An online public administration master’s degree is perfect for anyone who wants to step up to a leadership role in the government or nonprofit sector and needs the added convenience of remote learning. When choosing an online MPA program, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Which school would be best to attend? How much will it cost? How long will it take to complete? This guide will answer these questions and help you find the right program for your needs. Get started below with our list of this year’s best online MPA programs that excel in affordability, study flexibility, and student support.
Best Online MPA Programs for 2023
The online Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida is a great option for working professionals wanting to advance their expertise. Because all courses are offered online and at times which work for many full-time employees, the program is easy to balance alongside a career. The curriculum is also applicable to any jobs in healthcare administration because it focuses on the leadership and innovation skills students need to strategically plan and implement public health policies in their workplace. They also offer a dual degree where students can earn their Master of Public Health Administration and their master’s of criminal justice at the same time online.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Adminstration
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $327.32 per credit in-state | $1,151.72 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Executive Master of Public Adminstration
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $327.32 per credit in-state | $1,151.72 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Indiana University offers a robust Master of Public Administration, which prepares students for public service jobs. Unlike other programs, Indiana University’s program focuses on how students can transform society through their roles, meaning the classes have a specific emphasis on social justice. Core courses for the degree also focus on both the theory and application of different concepts in the field. Along with core classes, students also take electives in one chosen concentration: public management, nonprofit management, or policy analysis. Students can also maintain their full-time job during the program because the classes are offered online and at flexible class times, which are optimized for most working professionals.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Affairs
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $306.67 per credit hour in-state | $1,131.07 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The University of Colorado hosts a master of public administration through their Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. In this program, students learn the necessary skills and concepts to transition to a leadership role in the public sector or at a nonprofit. Because the curriculum is advanced, successful applicants should already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience in the public sector or a nonprofit. If students do not have that one year of experience, they will have to complete an in-person internship to graduate. Other than the potential in-person internship, the rest of the degree can be completed online. Courses are also offered at flexible times, so students can easily balance their degree with a full-time job.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $542 per credit in-state | $1,293 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Those wishing to tackle society’s biggest problems as part of their career should consider the master of public administration from Sul Ross State University. This degree enables students to tackle society’s problems in a public or nonprofit setting thanks to its focus on developing critical thinking and leadership skills. It also has courses on how to effectively coordinate with front-line workers in the public sector, such as teachers, doctors, police, and other public servants. Since many students already have full-time jobs, either in the public sector or another related field, all classes are offered online and at times which work for the majority of those with a full-time role.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $239.80 per credit hour in-state | $647.80 per credit hour out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Texas Southern University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration designed with the working professional in mind. To allow students to complete the degree while working full-time, the program is offered online, though there may be one or two in-person orientations per academic year. The online program includes virtual classrooms hosted through Blackboard, online lectures, live office hours with professors, and teleconferencing capabilities. Since the program is designed only for those with experience in public administration, the curriculum is quite rigorous and goes into depth on advanced concepts in the field. Successful applicants should be mid-career and ready to take on a significant leadership role, such as running a nonprofit or a local or state governmental department.
Program Highlights:
Executive Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $600 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NASD |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
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 different concentrations to choose from, including international relations, public health, and local government.
Admission requires students to have a strong knowledge of U.S. government functions, as well as 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 the 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, and New England Association of Schools and Colleges. These institutions oversee the coursework provided by the accredited university to assure quality education standards are met.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Public Administration
Almost every company needs at least one public administration position so the career prospects are optimistic. Whether you’re interested in private, public, or non-profit services, there are many potential employers for students obtaining a master’s in public administration online. This means your career will always be in high demand no matter which direction you choose. A master’s degree provides opportunities for growth within a company, higher salaries than a regular bachelor’s degree, and a variety of prospects for new careers within the public administration sector. The salaries are typically between $70,000-$110,000, and the jobs are always in high demand.
Human Resource Manager
A human resource manager is the link between the top position within a company and the employees, and as such, is key to a functioning business. An MPA gives students the training they need to consult and plan hiring strategies with the top executives and typically oversees all hiring, interviewing, and recruitment programs within the company.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$68,300 |
$116,720 |
$205,720 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Executive
Many of the executive duties change depending on the size of the company, but there are some things they all have in common. Executives find ways to improve performance, cut costs, create policies, manage the company’s budget, and are involved with all contracts and agreements within the company.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$62,290 |
$104,690 |
$208,00 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Managers are typically hired by non-profit communities to help generate public donations. Their tasks can range anywhere from applying and securing grants, communicating with potential donors, and organizing fundraising events for their employers.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$64,790 |
$116,180 |
$208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Auditor
Money and numbers are the bread and butter of an auditor or accountant. They are integral for managing finances to keep the business running smoothly and can advise employers on cost-saving strategies and potential risks. Their tasks can include reviewing wages, preparing financial reports, safeguarding assets, and analyzing risks.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$44,480 |
$71,550 |
$124,450 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and Health Service Managers are responsible for managing the operations of an entire facility or specific departments within a facility. Their tasks vary from employee advocacy to keeping medical records. They can also be in charge of the hiring process and be responsible for budget planning.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$58,820 |
$100,980 |
$189,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
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
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12 classes |
$4,234 |
$50,808 |
|
|
45 |
$1,209 |
$54,405 |
|
|
13 classes |
$3,590 |
$46,670 |
Q&A with a Professor of Public Administration and Government
Kim Nelson joined the School of Government at UNC in August 2013. She was named Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Distinguished Term Associate Professor for 2017-2019. Her research on the form of government, corruption, and innovation has been published in Public Administration Review, The American Review of Public Administration, State and Local Government Review, and other journals. As a member of the Center for Public Leadership, she conducts training and advice on leadership and management topics. She serves on the editorial boards of The American Review of Public Administration and State and Local Government Review.
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
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in public administration?
Each school has slightly different requirements when it comes to admission, but there are many requirements that you’ll see across the board. When applying, make sure you have everything you need ready and accessible or you may have to delay or defer to another semester. Here are a few universal requirements needed to apply for admission for an MPA online.
- GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores
- Letter of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum GPA (varies with school)
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- Resume
- Work experience
- Writing sample
How long will it take to finish my master’s in public administration online?
Traditionally, a master’s in public administration online takes approximately two years or four semesters. If you are attending part-time, it takes longer. Sometimes there’s an option for an accelerated degree, which can take approximately one year to complete. The timetable shouldn’t change dramatically from online to on-campus learning, but ultimately two years is the minimum for obtaining an MPA online.
Can I earn a master’s in public administration 100% online or do I need to visit campus?
It is possible to earn a master’s in public administration 100% online, though it depends heavily on each school’s program because some schools only offer hybrid classes or degrees. When applying to a school, be sure to check for an MPA online option to make sure the program is the right fit for you.
