4 Best Online MBA/MPA Dual Degree Programs 2027

Running a city department, a state agency, or a large nonprofit takes the same budgeting, strategy, and people management skills as running a business, plus a solid understanding of public policy and accountability. An MBA/MPA dual degree pairs a Master of Business Administration with a Master of Public Administration, preparing you to lead in the public sector or move between government, nonprofit, and private organizations. This pairing is one of several online dual MBA programs built for professionals whose careers cross sector lines.

Most MBA/MPA dual degrees are still campus-based, and many are offered only at highly selective universities. Rather than padding this list, it focuses on four accessible programs where you can complete most or all of your coursework online. You'll also find details on coursework, timelines, costs, and financial aid, along with an alternative path if none of these programs fits your needs.

What Is an Online MBA/MPA Degree?

An MBA/MPA dual degree lets you earn a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration through a coordinated plan of study. Shared coursework counts toward both degrees, so you can typically finish in less time than it would take to complete them back to back, and you graduate with two separate diplomas.

Programs on this list range from 48 to 72 credits, compared with roughly 70 to 96 credits for separate degrees. The MBA side covers accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, while the MPA side focuses on public budgeting, policy analysis, public personnel management, ethics, and local government administration. Many programs also include an internship, field experience, or capstone project in a public or nonprofit setting.

Best Online MBA/MPA Dual Degree Programs

Each of the schools below offers an MBA/MPA dual degree with online or largely online coursework. Format details are noted in each entry, since delivery options vary from school to school.

1. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University in Georgia offers an online MBA/MPA dual master's degree that requires 54 credit hours and takes about three years to complete. You'll enroll in both programs concurrently, with fall, spring, and summer start dates available. The MBA is offered through the Michael J. Coles College of Business, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The MPA is housed in Kennesaw State's School of Government and International Affairs, giving you access to faculty with expertise in public policy and administration. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement about your career goals. Each program sets its own GRE or GMAT standards, so check both before applying.

2. Clayton State University

At Clayton State University, located just south of Atlanta, the dual MBA/MPA requires 48 combined credit hours, making it one of the most streamlined options available. Both halves of the program are offered online: the AACSB-accredited MBA runs in eight-week online sessions, and the MPA is delivered online with flexible scheduling.

MPA coursework covers local government administration, applied statistics, human resource management, organizational theory, and ethics and legal issues, with elective tracks in general administration and policy or criminal justice. You'll finish with either an internship or a project, and the two degrees are awarded at the same time. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, a statement of purpose, two references, and a resume.

3. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven's MBA/MPA requires at least 60 credit hours, with a minimum of 21 credits in business and 21 in public administration. Both the MBA and the MPA are available as fully online programs, and the MBA is offered through the AACSB-accredited Pompea College of Business. Students without significant undergraduate business coursework may need up to 15 additional credits.

Public administration coursework includes city management, personnel and labor relations, and community and clinical services, while MBA courses cover finance, accounting, marketing, management, economics, and statistics. Near the end of the program, you'll complete either a thesis or a capstone research project. Since the dual degree page doesn't specify a delivery format on its own, confirm with an advisor that your full plan of study can be completed online.

4. Hamline University

Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers a 72-credit MBA/MPA dual degree that saves 24 credits compared with earning the degrees separately. The MBA can be completed fully online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, with classes meeting once a week in the evening. Hamline holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The MPA uses a hybrid format, with synchronous online or on-campus evening courses, or asynchronous online courses that include two Friday sessions on campus. This structure makes Hamline best suited for students in the Twin Cities area who want mostly online study with a few in-person meetings. All of Hamline's dual degree formats are designed for working professionals, and the program can be especially valuable if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Because true online MBA/MPA dual degrees are uncommon, only programs with meaningful online flexibility for both degrees were included. These factors shaped the final list:

• Accreditation: Each school holds regional accreditation, and AACSB accreditation for the MBA was viewed favorably.
• Online availability: Programs with fully online coursework ranked highest, with hybrid requirements clearly noted.
• Credit efficiency: Dual programs with substantial shared coursework and lower total credit counts were favored.
• Career alignment: Curricula covering public budgeting, policy, and local government management earned extra weight.
• Accessibility: Programs at accessible public and private universities were prioritized over highly selective campus-only options.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an MBA/MPA Degree Program?

The MPA coursework prepares you to manage public and nonprofit organizations. You'll study public budgeting and finance, policy analysis, program evaluation, public personnel management, administrative law, ethics, and intergovernmental relations. Many programs also include courses in local government administration or nonprofit management.

On the MBA side, you'll build skills in financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, marketing, economics, operations, and strategic management. Together, the two degrees teach you to apply private-sector efficiency to public-sector goals, whether you're managing a city budget, leading a public-private partnership, or running a mission-driven nonprofit.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an MBA/MPA Degree Online?

Most online MBA/MPA dual degrees take about two to three years to complete. Programs with around 48 credits can be finished in two years with steady enrollment, while programs with 60 to 72 credits usually take closer to three years.

Part-time students may need three to four years, especially if they need foundation business courses before starting the MBA core. Internships and capstone projects can also affect your timeline, so plan for them early in your program.

How Much Does an Online MBA/MPA Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online MBA/MPA dual degree generally ranges from about $20,000 to $60,000 or more. Public universities, especially those with flat online tuition rates, tend to fall at the lower end, while private universities usually cost more per credit hour.

Your total cost depends heavily on credit requirements and any prerequisite courses you need. Comparing affordable online MBA programs can give you a sense of typical MBA pricing as you evaluate each dual program's full cost.

Financial Aid for Online MBA/MPA Degrees

Public service professionals have access to several funding options that can make a dual degree more affordable. Combining a few of these sources can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

• Federal student loans: Graduate students can use Direct Unsubsidized Loans to help cover tuition, within annual and lifetime limits. Filing the FAFSA for an MBA also makes you eligible for many institutional scholarships.
• Government employer tuition assistance: Many federal, state, and local agencies help pay for graduate degrees related to an employee's job. Ask your HR office about tuition reimbursement or professional development funds before you enroll.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Full-time employees of government agencies and qualifying nonprofits may have remaining federal loan balances forgiven after 120 qualifying payments. This can make borrowing far less costly over the long term for public sector careers.
• Public service scholarships: Professional organizations like the American Society for Public Administration and the International City/County Management Association offer awards for students preparing for public service careers. Some universities also offer scholarships specifically for MPA students.
• Military benefits: Service members and veterans may be able to use education benefits toward both degrees. Learning whether the GI Bill covers an MBA can help you plan your funding.

How To Choose the Right MBA/MPA Degree

With only a handful of online MBA/MPA programs available, comparing the details carefully is especially important. These factors can help you find the right fit.

Business and Public Administration Accreditation

AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE accreditation signals a quality MBA program. On the public administration side, accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the standard to look for, so confirm each program's NASPAA status directly with the school.

Online and Hybrid Requirements

Some programs are fully online, while others require evening classes or occasional campus sessions. Verify the delivery format for every required course in both programs before you commit.

Total Credits and Prerequisites

Credit totals vary widely, from under 50 to more than 70 credits. Check whether you'll need foundation business courses, which can add a semester or more if you don't have an undergraduate business background.

Internship and Field Experience

Many MPA programs require an internship or field experience unless you already have substantial public sector experience. Ask whether you can complete this requirement through your current job.

Admission Requirements

Some programs require the GRE or GMAT, while others waive testing based on GPA or work experience. Researching MBA programs with no GMAT or GRE requirement can help you understand typical waiver policies.

Consider an Online MBA in Public Administration

If none of these dual degree programs fits your schedule, budget, or location, an MBA with a public administration concentration offers a faster and more widely available alternative. These programs add public-sector coursework to a standard MBA without requiring a second full degree. Many fully online options are available, and comparing the best online MBA in public administration programs can help you find one that matches your goals.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA/MPA Degree

An MBA/MPA dual degree prepares you for leadership roles across government, nonprofits, and organizations that work closely with the public sector. Graduates often become city or county managers, agency directors, nonprofit executives, or consultants who advise government clients.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives, a category that includes city managers and chief executives in government and nonprofits, earn a median annual wage of $108,780. Employment is projected to grow 5% through 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay varies widely by organization size and sector, with senior leaders of large agencies and organizations often earning considerably more.

FAQs About the Best Online MBA/MPA Degree Programs

Students considering an MBA/MPA often have questions about how it compares with other degrees and where it can lead. The answers below address several of the most common ones.

What's the Difference Between an MPA and an MPP?

A Master of Public Administration focuses on managing public and nonprofit organizations, including budgeting, personnel, and program implementation. A Master of Public Policy emphasizes policy analysis, economics, and research methods used to design and evaluate policies. If you want to run organizations, an MPA usually pairs more naturally with an MBA.

Is an MBA/MPA Useful for Nonprofit Careers?

An MBA/MPA can be especially valuable in the nonprofit sector, where leaders manage tight budgets, fundraising, and complex stakeholder relationships. The MBA strengthens your financial management and strategic planning skills, while the MPA adds knowledge of public policy, grants, and governance. Many nonprofit executives find that the combination helps them run organizations more like efficient businesses without losing sight of their mission.

Can You Work in the Private Sector With an MBA/MPA?

An MBA/MPA can open doors in private companies that work closely with government, such as government contractors, consulting firms, utilities, and healthcare organizations. The dual degree also prepares you for roles in public-private partnerships and government relations. Your MBA alone keeps a full range of private-sector management careers within reach.

Do Government Agencies Value an MBA/MPA?

Government agencies often value the MPA for its focus on public administration, and the added MBA can strengthen your candidacy for roles involving budgets, operations, and strategic planning. Many agencies also offer higher pay grades for employees with graduate degrees. The combination can be particularly attractive for senior management and executive roles.

What Is a Certified Public Manager Credential?

The Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a professional credential for public sector managers, offered through state-based programs accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. It focuses on practical management skills and can complement an MPA or MBA/MPA degree. Some universities also offer CPM training through their public administration departments.

Explore Online MBA/MPA Dual Degrees

An online MBA/MPA dual degree can prepare you to lead organizations that serve the public while managing them with business-level efficiency. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about formats, admission requirements, and costs.