Best Online Master’s in Public Administration Degree Programs

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
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Find top-ranked online master’s degree in public administration for students wanting to qualify for roles such as city manager, county administrator, community relations manager, policy analyst, and urban planner.

Key Takeaways

  • An online master’s in public administration qualifies graduates to work in various public sector careers.

  • Those with an online master’s in public administration get a career boost and can command a higher than average salary.

  • An online public administration combines finance, human resource management, and traditional business courses with public policy courses, preparing graduates for success in many careers.

Featured Programs

What is an online master’s public administration program?

The world of public administration is vast and complex. It covers many areas, including healthcare, education, criminal justice, and environmental protection.

As the global economy continues to evolve, so does the need for highly skilled public administrators who can navigate the ever-changing landscape of public policy and regulations in both public sector and nonprofit agencies. If you seek a career change toward public administration, then an online master’s of public administration program might be the perfect fit.

But why should you consider pursuing an MPA degree in the first place? The answer lies in the numerous benefits that come with this degree.

The master’s in public administration (MPA) degree programs are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the public sector, including its policies, practices, and challenges. Through coursework, research, and practical experience, students will learn how to analyze, evaluate, and create effective public policies that can help solve complex social problems.

In addition to the core curriculum, MPA programs often offer students the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of public administration, such as health policy, environmental policy, or public affairs. This allows students to tailor their education to their career goals and interests.

An MPA degree can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to succeed in various public sector careers, from government agencies to nonprofit organizations to private consulting firms. Additionally, MPA graduates are in high demand in today’s job market, with many employers seeking individuals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills honed in an MPA program.

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  Quick Facts About Degrees in Public Administration

What courses are required when getting a master’s in public administration?

Whether students earn their advanced degree online or on campus, they can expect to take classes like:

  • Public Management
  • Administrative Theory and Behavior
  • Quantitative Methods in Public Administration
  • Public Budgeting
  • Urban Planning

How long does it take to get a master’s in public administration?

Most MPA degree programs typically take two years to complete. Online MPA programs are designed for mid-career, experienced individuals and can be completed in a year. Students may also be required to complete an internship and a capstone or thesis.

How much does an online master’s degree in public administration program cost?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master’s in public administration is $72,770.

Although students who choose to take their master’s online do not need to pay for on-campus housing and meal plans, they may be required to pay fees that cover tech support, technology costs, and other similar resources. On top of that are standard education expenses, including school fees, school supplies, books, and graduation fees.

Similarly, students who choose a hybrid format, which combines on-campus and online classes, may need to pay for lodging and transportation. Additionally, you may also need professional licenses and certifications.

On average, additional costs for enrollees of MPA programs can go up $10,170 for lodging and meal plans and $800 for books and other school supplies annually.

What can you do with a master’s in public administration?

After graduation, students will qualify for roles such as city manager, county administrator, community relations manager, policy analyst, and urban planner.

In fact, numerous career options await those who finish their MPA. Other rewarding career options for MPA graduates include:

  • Administrative Services Manager
  • Economist
  • Emergency Management Director
  • Financial Manager
  • Accountant or Auditor
  • Human Resources Director
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Postsecondary Education Administrator
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What is the range of salaries for public administrators?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary in public policy and social services is $47,000.

However, research indicates that graduates of MPA degree programs can earn a median annual wage between $72,600 and $250,0000. This shows that earning a master’s degree can increase one’s salary and promote career growth.

Government agencies are always hiring capable individuals for various public administration roles.

Aside from being able to work in a mayor’s office, you can also take on jobs in other public and private sectors, including the following:

  • Budget Planner
  • City Administrator
  • Urban Planner
  • Emergency Services Administrator
  • Conservation Scientist
  • News Anchor
  • Lawyer
  • Liaison Officer
  • News Writer
  • Environmental Compliance Inspectors
  • Nonprofit Management

Key Point: The annual median pay for urban and regional planners is $78,500, says the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Budget Analysts earn up to $78,970, while Emergency Management Directors earn $76,250, and Court, Municipal, and License Clerks earn $40,930 annually.

What advantages does a master’s in public administration graduate have over other majors?

The master’s in public administration major focuses on civic engagement and social responsibility, giving you endless opportunities to work with public sector organizations. It is a professional degree that will train individuals to be effective in their chosen leadership position in the public sector.

The MPA curriculum combines finance, human resource management, and traditional business courses with public policy courses. It ensures that graduates of this degree program will succeed in their future high-level positions concerning private or public management.

Through public administration online programs, you’ll also be able to develop essential skills that will help you conduct program evaluation in various groups, communities, and nonprofit organizations. These skills include written and verbal communication, leadership and management, critical thinking, and planning and decision-making.

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Is there financial aid available for students in an online MPA program?

Some of the most common ways to fund an MPA degree program include the following:

  • Merit-based fellowships are based on a student’s previous academic performance and ability or skill, which covers part of their tuition.
  • Part-time employment is offered in many universities, while on-campus jobs in colleges help students pay tuition.
  • Federal loans are loan programs awarded to students based on certain eligibility criteria and financial needs. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for students who work for a qualifying public service employer may qualify for this type of financial aid, given after 120 qualifying payments.

Bottom Line: Earning an online master’s in public administration can open up a wide range of career options that command a higher than average salary.

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What are common courses in an online degree program in public administration?

Students taking online master’s in public administration will have access to an in-depth analysis of government policies, which they can then apply to various professions and sectors. In other words, the coursework for the MPA program provides a robust foundation for every individual who wishes to pursue exciting and intellectually challenging roles in the future.

The following classes are the most common in online master’s degree in public administration:

Fundamentals of Public Administration

This subject will introduce you to the different fields within public administration and their applications using various diagnostic tools and applications and analytic lenses in real-world public sectors. You’ll also examine the fundamental components of public administration and management, including ethics, performance management, organizational design, leadership, and policy implementation.

At the end of the course, learners gain a solid understanding of why public managers succeed or fail, as well as how to strengthen the legitimacy and performance of their respective agencies.

Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Administration

The Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Administration course introduces learners to the study and practice of public administration and management. You will also learn about practical and theoretical approaches to the management in the nonprofit sector and the governance of public sectors.

Aside from those, students will have the chance to explore social justice issues and inequities in modern society. Plus, you’ll tackle the intersectionality of social organizations, such as ethnicity, gender, and race, by examining the discrimination and disadvantage in administrative practices and public policies.

Research Methods in Political Science

The Political Science Research Methods course introduces learners to the method and theory of contemporary political analysis. At the end of the course, learners become adept in reading, interpreting, designing, and conducting original political science research.

You will also be taught how to formulate empirical hypotheses, theoretical models, and research questions and design a detailed plan for creating and gathering data to test hypotheses.

Managing Organizations for Public Service

The Managing Organizations for Public Service course focuses on helping students hone their management skills when pursuing careers in private, public and nonprofit organizations. It will prepare learners to become successful leaders by providing behavioral and social sciences frameworks and tools.

This course will teach you the tools to properly diagnose and provide the best solutions for organizational problems, manage public service organizations, and influence the actions of organizations, groups, and individuals.

Public Financial Management

The Public Financial Management course will strengthen students’ ability to assess the importance of Public Financial Management (PFM). It will also tackle how PFM supports economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and realizing sustainable development goals.

The financial management course also covers all budget cycle stages, government accountability in budget execution, reform implementation, and key concepts of budget execution.

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What are the specializations for public administration online masters?

Online master’s in public administration offer specializations or concentrations that focus on specific areas within the discipline. Also called tracks, these specializations allow students to customize their education to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue their dream professions.

In other words, MPA concentrations act like a compass that guides learners in achieving their career goals, whether in urban planning, nonprofit management, or something else entirely.

Students can still choose elective classes for programs that do not offer pre-determined concentrations, allowing them to customize their education to fit their needs and preferences.

The following specializations are the most common areas of concentration within online master’s in public administration programs.

Nonprofit Management

This concentration helps students have a more in-depth understanding of the various characteristics, challenges, and skills that are essential when working for nonprofit organizations and agencies. The curriculum covers socially responsible investing, core management and leadership principles, and fundraising and community service.

Public Policy

Graduates taking the public policy track will learn about the role of policy and legislation in reforming public life and institutions. This specialization also explores the various factors that affect decision-making and policy formulation. The curriculum will focus on the legislative process, environmental and climate policy, and administrative law, to name a few.

Global Health

Those who wish to work for agencies like the Center for Disease Control may enroll in this concentration to be exposed to public health policies, preparing them for the work that involves developing, implementing, and managing programs on a large scale.

International Affairs

Increase your chance of being able to work for international businesses by enrolling in the International Affairs track. This will teach you how to develop policies and programs on an international level, ensuring that everything suits the needs of the international community.

What are the main roles of an administrative manager?

Most entry-level public administration and administrative management professions only require a bachelor’s degree. However, to pursue a more advanced position, an online master’s in public administration degree is the threshold.

Typically, the main role of an administrative manager includes the following:

  • Supervising other staff members
  • Assessing the policies and procedures of the organization
  • Managing departmental goals and deadlines
  • Liaising between senior management and administrative staff to enhance performance and processes
  • Setting standards for customer service and support and ensuring they are met
  • Handling the organization’s records, including employee and customer databases and management schedules

Bottom Line: By obtaining a master’s degree in public administration, you can develop significant leadership aptitude, including strategic planning and project management, to help further the organization you will be working for.

Reasons to Pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Administration Program

Public administration is the driving force behind change, modern domestic welfare, and development. In other words, being a public administrator allows you to positively impact your community and beyond by working in the public and nonprofit sectors.

With a master’s degree in public administration, you’ll be able to provide essential services and regulate relations among various groups in the community. Furthermore, you’ll be able to craft policies that help maintain law and order and drive socio-economic developments, improving the quality of life of the people around you.

By enrolling in an online MPA program, you’ll learn about public issues that will develop your leadership and analytical skills. Aside from that, you’ll also earn a stable income while savoring the sense of accomplishment that you’ll have once you start working on various policies that make a difference in the world.

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Best Online Master’s in Public Administration Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $53,024
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $106,787
    Salary after 4 years: $125,855
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois. It offers a highly regarded online master’s program in Public Administration designed to provide comprehensive career training to its students and prepares graduates for leadership positions in various industries. Pursuing a master’s degree in public policy and administration can equip candidates with the necessary skills to excel in emerging fields.

    The program’s curriculum focuses on a combination of practical and theoretical approaches to public administration. Students are encouraged to select a specialized concentration that will differentiate them from their peers in the competitive job market. Applicants with a public administration background usually meet this program’s admission requirements.

    Overall, Northwestern University’s master’s program in public policy and administration is an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded education in this field, and it provides graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in leadership roles.

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  2. #2

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #19 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,666
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $101,528
    Salary after 4 years: $119,657
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Southern California offers a NASPAA-accredited MPA program that will prepare individuals for a rewarding career in public administration and provide them with the opportunity to be able to work with top research centers, allowing them to earn additional certificates.

    USC’s MPA program offers you the chance to choose from various specializations in demand. You’ll also be able to focus on leading-edge courses in policymaking, analytics, and management. You’ll also gain cross-cultural experiences by working with international labs for policy projects identified by various host countries.

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  3. #3

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $12,527
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $74,912
    Salary after 4 years: $90,294
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has partnered with top-notch technology experts and educators to ensure a highly collaborative and research-based learning experience for their online Master of Public Administration degree program. This means that students will have the chance to interact with faculty and peers from different professional backgrounds.

    Students will also have asynchronous coursework to help develop their public administration expertise with the assistance of the university’s support staff. UNC’s online MPA degree program offers professional development options, such as government webinars and government online modules.

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  4. #4

    University of Miami

    Coral Gables , FL
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/31

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of Miami

    Cost of Degree: $42,816
    Expenses: $21,826
    Starting Salary: $83,349
    Salary after 4 years: $98,232
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Miami known for?

    University of Miami’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Enrolling at the University of Miami for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program online gives students enough exposure to the most important components of public service, including ethics, leadership, and technical excellence, to meet the challenges they will face in the future.

    University of Miami’s online master’s degree of Public Administration ensures the highest quality education for graduate students in all three areas of public service: nonprofit organizations, private sectors, and government agencies. Aside from that, graduates will also be able to acquire relevant skills that will shape them into excellent leaders. This is all with the assistance and support of their commendable staff and faculty.

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  5. #5

    Texas A&M International University

    Laredo , TX
    #7 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #7 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) #10 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/18

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Texas A&M International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,595
    Expenses: $13,646
    Starting Salary: $50,849
    Salary after 4 years: $61,290
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas A&M International University known for?

    Texas A&M International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Texas A&M International University’s Master of Public Service and Administration online focuses on developing future leaders for public and nonprofit sectors, providing learners with the necessary tools and knowledge to be effective and ethical public servants. This program is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs & Administration.

    Texas A&M International University’s MPSA curriculum teaches students general knowledge and analytical skills in policy analysis, research methods, leadership, and management. After graduation, learners will be more than ready to make a difference in their community and beyond.

    The Bush School, home to the university’s MPSA program, is a top-ranking institution.

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  7. #6

    San Diego State University

    San Diego , CA
    #9 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024 #17 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees #17 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at San Diego State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,608
    Expenses: $23,936
    Starting Salary: $60,866
    Salary after 4 years: $73,364
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is San Diego State University known for?

    San Diego State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    San Diego State University offers many online programs for in-state and out-of-state individuals, including career-building courses, personal enrichment opportunities, and certificate courses.

    One of the online master’s programs offered by SDSU is the online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, designed to instill in students valuable leadership skills to prepare them for important roles in public and nonprofit sectors. The program will prepare them for more complex roles and responsibilities that will help in nation-building. Some of the learning outcomes you’ll gain from the program include the following:

    • Get involved in the policymaking process
    • Know the proper application from a public service perspective
    • Be a key participant in problem-solving and decision-making processes
    • Communicate effectively with a diverse citizenry and workforce
    • Manage and lead in public governance

    SDSU’s MPA program graduates could use their acquired knowledge and skills to be employed within six months after graduation. The program is fully online, allowing learners to finish it in 16 months.

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  8. #7

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,333
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $56,619
    Salary after 4 years: $68,246
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida International University known for?

    Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Florida International University is the third-largest university in Florida and the eighth-largest public university in the entire United States of America by enrollment. It ranked number two for two straight years among the top public universities in the state, according to the Florida Board of Governors.

    FIU offers the Online Executive Master of Public Administration program with core courses taught by top-quality faculty. The largest in South Florida, FIU’s MPA faculty are renowned scholars in public administration and highly accomplished public officials.

    Over 3,500 MPA graduates from FIU held top management positions in public, nonprofit, and private sectors. They have an extensive Career Services Department that will help students gain the knowledge, tools, and skills to land their dream jobs successfully.

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  9. #8

    Villanova University

    Villanova , PA
    #18 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1439/33

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Villanova University

    Cost of Degree: $21,307
    Expenses: $19,487
    Starting Salary: $100,156
    Salary after 4 years: $118,040
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Villanova University known for?

    Villanova University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Villanova University aims to support those who care deeply about public service. The university has prepared students to become creative, inclusive, ethical, and intelligent leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors for more than 30 years. Their innovative and practical curriculum, community partnerships, vast alumni network, and highly engaged faculty have made this possible.

    Villanova University’s hybrid Master of Public Administration program offers six courses in organization theory, human capital management, public administration theory, financial management, applied data analysis, and leadership ethics. These are the things that students will learn at the end of the program:

    • Analyzing data
    • Working collaboratively
    • Analyzing budget and overall financial health
    • Formulating an organizational change plan
    • Writing a professional memo

    They also offer standalone certificate programs in Nonprofit Management, City Management, and Public Administration.

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  11. #9

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $8,872
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $55,748
    Salary after 4 years: $67,196
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Central Florida known for?

    University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Central Florida has been a leader in fully online degree programs for 25 years. It has over 100 online programs with some of the best online degree programs for students worldwide.

    UCF’s Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has ranked 39 in Best Public Affairs Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The program emphasizes public policy, strategic planning, and financial and organizational management. The coursework involves cultivating leadership skills, developing community partnerships, providing real-world experiences, and incorporating service learning.

    One of the advantages of taking your MPA at UCF is that the School of Public Administration has partnered with the nonprofit management program and the department of criminal justice to offer students two online dual degree programs and help them advance in their careers.

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  12. #10

    University of the Southwest

    Hobbs , NM
    #2 Best Private Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of the Southwest

    Cost of Degree: $22,500
    Starting Salary: $46,877
    Salary after 4 years: $55,247
    What is University of the Southwest known for?

    University of the Southwest’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    The University of the Southwest’s College of Business Administration has specialized accreditation for its outstanding business programs. They offer their online master’s degree programs online so students study at their own pace. Aside from that, they were recognized as one of the Best Tier 1 Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2011.

    The University of the Southwest’s Online MBA in Public Administration will prepare individuals for a successful career in public service. The program will provide students with the necessary training to equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills to make them powerful managers in the executive arm of state, federal, and local government agencies in the public and nonprofit sectors.

    The degree has a strong emphasis on the practical application of knowledge in public administration, which will be taught by faculty members who are practitioner-scholars themselves. Students can complete this MBA in Public Administration in 12 months.

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Career Outlook for Students with Public Administration Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Public Administration

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $54,016
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $65,108
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives-8.21%$161,191
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Construction Managers4.53%$98,198
General and Operations Managers4.20%$94,699
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers8.22%$93,419

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$56,827$94,222$143,529

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Virginia5% higher than average$110,844
#3 New York5% higher than average$118,419
#4 Delaware2% higher than average$115,543
#5 Illinois7% higher than average$102,042
#6 Colorado3% higher than average$111,450

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$161,191
Managers, All Other$106,040
Construction Managers$98,198
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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