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.
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.
Whether students earn their advanced degree online or on campus, they can expect to take classes like:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Some of the most common ways to fund an MPA degree program include the following:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/34
Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
38K
Median SAT/ACT
1435/32
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
20%
Graduation
90%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/30
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
84%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/30
University of Miami’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
49%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/17
Texas A&M International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
76%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
San Diego State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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:
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.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
67%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
25%
Graduation
91%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/31
Villanova University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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:
They also offer standalone certificate programs in Nonprofit Management, City Management, and Public Administration.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
75%
Student body
63K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/27
University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Graduation
9%
Student body
<1K
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.
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.
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.