public management
Program Standouts:
This renowned university offers a challenging, online Master of Public Management degree program that addresses real-world issues and gives students opportunities to solve some of these complex problems. Blending the sectors of governmental and nonprofit industries, the curriculum prepares students for numerous future scenarios.
Campus Location: Baltimore, MD
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Maryland Higher Education Commission; Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
Tuition and Fees:
- $3,566 per course—tuition and fees
- $75 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal loans; outside scholarships; employer tuition benefits; and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 12.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, the nonrefundable application fee, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, unofficial transcripts, and TOEFL scores from students who speak English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Presidential Policymaking
- Poverty, Inequality, Opportunity: Theoretical Foundations and Policy Implications
- Separation of Powers and Democratic Governance
Degree Outcomes:
Students gain a fabulous education from respected faculty members who are revered professionals in their field. Earning a degree from this highly accredited school not only looks impressive on a resume, but also provides students with experience in policy analysis and evaluation, financial management, economics, and fiscal policy, and public policy and administration.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins University’s Online Master’s Degree in Public Management
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NORWICH UNIVERSITY
Distance Learning Master’s of Public Administration Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Norwich University designed its online Master of Public Administration program to give students a huge amount of practical understanding of general public administration as well as a firm foundation in a specialization area. In a diverse online cohort, graduate students learn organizational leadership and change, strategic planning, ethics, and financial management and data analysis.
Campus Location: Northfield, VT
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition and Fees:
- $675 per credit hour—tuition
- $575 per semester—technology fee
- $650 per semester—resource fee
Types of Aid: Institutional and alternative scholarships; federal and alternative loans; various payment plans; numerous Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 64.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, a current resume, letter of intent, one letter of recommendation, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Program Options:
- Public Works and Sustainability
- Nonprofit Management
- Municipal Governance
- Fiscal Management
- International Development and Influence
- Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on their choice of concentration, graduates have gone on to achieve positions of employment such as assistant director of public works, audit supervisor, city public works manager, director of environmental quality, district division chief, finance manager, and many more. Glowing student recommendations highly regard this program as one that instills applicable skills and understanding of public management.
Learn more about Norwich University’s Online Master of Public Administration Degree Program
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UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Online Master of Public Administration Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Missouri’s online Master of Public Administration degree program “consistently ranked among the top programs in public affairs, administration, and policy.” This program is designed for public service professionals of all backgrounds, making for a cohort in which students thrive off of each other’s individual knowledge and understanding of the field.
Campus Location: Columbia, MO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $350.10 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $937.40 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $13.10 per credit hour—information technology fee
- $151.29 flat-rate—student activity fee
Types of Aid: Institutional and external scholarship opportunities; institutional, federal, and alternative grants; federal, parent, private, consolidation, and endowed loans; federal work-study.
Acceptance Rate: 78.1%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to this program must submit a completed application, unofficial transcripts, statement of interest, statement of career eligibility, current resume or CV, and three letters of recommendation.
Program Options:
- Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs
- Local Government Management
- Group Dynamics and Conflict Resolution
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Mizzou online have gone on to work in various levels of government and nonprofit industries. Alumni have a firm understanding of ethical leadership, organizational dynamics, social entrepreneurship, collaborative governance, public policy strategy, economic analysts, financial management, and research methods.
Learn more about the University of Missouri’s Online Public Affairs Master’s Program
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Online Master in Public Policy and Administration Degree
Program Standouts:
Northwestern University is one of the finest institutions of higher education in America and offers a reputable online Master in Public Policy and Administration that teaches students to evaluate the collaborative inter-organizational, inter-governmental, and international public policy and administrative environment.
Campus Location: Evanston, IL
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Types of Aid: Institutional and alternative scholarships; federal and alternative loans; various payment plans; numerous Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 9.2%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and GED scores.
Program Options:
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
- Global Policy
- Generalist
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on students’ individual specialization of choice, students will enter into various positions of employment in the field of Public Policy and Administration. Graduates are capable of leading public organizations to implement policy decisions with respect and understanding for the broader economic and political environments.
Learn more about Northwestern University’s Online Master’s Degree Program in Public Administration
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I consider earning a graduate degree in Public Administration?
Earning an online Master of Public Administration degree is a great idea; however, depending on your interests, you will want to find a degree program that will fit your needs. Typically, an MPA program will help you focus on the leadership aspects of serving the public. An MBA degree program with a concentration in Public Administration will allow you to combine critical business skills with the knowledge needed to be an effective leader within the field.
There are many advantages to earning your graduate degree in the field of Public Administration. You’ll learn how to manage a workforce effectively, develop your own style of leadership, work in private or public settings, earn a decent salary, be a prominent spokesperson in your community’s fight for public equality, secure positions in the field of communications through news and social outlets, along with, the opportunity to work within any type of business or industry that you are passionate about.
What will I learn in an online Masters of Public Administration Degree Program?
If you are interested in earning an online Master’s degree in Public Administration, you can count on learning a wide array of exciting topics. As most in this field are interested in a leadership role, management-related coursework can be most beneficial and will be an essential part of your program. In addition, an in-depth look at finance and accounting can be expected, as well as how to conduct research in the field of Public Administration, combined with analysis and theory.
You will learn about public polity change, business ethics and laws, economics, human resources management, marketing, and information systems. You’ll study healthcare administration, organizational behavior, communications, strategic management, along with, sociology and public budgeting. To graduate, you will be expected to complete a thesis project and an internship.
What sort of career choices will I have with an online Master’s degree in Public Administration?
Most likely, at this point in your career, you are headed for a management position of some sort. An advantage of earning your online Master’s degree in Public Administration is that it covers a wide array of topics and can be beneficial in many applications, particularly within the government setting.
You may choose to earn your degree based on your desire of running for a public office yourself or running a political campaign for someone else. Many in this field enjoy serving their country working in the United Nations. Private companies, as well as non-profit organizations often hire MPA graduates. If you desire, you may also consider a career in criminal justice, law enforcement, emergency management, or in urban development or management consulting.
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