Author: Kyra Sutherland
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Kristin Marino
Reviewer: Kim Nelson, MPA, PhD
Expertise: Public Admin.GovernmentLeadership- Featured Schools
3 Additional Online MPA Programs Worth Considering
Read more - Degree Benefits
Advantages of Earning a Master's in Public Administration Online
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in Online MPA Programs
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Master's in Public Administration Online Programs
Read more - Salary/Pay
Public Administration Salary Potential with an MPA
Read more - Top Programs
Top Online MPA Programs
Read more
3 Additional Online MPA Programs Worth Considering
While the schools in our rankings list above represent the best overall online MPA programs, they aren’t the only ones worth considering. We’ve spotlighted three accredited programs below from top-tier universities to provide even more options for your online MPA program search. See if one of them meets your needs.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina (UNC) offers a 45-credit master of public administration online. This degree has comprehensive coverage of public financial management, human resource management, and organization theory.
UNC also partners with other institutions, allowing students to complete their online courses through the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health or the American University School of International Service. This degree offers core courses and electives with five concentrations, including international relations, public health, and local government.
Admission requires students to have a strong knowledge of U.S. government functions and a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, a resume, a letter of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a GRE, LSAT, or GMAT score. Students enrolled in the program can plan on paying at least $54,000 for the entire program, regardless of residency, with financial assistance options available.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers an online master’s in public policy and administration degree. The entire program can be completed online with four starting dates each year. This program offers two options: a part-time option that takes roughly two years to complete or an accelerated, full-time option that can be completed in one year.
Its core classes provide comprehensive coverage of budgeting, ethics, statistics and research, and public management. Northwestern University also offers five specializations, including global health and public administration, and offers relevant internships for ambitious students looking for marketable experience.
Students are taught that policies are fluid and interconnected, which gives students the perspective needed to advance in their careers and strive for change in the world. Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree, a resume, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a letter of purpose, and transcripts from all previous colleges.
John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is a private, nonprofit university dedicated to helping working professionals. Its MA in public management degree online takes approximately two years to complete and consists of five core courses and six electives. These can range in topics from economics for public decision making and financial management to human resources and human relations.
To be admitted, prospective students need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, two recommendation letters, official transcripts, a resume, and a letter stating their desire and purpose of obtaining an MPA online degree.
Financial assistance is available to over 30% of students, and any student who can obtain at least an A- in all courses has the opportunity to graduate with honors. John Hopkins University offers three start dates for this degree to meet the needs of working students.
Advantages of Earning a Master’s in Public Administration Online
There are many advantages to getting a master’s in public administration, and even more advantages to getting one online. Whether you’re interested in the flexibility of the schedule, the affordability, or the improved salary and career prospects, here are three key advantages to getting an online master’s in public administration.
1. Career Boost
Obtaining a master’s degree in public administration can lead to a considerable career boost. You will learn specific skills and knowledge to become an expert in public sector subjects.
This will make you marketable as an employee and help you begin a new career, or advance in the career you already have. Jobs that weren’t available to you before, like those in nonprofit and government leadership, will be opened up and your network and experience will vastly expand.
2. Convenience
You don’t have to move to another state to go to the school of your choice, or be in a specific place at a specific time. Flexibility is essential, especially to those with other obligations. An online program allows you to study where you want, when you want, and how you want. That could mean studying around a career, family life, or social life.
3. Reduced Cost
A degree that’s available 100% online wipes out the necessity of traveling to campus day after day, which will save you the cost of gas or public transportation. Other fees like for the use of on-campus facilities may also be waived.
What You’ll Learn in Online MPA Programs
Learning to communicate professionally and analyze your strengths and weaknesses as a leader are both core objectives of an MPA online program. Other topics typically studied include current policy problems, human resource management, public finance management (including the budgetary process), and legal challenges relevant to public administration. Students expand their abilities to conduct research and develop critical public administration skills, such as data collection, program evaluation, and analytical reporting.
Many graduate programs require a thesis or dissertation, but that’s not common in public administration. Most MPA online programs require students to complete projects for clients, a policy analysis for example, or perform a public service internship to help them gain real-life experience.
Popular Courses in Master’s in Public Administration Online Programs
Leadership in a Changing Workplace
This course will help students recognize their strengths and weaknesses as a leader and help them develop their personal leadership style. It will cover group dynamics, communication skills, the art of supervision, employee development, diversity, and conflict resolution.
Public Administration Institutions and Values
This course is the basic introductory course most online MPA programs require. Students explore historical contexts (social, economic, political, technical) of public administration to better understand policy issues today. They also learn about the evolution of public administration as a profession, discipline, and career.
Budgeting and Financial Management
This class allows students to explore the politics of budgeting and how it’s used as a policy tool in government. Other important finance topics include cost-benefit analysis, basic accounting, capital financing, debt management, and cost estimation.
Legal Issues in Public Administration
This course introduces students to the legal challenges relevant to public administration officials and focuses on cases where public administrators are most likely to become involved. Students learn how legal processes authorize, yet limit, executive action. They also learn about the delegation of legislative power, judicial review, rule-making, and administrative appeals.
Final Project or Internship
The final project may be a public-service project, a policy review for a company, or an internship in the public administration sector. The project often requires students to evaluate their experiences and growth as a leader throughout the course. Students may put together a portfolio of their experience in public administration or write a final paper.
Specialization Options for Your Online MPA Program
When obtaining a master’s in public administration, you have the option of choosing a concentration, which is a specialized, more in-depth focus within the degree. This can help you develop specific skills for a focused career path.
It also makes you more marketable since you’ll have skills other candidates won’t learn through general education classes. Some of the concentrations you’ll come across in an online MPA are applied politics, public policies, international affairs, public management, public financial management, state and local administration, and nonprofit management.
Nonprofit Management
A significant fraction of public services are nonprofit and need specialized education to manage them. This concentration teaches students how to define organizational missions, acquire resources, interact with other policy providers and regulators, and face the challenges of an organization that is collaborating and competing with others.
International Management
America is a hub for interdependent trade and communications, and as such, this field is constantly growing. This concentration prepares students for undertaking the responsibilities that come with managing international affairs, social development, foreign relations, cultural differences, and economic development.
Applied Politics
There are politics in every business, which means this concentration can be instrumental to anyone. This concentration encourages students to think and act strategically, address public policies, lobby, and manage campaigns. It’s suited for any student wanting to influence the government through political processes.
Public Management
This concentration is especially effective for administrative staff and line managers. With a focus on human resources or management consulting, students learn the skills needed to manage employer and employee relationships, motivate and manage the workforce, reform organizations through consultation, and audit.
Applied Politics
There are politics in every business, which means this concentration can be instrumental to anyone. This concentration encourages students to think and act strategically, address public policies, lobby, and manage campaigns. It’s suited for any student wanting to influence the government through political processes.
Accreditation for Master’s in Public Administration Online Programs
Accreditation is a sure sign that a program is of the highest quality. Also, to obtain a license from a program, it must be accredited.
Each accreditation institution has a different specialty, institution level, or field, and each is valued by different employers. Each program should state specifically if and where it has received accreditation.
Some of the typical accreditation institutions are:
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- Council on Education for Public Health, Middle States Commissions on Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
These institutions oversee the coursework provided by the accredited university to assure quality education standards are met.
Public Administration Salary Potential with an MPA
A Master of Public Administration is the standard credential for leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and public sector organizations. Graduates work as city managers, program directors, policy analysts, nonprofit executives, and public affairs leads — applying management principles to missions driven by public service rather than profit. The degree is valued by federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as foundations and international development organizations.
Public administrators in senior leadership roles are well-compensated relative to the broader public sector, particularly in federal government and large municipal or state agencies. Nonprofit and NGO leadership roles vary more broadly by organization size and funding.
Browse the salary table below to see what managers in public and nonprofit sectors earn across states, and benchmark public administration career pay in your area.
Managers
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $141,900 | $186,300 | $238,270 |
| Alabama | $135,890 | $164,390 | $203,530 |
| Alaska | $127,950 | $154,900 | $193,580 |
| Arizona | $129,870 | $165,000 | $206,320 |
| Arkansas | $87,520 | $129,460 | $171,910 |
| California | $174,560 | $221,560 | $303,680 |
| Colorado | $171,140 | $215,440 | $280,950 |
| Connecticut | $162,690 | $201,600 | $273,100 |
| Delaware | $168,060 | $209,180 | $297,690 |
| District of Columbia | $175,720 | $195,190 | $221,750 |
| Florida | $108,890 | $162,070 | $207,510 |
| Georgia | $125,000 | $166,290 | $212,160 |
| Hawaii | $130,000 | $158,020 | $204,730 |
| Idaho | $131,550 | $174,170 | $210,340 |
| Illinois | $140,240 | $180,860 | $235,260 |
| Indiana | $79,900 | $129,880 | $173,890 |
| Iowa | $128,080 | $165,840 | $218,790 |
| Kansas | $131,710 | $171,100 | $215,340 |
| Kentucky | $122,930 | $158,000 | $198,950 |
| Louisiana | $103,140 | $136,380 | $175,650 |
| Maine | $115,920 | $145,350 | $184,000 |
| Maryland | $159,040 | $185,220 | $211,910 |
| Massachusetts | $182,950 | $227,670 | $309,290 |
| Michigan | $134,260 | $169,280 | $210,970 |
| Minnesota | $152,600 | $191,610 | $225,250 |
| Mississippi | $101,570 | $144,730 | $190,420 |
| Missouri | $125,760 | $161,300 | $207,380 |
| Montana | $110,470 | $138,270 | $174,190 |
| Nebraska | $116,430 | $153,570 | $188,490 |
| Nevada | $112,040 | $167,750 | $272,540 |
| New Hampshire | $145,630 | $179,200 | $216,320 |
| New Jersey | $161,510 | $203,960 | $273,400 |
| New Mexico | $123,550 | $159,430 | $204,330 |
| New York | $167,200 | $221,680 | $305,970 |
| North Carolina | $141,160 | $182,390 | $244,820 |
| North Dakota | $126,440 | $161,730 | $190,420 |
| Ohio | $129,940 | $168,600 | $211,540 |
| Oklahoma | $131,870 | $163,110 | $200,270 |
| Oregon | $125,580 | $170,870 | $216,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $131,600 | $171,340 | $217,320 |
| Rhode Island | $165,900 | $205,840 | $311,260 |
| South Carolina | $129,960 | $166,000 | $204,910 |
| South Dakota | $119,470 | $150,700 | $172,930 |
| Tennessee | $99,430 | $135,510 | $181,270 |
| Texas | $134,390 | $173,480 | $220,370 |
| Utah | $134,890 | $171,990 | $225,620 |
| Vermont | $125,440 | $151,750 | $181,190 |
| Virginia | $166,230 | $195,190 | $224,040 |
| Washington | $164,160 | $207,160 | $272,470 |
| West Virginia | $124,940 | $163,030 | $200,160 |
| Wisconsin | $107,050 | $152,980 | $193,630 |
| Wyoming | $113,420 | $143,570 | $173,830 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Public Administration
Higher education does not come cheap, especially when you’re looking into some of the highest-rated schools available. It is important to understand the financial commitment of earning a master’s in public administration online before you enroll, and making a plan to pay for it would also be helpful.
There are several types of financial aids available. Approach your employer about tuition assistance programs, apply for federal student loans (FAFSA), check out work-study opportunities, apply for federal education grants, and always check the school for any scholarships it may be offering. For more information, head on over to our financial aid page for good ideas.
What Your Online Master’s in Public Administration Could Cost
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Hopkins University | 12 classes | $4,890/class | $58,680 – $61,080 |
| University of North Carolina | 45 | $682/credit | $30,690 |
| Northwestern University | 13 classes | $4,023/class | $52,299 – $53,989 |
Q&A with a Professor of Public Administration and Government
Q. How do students know if pursuing an MPA is right for them? Is the program for a certain kind of person?
I believe the most important indicator that an MPA degree is right for an individual is whether that person has a motivation to serve the public. Work in the government and nonprofit sectors is not necessarily the most lucrative career choice. So, prospective students need to be motivated by something other than salary. The desire to improve the community and make people’s lives better is at the heart of public service motivation.
Q. Many MPA programs require their students to complete a project or internship to help them gain real-world experience. What advice do you have for students looking to get the most out of their practicum experience?
It is important to seek out opportunities for learning during the internship or practicum experience. Students who get the most out of their internship ask for additional ways to engage—whether that is presenting to the board, council, or commission or rotating through different departments. I also believe students should be conscientious about always behaving in a way that models professionalism, humility, and respect for others.
Q. What are the best ways students can prepare to pursue an MPA?
Prospective students should research different MPA programs to find the best fit for their future goals. It is alright to not be entirely certain about a career path. Look for programs with good professional development, well-known faculty, strong alumni relationships, and excellent post-graduation placement rates. After creating a list of programs that interest them, it is a good idea to reach out to them and find out if they have any outreach programs for prospective students. For the programs that make the final cut, understand their prerequisites and what they prioritize as characteristics for admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Your Master’s in Public Administration Online
Top Online MPA Programs
Looking for the best online master’s degree programs in public administration? Whether your focus is on government, nonprofit, or healthcare administration, our guide can show you graduate programs with quality curriculum, flexibility, and good career outcomes. Join us in exploring programs that not only provide an understanding of public service but also empowers you to make a lasting impact on communities.