Best Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration (MPA)

<p>When choosing the top schools with online master's degrees in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Public_Administration.html">public administration</a>, we took into account program cost, flexibility, length, and the offered concentration areas. The list below features the best online master's degree in the field of public administration. </p> <h3 id="section---1.IndianaUniversityBloomington">1. Indiana University-Bloomington</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th></tr> <tr><td> Bloomington, IN </td><td> $10,564</td></tr> </table><p>Indiana University-Bloomington offers an online Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree program that includes the study of public administration and public policy. This 48-credit-hour program features core coursework in the following subjects: </p> <ul><li>Public management </li><li>Public finance </li><li>Law and public affairs </li><li>Statistical analysis </li></ul><p>Students also choose their own elective classes so that they are able to match their coursework with their career goals. Along with online classes, students must also complete an experiential component, which could be an internship, a group or independent research project, or credit for past volunteer or work experience that is related to public administration. There is also an optional, on-campus component called the O'Neill Online Week that consists of a course for credit, a public project, and opportunities for online students to meet their peers and faculty in-person. For the 2019-2020 academic year online, in-state MPA students paid $619 per credit hour, while out-of-state MPA students paid $1,268. </p> <h3 id="section---2.SaintMarySUniversityOfMinnesota">2. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th></tr> <tr><td>Winona, MN </td><td> $9,000</td></tr> </table><p>At Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, students can earn a Master of Arts in Public Administration (MAPA) degree in only 2 years with 36 total credits needed. This 100% online program features core courses in strategic leadership, data analysis, and nonprofit administration. Students can also choose a specialization focus in either government or nonprofits. A final capstone course consists of a research project that centers on nonprofit or public administration. The MAPA program has fall, spring, and summer dates, and the price per credit for all students is $625. </p> <h3 id="section---3.RogerWilliamsUniversity">3. Roger Williams University</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th></tr> <tr><td>Bristol, RI </td><td> $15,386</td></tr> </table><p>Roger Williams University has an online Master of Public Administration degree program that requires 36 credits and is specifically for those employed with government agencies or nonprofits or those who wish to pursue a public service career. This online program allows students to choose a concentration in one of the following areas: </p> <ul><li>Public Management </li><li>Healthcare Administration </li></ul><p>Along with elective courses within their concentration, students take core courses in public policy, budgeting, and personnel management. Online classes feature a 16-week format. Students are also required to complete an internship, which could take place at the local or federal level, or a research course. A final capstone course that requires a guided research project must be completed as well. For the 2019-2020 year, all students paid $626 per credit for this online MPA program. </p> <h3 id="section---4.TexasAMUniversityCollegeStation">4. Texas A &amp; M University-College Station</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th></tr> <tr><td> College Station, TX </td><td> $9,812</td></tr> </table><p>Texas A &amp; M University-College Station offers an online Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA) degree program that allows students to choose one of the following specialty areas: </p> <ul><li>Homeland Security </li><li>Nonprofit Management </li><li>Public Management </li></ul><p>This is a 39-credit hour program that consists of core classes in public service and policy, quantitative methods, and program evaluation. Students are required to attend 2 week-long residency experiences during the summer months. Additionally, students must complete a final capstone project that gives them the opportunity to work closely with a nonprofit or government agency. During the 2019-2020 school year, resident students paid $3,711 for a 9-credit-hour load. </p> <h3 id="section---5.EastCarolinaUniversity">5. East Carolina University</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th></tr> <tr><td> Greenville, NC </td><td> $7,485</td></tr> </table><p>The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program at East Carolina University can mostly be completed in an online format with one third of required courses offered online. Students must earn 45 credits with core classes in policy analysis, HR management, and public budgeting. Also required is an internship in the field of public administration; however, this can be waived if the student has significant public administration professional experience. A final professional paper that consist of research into a public policy or management problem is required as well. Resident online students paid $249 per credit and non-resident online students paid $893 for the 2019-2020 year. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Rank </th><th>School Name </th><th>Location </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th></tr> <tr><td>6 </td><td> Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix</td><td> Phoenix, AZ </td><td> $12,134</td></tr> <tr><td>7 </td><td> University of South Dakota </td><td> Vermillion, ND </td><td> $6,835</td></tr> <tr><td>8 </td><td> University of Missouri-Columbia </td><td> Columbia, MS </td><td> $10,017</td></tr> <tr><td>9 </td><td> Wichita State University </td><td> Wichita, KS </td><td> $6,904</td></tr> <tr><td>10</td><td> Georgia College &amp; State University </td><td> Milledgeville, GA </td><td> $7,206</td></tr> <tr><td>11 </td><td> Kent State University at Kent </td><td> Kent, OH </td><td> $11,536</td></tr> <tr><td>12 </td><td> Ohio University-Main Campus </td><td> Athens, OH </td><td> $9,720</td></tr> <tr><td>13 </td><td> Marywood University </td><td> Scranton, PA </td><td> $11,300</td></tr> <tr><td>14 </td><td> Gannon University </td><td> Erie, PA </td><td> $19,220</td></tr> <tr><td>15</td><td> The University of Montana </td><td> Missoula, MT </td><td> $6,505</td></tr> <tr><td>16 </td><td> University of North Dakota </td><td> Grand Forks, ND </td><td> $9,697</td></tr> <tr><td>17 </td><td> University of Central Florida </td><td> Orlando, FL </td><td> $8,872</td></tr> <tr><td>18 </td><td> Murray State University </td><td> Murray, KY </td><td> $9,114</td></tr> <tr><td>19 </td><td> University of Idaho </td><td> Moscow, ID </td><td> $9,352</td></tr> <tr><td>20</td><td> University of North Carolina Wilmington </td><td> Wilmington, NC </td><td> $7,367</td></tr> <tr><td>21 </td><td> Old Dominion University </td><td> Norfolk, VA </td><td> $12,552</td></tr> <tr><td>22 </td><td> Southeast Missouri State University </td><td> Cape Girardeau, MO </td><td> $5,680</td></tr> <tr><td>23 </td><td> St. Joseph's College-Long Island </td><td> Patchogue, NY </td><td> $18,802</td></tr> <tr><td>24 </td><td> Regent University </td><td> Virginia Beach, VA </td><td> $16,179</td></tr> <tr><td>25</td><td> Eastern Kentucky University </td><td> Richmond, KY </td><td> $10,570</td></tr> <tr><td>26 </td><td> University of Nebraska at Omaha </td><td> Omaha, NE </td><td> $6,592</td></tr> <tr><td>27 </td><td> Indiana State University </td><td> Terre Haute, IN </td><td> $7,616</td></tr> <tr><td>28 </td><td> Sam Houston State University </td><td> Huntsville, TX </td><td> $7,791</td></tr> <tr><td>29 </td><td> Texas Tech University </td><td> Lubbock, TX </td><td> $8,015</td></tr> <tr><td>30</td><td> University of Colorado Colorado Springs </td><td> Colorado Springs, CO </td><td> $13,206</td></tr> <tr><td>31 </td><td> Troy University </td><td> Troy, AL </td><td> $8,506</td></tr> <tr><td>32 </td><td> Aurora University </td><td> Aurora, IL </td><td> $12,600</td></tr> <tr><td>33 </td><td> Sul Ross State University </td><td> Alpine, TX </td><td> $2,850</td></tr> <tr><td>34 </td><td> California Baptist University </td><td> Riverside, CA </td><td> $14,130</td></tr> <tr><td>35</td><td> DePaul University </td><td> Chicago, IL </td><td> $19,422</td></tr> <tr><td>36 </td><td> Lindenwood University </td><td> Saint Charles, MO </td><td> $17,600</td></tr> <tr><td>37 </td><td> The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley </td><td> Edinburg, TX </td><td> $6,889</td></tr> <tr><td>38 </td><td> Southern Utah University </td><td> Cedar City, TX </td><td> $8,338</td></tr> <tr><td>39 </td><td> The University of Texas at Arlington </td><td> Arlington, TX </td><td> $9,672</td></tr> <tr><td>40</td><td> University of Nevada-Las Vegas </td><td> Las Vegas, NV </td><td> $5,934</td></tr> <tr><td>41 </td><td> Arkansas State University-Main Campus </td><td> Jonesboro, AR </td><td> $6,210</td></tr> <tr><td>42 </td><td> Ball State University </td><td> Muncie, IN </td><td> $9,392</td></tr> <tr><td>43 </td><td> University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus </td><td> Pittsburgh, PA </td><td> $23,696</td></tr> <tr><td>44 </td><td> University of Mary </td><td> Bismarck, ND </td><td> $15,630</td></tr> <tr><td>45</td><td> Central Michigan University </td><td> Mount Pleasant, MI </td><td> $13,804</td></tr> <tr><td>46 </td><td> Seton Hall University </td><td> South Orange, NJ </td><td> $23,422</td></tr> <tr><td>47 </td><td> Concordia University-Chicago </td><td> Chicago, IL </td><td> $9,180</td></tr> <tr><td>48 </td><td> University of North Carolina at Pembroke </td><td> Pembroke, NC </td><td> $6,418</td></tr> <tr><td>49 </td><td> University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh </td><td> Oshkosh, WI </td><td> $8,839</td></tr> <tr><td>50</td><td> Marist College </td><td> Poughkeepsie, NY </td><td> $14,500</td></tr> </table><p><i>All statistics provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition based on 2018-2019 school year</i> </p> <p>Learn.org's school ranking methodology categorizes and assesses data from schools and other reliable sources, such as the U.S. Department of Education, and weighs the information based on quality, cost, value and other factors critical to students' academic decisions. </p> <h2 id="section---OverviewOfOnlineMasterSProgramsInPublicAdministrationMPA">Overview of Online Master's Programs in Public Administration (MPA)</h2> <p>Master's degrees in public administration are concerned with the study of managing and developing government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These programs include the examination of public policy, leadership skills, and administration. </p> <h3 id="section---Credits">Credits</h3> <p>The number of exact credits needed to earn an online MPA varies by university. However, most programs require students to earn around 36 to 48 credits. </p> <h3 id="section---Length">Length</h3> <p>Generally, students can earn their online MPA degree in about 2 to 3 years. Many programs offer part-time attendance options so that students can work and complete their online MPA at the same time. </p> <h3 id="section---OtherDegreeRequirements">Other Degree Requirements</h3> <p>Along with coursework, online MPA programs sometimes require additional in-person or research elements. </p> <h4 id="section---InternshipOrResidency"> Internship or Residency</h4> <p>Usually, online MPA programs require or make optional an internship experience. If a student chooses not to complete an internship, a research project is required in its place. Other programs have optional or required week-long residency courses or experiences that could include a public policy or service project. </p> <h4 id="section---Capstone"> Capstone</h4> <p>Most MPA programs also require a final capstone course. Typically, this capstone consists of an extensive research project that focuses on one aspect of public administration or a project that is completed in connection with a private, government, or nonprofit agency. The purpose of the capstone is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge the student has learned over the course of their MPA program </p> <h3 id="section---ConcentrationAreas">Concentration Areas</h3> <p>Many online MPA programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of public administration. These concentrations require that students complete a set number of classes within their chosen area along with core courses. Below are some of the common concentration areas offered in online MPA programs. </p> <ul><li><b>Healthcare Administration</b> - This specialty area focuses on healthcare organizations, management, and administration. Students take classes on health informatics, healthcare policy, and common issues in healthcare administration. </li><li><b> Public Management</b> - This is a wide-ranging concentration that centers on the management of different kinds of public and nonprofit organizations. Students study such concepts as leadership, ethical management, and budgeting. </li><li><b> Nonprofit Management</b> - This area solely focuses on the realm of nonprofits and how to effectively manage and lead these types of organizations. Students take classes on nonprofit development, fundraising, leading nonprofits, and fiscal management. </li></ul><p>Other uncommon areas of concentration include homeland security, ethical leadership, international relations, and economic development. </p> <h2 id="section---CommonCoursesInOnlineMPAPrograms">Common Courses in Online MPA Programs</h2> <p>Although the curriculum of online MPA programs is unique to each program, there are some common classes that make up the core coursework of many programs. Below, you can get an in-depth look at what you might learn in an MPA program. </p> <h3 id="section---PublicBudgetingAndFinance"> Public Budgeting and Finance</h3> <p>This is a course that covers budgeting and finance topics specifically related to government institutions and other types of agencies. Students learn how the budgets of government entities function, where revenue comes from, and how intergovernmental agencies coordinate on fiscal issues. Political and other influences on budgets is also discussed. </p> <h3 id="section---QuantitativeMethodsForPublicAdministration"> Quantitative Methods for Public Administration</h3> <p>This class teaches students how to use statistical modeling, data collection/analysis, and regression and variance modeling to address policy and public administration issues. Students also learn how to use quantitative methods to evaluate different public policies and their effectiveness. </p> <h3 id="section---PublicManagement"> Public Management</h3> <p>In this course, students learn about the most important tools, means, and methods for managing public entities. A broad range of topics is usually covered, including HR management techniques, program evaluation, and decision-making methods. Students could also be introduced to larger concerns about public management, including theories about the role of public managers and the best way public agencies should be managed. </p> <h3 id="section---PublicPolicy"> Public Policy</h3> <p>Public policy courses touch on how to make and implement policy agendas and how to evaluate the effectiveness of specific policies. Other related topics that could be covered include the role of regulations and laws in connection to policy and the means and whys for lobbying for policy at the political level. </p> <h3 id="section---PublicHumanResourceManagement"> Public Human Resource Management</h3> <p>This course takes a close look at HR management topics within the context of public agencies and governmental organizations. Students study specific HR concepts, such as employee recruitment methods, labor relations, employee benefits and compensation, and employee performance evaluation. </p> <h2 id="section---PrerequisitesForOnlineMPAPrograms">Prerequisites for Online MPA Programs</h2> <p>To apply to an online MPA program, you must already hold a bachelor's degree. Generally, MPA programs have no requirement about the type of undergraduate degree you need. </p> <h3 id="section---AdmissionsMaterials">Admissions Materials</h3> <p>When applying to an online MPA program, you typically must submit the following materials: </p> <ul><li>Application and fee </li><li>Transcripts </li><li>Resume </li><li>2-3 letters of recommendation </li></ul><p>Most programs also require that you submit a personal statement that speaks to why you want to study public administration and how a master's degree program helps you fulfill your career goals. </p> <h3 id="section---GRE"> GRE</h3> <p>A number of MPA programs do require that you submit GRE scores that are not older than 5 years. There are also many MPA programs that have no GRE requirement at all. </p> <h3 id="section---ProfessionalExperience"> Professional Experience</h3> <p>A select few number of MPA programs may also require that you have professional experience in the public services. Some programs require about 5 years of experience in the field; however, many programs have no work or professional experience requirements. </p> <h2 id="section---CostOfOnlineMPAPrograms">Cost of Online MPA Programs</h2> <p>The total cost of an online MPA degree program includes the tuition per credit price as well as additional fees and expenses. </p> <h3 id="section---Tuition"> Tuition</h3> <p>Generally, the price per credit for online MPA programs can range from $250 to $1,300. However, $625 is about the average price per credit for many programs. That means that at $625 a credit, a 36-credit hour program would cost a total of $22,500. For many programs, the exact price per credit is based on residency status, with out-of-state students having to pay more than their in-state peers. </p> <h3 id="section---Fees">Fees</h3> <p>Universities tend to charge additional fees on top of the price per credit tuition rate. These fees could be one-time fees or fees that are charged each semester of study. Normally, fees can range from $15 to $300 or more. Some examples of fees are distance education fees, technology fees, lab fees, and registration fees. </p> <h3 id="section---AdditionalCosts">Additional Costs</h3> <p>If an online MPA program requires residencies on-campus, then students are usually responsible for paying for accommodations, meals, and travel. Students should also factor in the cost of textbooks and other materials, such as a laptop or internet access, that are required for online coursework. </p> <h2 id="section---AccreditationForOnlineMPAPrograms">Accreditation for Online MPA Programs</h2> <p>MPA programs can receive accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), which is the leading nonprofit organization that accredits master's degree programs in the field of public policy, public affairs, and public administration. </p> <p>To earn accreditation from NASPAA, a program must meet the following criteria: </p> <ul><li>Must have a purpose of public service, clear program goals, and means for evaluation </li><li>Must have core qualified, diverse faculty </li><li>Must offer students support services and facilities </li><li>Must have a curriculum with core public service competencies </li></ul><h2 id="section---CareerOptionsWithAnMPA">Career Options with an MPA</h2> <p>With an MPA degree, you will be able to pursue a variety of management jobs, including in the fields of HR, community service, and fundraising. </p> <h3 id="section---HumanResourcesHRManager">Human Resources (HR) Manager</h3> <p>HR managers are responsible for the administration of their employers' HR department. Their direct job duties include: </p> <ul><li>Recruiting employees and directing the hiring process </li><li>Managing employee pay, benefit, and compensation packages </li><li>Acting as a liaison between employees and management </li><li>Dealing with any disputes, disciplinary actions, or employee concerns </li></ul><p>HR managers might also make decisions about the strategic plans of a company, recommending changes or new ideas about employees and how to use their skills and knowledge in the most efficient way. </p> <h3 id="section---SocialAndCommunityServiceManager"> Social and Community Service Manager</h3> <p>A social and community service manager is someone who works for an organization or agency that is focused on providing social services, such as a care facility, a religious organization, or a nonprofit organization. Social and community service managers work to develop and implement programs and services, evaluate if a program is effective, and manage employees. </p> <h3 id="section---FundraisingManager"> Fundraising Manager</h3> <p>Fundraising managers are in charge of implementing a fundraising strategy and bringing in donations to their organization. They must interact with and find donors, create donation campaigns, plan fundraisers, and apply for grant opportunities. </p> <h3 id="section---SalaryAndJobOutlookInformation"> Salary and Job Outlook Information</h3> <p>The chart below shows the salary and job outlook numbers for MPA-related careers. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Job Title </th><th> Median Annual Salary (2018) </th><th> Estimated Job Growth (2018-2028)</th></tr> <tr><td> Human Resources (HR) Manager </td><td> $113,300 </td><td> 7%</td></tr> <tr><td> Social and Community Service Manager</td><td>
$65,320</td><td> 13%</td></tr> <tr><td> Public Relations and Fundraising Manager </td><td> $114,800 </td><td> 8%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Salary information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018</i></p>