Best Online MPA Programs with No GRE Requirement

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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