A long-standing requirement for entrance to grad school, the GRE is now often optional for programs like the Master of Public Administration (MPA) that focus on public policy. With critics citing its weaknesses as a predictor of academic success and the obstacles it creates for students with limited time and resources, many online MPA programs now come without a GRE requirement. Earning your MPA online is now easier than ever as many well-respected schools either waive the test completely or make it optional.
This guide will get you started on your search for a quality online MPA program that doesn’t force you to take the GRE. We’ve listed 25 of this year’s best programs below so you can find the one that best meets your needs. You’ll also learn about the admissions process and requirements for no-GRE online MPA programs and get answers to key questions you likely have.
Top 25 No-GRE Online MPA Programs in 2022
With so many online MPA programs with no GRE requirement now available, where do you start your search for a quality, affordable program that also works with your schedule? Our school ranking below can help. After analyzing hundreds of schools, we identified this year’s 25 best programs based on data provided by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We used key criteria like accreditation, student-to-teacher ratio, overall affordability, and available student support to evaluate each school and come up with our final list.
Read on to learn more about what these programs offer and click on the “About the Ranking” button below for more details on our methodology.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a 38-credit online MPA program with no GRE requirements where applicants instead submit evidence of an accredited bachelor’s degree and competitive GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a 500-word personal statement. Administered by the school’s Department of American Indian Studies, this program prepares students for administrative roles in tribal governments. The curriculum develops the skills and knowledge needed to support cultural preservation, self-determination, and tribal sovereignty.
Most students complete the program using a fully online format, but the school also offers hybrid options. Key courses include leadership and applied ethics in indigenous contexts, federal Indian law, accounting and budgeting, and principles of governance. The University of Minnesota also extends special scholarships for aspiring professionals enrolled in this online no-GRE MPA program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Tribal Administration and Governance (MTAG)
Credits: 38
Length: Two years
Cost: $703/credit
Mode: Partially-online; Fully-online
Accreditation: HLC (school)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
At the University of Colorado Denver, eligible applicants can choose two different pathways to earn their no-GRE master’s in public administration online. The traditional track doesn’t require any experience in the discipline and provides a sound foundation in public policy and organizational management in 30 months or less. The executive track is designed for mid- or senior-level officials with significant professional experience and lasts just two years.
Both tracks use a combination of online and hybrid delivery methods. Students take courses in economics and public finance, policy processes, and evidence-based decision-making. Those pursuing executive MPAs also participate in a weeklong, in-person leadership course in the Rocky Mountains. All students complete either a research-based thesis project or an integrative capstone project. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a chronologically-formatted resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Credits: 30 to 39
Length: Two to three years
Cost: $567/credit (in-state); $680/credit (out-of-state)
Format: Partially-online
Accreditation: HLC (school); NASPAA (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
George Mason University’s online no-GRE MPA prepares students for senior-level leadership positions by developing core skills in management, public policy, budgeting, and governance. Students choose from nearly ten different areas of concentration, including policy studies, human resources management or nonprofit management, state and local government, environmental science, and more. Qualified applicants must supply a 750-1000-word personal statement, unofficial transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
After completing their didactic coursework, students move on to a capstone requirement that involves either an approved professional experience placement or an advanced seminar in applied public administration. George Mason administers the program entirely online with select hybrid opportunities available for students who desire more hands-on learning. Its School of Policy and Government also extends merit-based scholarships to students with outstanding academic achievements.
Program Highlights:
Public Administration (MPA)
Credits: 36 to 39
Length: Varies
Cost: $893/credit (in-state); $1,681/credit (out-of-state)
Format: Partially-online; Fully-online
Accreditation: SACSCOC (school)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Ohio State University offers a 32-credit online no-GRE master’s in public administration achievable in just two years. The program is designed for mid-career professionals and focuses on leadership roles in public service. Instead of the GRE, eligible students provide a resume/CV, three letters of reference, and a two-page statement of purpose.
This program develops managerial leadership skills and includes four different specializations in public policy, nonprofit management, public management and leadership, and criminal justice administration and policy. It has no on-campus requirements and delivers all material entirely online using mostly asynchronous formats, though some courses may require synchronous meetings. Course offerings include negotiation strategies, budgeting fundamentals, data modeling and evaluation, risk analysis, and grant writing.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL)
Credits: 32
Length: 21 months
Cost: $723/credit (in-state)
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: HLC (school); NASPAA (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The University of Illinois, Springfield’s online no-GRE MPA prepares students to lead organizations in the public and private sectors. It lays a foundation in policy and government and extends special concentrations in leadership and management, social equity, financial management, and analytical tools. Students can also pursue certification in areas like public procurement, child advocacy, and community planning.
The program concludes with an integrative capstone seminar where students partner with local government or public service organizations to further hone their skills. Most students graduate in two years or less and eventually land roles as management and research analysts, public program officials, and nonprofit leaders. Admissions criteria include a personal statement, current resume, and official academic transcripts indicating a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher.
Program Highlights:
Public Administration, MPA
Credits: 36
Length: 16 to 24 months
Cost: $458/credit
Format: Partially-online; Fully-online
Accreditation: HLC (school); NASPAA (program)
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 | 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 | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
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 | NECHE |
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 | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Admissions: How to Get into a No-GRE Online MPA Program
Most schools with online no-GRE MPAs use similar admissions criteria. The criteria are essentially the same as those for programs not requiring the GRE, but they place considerably more emphasis on these items without the GRE to use as an indication of readiness. You’ll want to spend sufficient time on each of these elements to make sure you submit a compelling package that reflects your abilities and potential. Our admissions resource offers further guidance on the process.
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Essay or Personal Statement
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References or Letters of Recommendation
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Grade Point Average (GPA)
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Relevant Work (or Volunteer) Experience
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Interview
A key component for any application, the admissions essay or personal statement is even more important without the GRE. It helps admissions officials get a sense of who you are and gauge your potential for success. Because your MPA readies you for a career in public service, this is a great opportunity to highlight your goals and interests. These written pieces are your chance to speak in your own voice and advocate for yourself, so be sure to follow a solid writing process.
The exact number of references or letters varies, but most online no-GRE MPA programs require at least two or three. Letters of recommendation should come from previous teachers, employers, or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and discuss your fit within the program and the public administration field more broadly. Choose your references wisely and be sure to reach out to them well in advance of the deadline to discuss your application.
Admissions officers consider your materials holistically, so it is unlikely that your GPA will make or break you by itself. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that without GRE scores your GPA remains the only way to objectively quantify your academic aptitude against other applicants. Work to develop a strong GPA, especially early in your college career. Some schools, like Tseng College, may specify GPA minimums, so pay close attention to the admissions criteria.
This component is sometimes optional but is especially helpful for hands-on fields like public administration. Showing your record of prior experience demonstrates your familiarity with the field and your commitment to the work it involves. Applicability is key. Listing work or volunteer experience that doesn’t relate to public administration likely won’t help you. In some cases, relevant work experience could fast-track your timeline.
Interview requirements fluctuate widely. Some require a phone or video interview of all candidates. Others only ask for an interview once you’ve advanced several stages in the process. Some forgo interviews altogether. If an interview is involved, be prepared to professionally and persuasively speak to your goals and standing as an applicant. Consider the interview as an opportunity to expand on the points you made in your admissions essay in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About No GRE Online MPA Programs
Are there NASPAA-accredited online MPA programs that don’t require the GRE?
Quite a few, actually. Schools like Kent State and Tennessee State hold accreditation from the NASPAA and do not require the GRE for admission. NASPAA accreditation is not always necessary, but it can give your degree extra backing and make you a more hirable candidate in the eyes of certain employers. Most schools advertise their accreditation status, but NASPAA also maintains an active roster you can use to cross-check.
How much do no-GRE online MPA programs cost?
Tuition rates fluctuate year to year and can vary from one school to another. The schools profiled above, for example, cost between $450 and $1,650 per credit hour. Factors affecting the cost include your enrollment status (i.e., part-time or full-time) and your place of residence (i.e., whether you live in the same state as the school you plan to attend). See our financial aid guide for more information on scholarships and other ways to cut costs.
How long does it take to finish a no-GRE MPA program?
Quite a few online no-GRE MPA programs are designed with working professionals in mind, which means they build in space for part-time enrollment and some self-pacing. Even with these provisions, you should still be able to graduate within two or three years in most cases. The University of North Georgia, Norwich University, and the University of Central Florida all offer MPAs fitting within this timeframe.
If an online MPA program does need GRE scores, can I get the requirement waived?
Some schools offer a way for students to satisfy additional criteria and obtain a GRE waiver. At places like Clemson, the University of North Dakota, and Florida International, for example, that means you must possess some relevant professional experience or hold some transferable credits at the graduate level. Some schools also waive the GRE if you meet specific GPA requirements (e.g., typically 3.2 or above). Others handle waivers on a case-by-case basis.
Is it worth submitting my GRE scores even if an online MPA program doesn’t require them?
Only if the scores help you stand out. Submitting low GRE scores when they aren’t required could have a negative impact. You don’t want to give admissions officials any reason to reject your application. However, if you’ve already taken the GRE and did well, your scores could be worth sending. Programs like those at Old Dominion and Northeastern note that while the GRE is not required, evidence of academic success is, so a competitive GRE score won’t hurt in these situations.