List of Online MPA Programs
Arkansas State University
Master of Public Administration
-Public Management
-Non-Profit Management
100% Online
NASPAA-accredited
36 Credit Hours
Low-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not required
*If a student's pre-graduate academic work does not include courses in American national government and principles of economics or their equivalents, the courses must be completed prior to or during the first graduate enrollment period.
Program Mission Statement: "The Master of Public Administration at Arkansas State University exists to enhance individual, organizational, social and governmental capacity in the public and non-profit sectors by equipping pre-service and mid-career students with sound management skills and a public/non-profit philosophy to lead public institutions of the future with integrity, innovation, excellence, and professionalism.."
California State University, Northridge
Master of Public Administration
-Health Administration
-Nonprofit Sector Management
-Public Sector Management and Leadership
100% Online
Around 36 Credit Hours
Mid-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not required
*The Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) must be successfully challenged prior to the student completing no more than 12 units of graduate coursework in the program.
From the Program Website: "This program is ideal for staff and administrators who are currently employed in the public, private or nonprofit sectors and looking to advance their careers, as well as for those seeking employment in these areas. It is also an excellent choice for professionals in other fields who are interested in transitioning to the public sector."
DePaul University
Master of Public Administration
-Emergency Management
-Health Care Administration
-International Public Management
-Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs
-Public Management
-Standard Concentration
100% Online
NASPAA-accredited
52 QUARTER Credit Hours (roughly equivalent to 39 Semester Credit Hours)
High-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not required
From the Program Website: "The Master of Public Administration will prepare you for a leadership position within the public sector. You’ll develop the critical management skills you’ll need to succeed in your public service career, including: Ethical organizational leadership; public finance and budgeting; human resource management; and public policy design and analysis."
Florida International University
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
NASPAA-accredited
42 Credit Hours
High Mid-Range Cost
GRE, GMAT, or LSAT score required if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.25 in the last 60 credits of upper division coursework.
Program Mission: "The mission of the Master of Public Administration Program at Florida International University is to provide individuals preparing for, or advancing in, careers in public affairs, public administration, and public policy with the skills and values necessary to be effective, thoughtful, and civic-minded leaders, administrators, policy makers, and analysts committed to the sustaining of democratic societies. Our program serves the unique needs of the South Florida community and employers, as well as the State of Florida, the U.S., and international populations by addressing the challenges of diverse urban areas at the local, state, national, and international levels. We embrace the strength of our diverse faculty, students, alumni, and community to contribute to the scholarship and practice of public administration and public service, and enhance the quality of life in an increasingly globalized environment."
Indiana State University, Bloomington
Master of Public Administration
-Criminology/Criminal Justice
-Human Resources Development
-Public Health
100% Online (requires a three-credit-hour internship with a public agency)
36-39 Credit Hours
NASPAA Membership
Mid-Range Cost for out-of-state; Low-Range Cost for in-state
GMAT/GRE not required
From the Program Website: "With an online master's in public administration (M.P.A.) from Indiana State University, you'll be prepared for leadership positions in government and in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You can choose concentrations in three other online master's programs at Indiana State: criminology/criminal justice, human resources development, and public health."
Penn State University, World Campus
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
36 Credit Hours
NASPAA-accredited
High Mid-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not required
Program Mission: "The Penn State Harrisburg Master of Public Administration program seeks to advance the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead organizations engaged in public service in democratic and diverse societies."
Purdue University, Global
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
37 Credit Hours
Low-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not required
From the Program Website: "Purdue Global’s Master of Public Administration online degree is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop the skills and techniques necessary to take on leadership roles in fields such as government, public safety, security and protection, and emergency management. Curriculum spans diverse topics including public administration and management, ethics and leadership, budgeting and the administration of public funds, strategic planning, and human resource management."
San Diego State University
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
36 Credit Hours
NASPAA-accredited
Mid-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not Required
From the Program Website: "The Master of Public Administration is a competitive 16-month online degree program offered to experienced professionals who currently work in government and nonprofit agencies. The rigorous format has been designed for working professionals who are currently employed in managerial positions in public administration, nonprofit administration, urban planning, criminal justice or related fields. Past experience in these fields will be considered for applicants who are not currently working in the public or nonprofit sector. The 36-unit curriculum of the Master of Public Administration degree is the same as the campus-based program; however, the fast-track, online program is taught in six, two-month modules."
University of Illinois, Springfield
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
36 Credit Hours
NASPAA-accredited
Low-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE are optional
From the Program Website: "The Master of Public Administration (MPA) will provide you with the skills, expertise, and networks to lead and manage organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors. Here, you will gain a strong foundation in the workings of government and policy, learn the frameworks and tools needed to manage people and processes effectively, and develop the skills to lead teams and organizations. Public administration graduates enter or advance in careers as public program managers, nonprofit leaders, management analysts, research analysts, city/town administrators, and more."
UMass, Global
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
36 Credit Hours
Mid-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE not required
From the Program Website: "Prepare for public service in local and state agencies and nonprofit organizations with your Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. You’ll learn to solve problems and help others and can customize your experience with a set of electives in accounting, leadership, marketing and computer science."
University of Miami
Master of Public Administration
100% Online
36 Credit Hours
High-Range Cost
GMAT/GRE may be required; waiver appears to be available
From the Program Website: "University of Miami’s online MPA program will help prepare you to capitalize on the current public sector job growth trends and become a leader in public service through a variety of different courses and specialties. Demand for qualified public service professionals is expected to increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that occupations in public administration are expected to grow 22% by 2020. UOnline’s online MPA program will help prepare you to capitalize on the current public sector job growth trends and become a leader in public service through a variety of different courses and specialties. UM alumni currently occupy leadership positions in government, business, and nonprofit organizations."
