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39 NASPAA Accredited Online MPA Programs (2023)

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Many of history’s most celebrated figures have been public government officials. They are the heroes that help maintain a functioning, stable community in times of war and peace. All of the basic amenities we’ve come to expect in a modern society – clean streets, routine trash pickup, public safety – are the result of effective public administration and its stewards. 

Serving the public good can take on many forms across a variety of career fields. Pursuing an online Masters in Public Administration (MPA) is the best way to gain the skills you will need to succeed in the nonprofit and public sectors.

NASPAA Accreditation

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the official accrediting organization for US-based Public Administration programs.  NASPAA accreditation indicates that an MPA program has passed a rigorous process of peer review conducted by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA). If you are interested in an online MPA degree, you should make sure that your program of interest is NASPAA accredited. This is important for several reasons.

You must attend a NASPAA accredited program to qualify for federal financial aid. NASPAA accreditation also ensures that your online MPA program meets the minimum standards of a quality public administration curriculum. Also, employers give more weight to job applicants with degrees from accredited programs over applicants who graduated from non-accredited schools. 

You can check the accreditation status of your prospective online MPA program using this NASPAA accreditation search database.

What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree?

An MPA degree will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities. Local, state and federal government agencies need expertise in almost every sector to function properly. Additionally, many private-sector jobs rely on employees with public administration knowledge to comply with government regulations related to their business. 

Here’s a list of some common careers graduates of online MPA programs pursue:

  • City Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Compliance Manager
  • Education Administrator
  • Public Health Administrator
  • Urban & Regional Planner
  • Economist
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Non-profit Organization Administrator
  • Mayor
  • Lobbyist
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Law Enforcement
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Municipal Budget Director
  • Nonprofit Chief Operation Officer
  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Parks and Recreation Management
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Affairs Director
  • Public Policy Director
  • Public Relations Consultant
  • Public Works Director
  • Research Analyst
  • Town Manager
online mpa programs

What is it Like to Get a Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Online?

The majority of online MPA programs are 100% online with asynchronous classes that allow students to complete their coursework at any time of the day. Most online MPA programs also offer different degree tracks so that students can customize their education to match their career interests. Some programs also allow its enrollees to take courses outside of the department for even greater job specialization. 

In order to graduate, MPA students often need to complete a faculty-approved research project and pass a final examination. Requirements will differ from program to program.

How Long are Online MPA Degree Programs?

Full time enrollees can expect to complete their online MPA degree in 1 to 2 years. Some online MPA programs allow part time students to spread out their coursework for up to 7 years, if needed. A typical online MPA semester lasts from 8 to 12 weeks. However, many programs allow students to complete their coursework at whatever pace they desire, which can shorten the length of your semester.

What are the Admissions Requirements for Online MPA Degree Programs?

Admission requirements will vary depending on the prestige and competitiveness of the MPA program.

In general, applicants need a solid GPA (3.0 or higher), GRE or GMAT scores, a resume, recommendation letters and a personal statement. Some MPA programs also prefer applicants to have work experience in a role related to public administration. 

International applicants will also need to prove proficiency in English by submitting their scores from any of the following exams: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA).

How Much do Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Programs Cost?

The cost of online MPA programs vary wildly, from $10,000 to $80,000 for the most expensive schools. The average cost of tuition for an online MPA program is $26,000 and most programs offer discounted tuition for in-state students. 

Prospective applicants should not be discouraged by program costs as there are many grants & scholarships available to cut your education expenses. Additionally, the U.S Department of Education offers a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for MPA graduates who pursue careers in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. 

Applicants interested in using scholarships to help finance their education should check out this list of MPA scholarships below:

1. Harry S Truman Scholarship Program

Amount: $30,000

“The premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders.”

2. Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship

Amount: $20,000

“Recognizes outstanding performances by graduate program students preparing for a career in state and local government finance.”

3. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

“Recognizes and encourages outstanding minority students enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government finance.”

4. Jeffery L. Esser Career Development Scholarship

Amount: $15,000

“Created to advance the public finance careers of individuals employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments.”

5. The Herbert Roback Scholarship

Amount: $7,500

Administered by the National Academy of Public Administration “to encourage talented and promising students to consider lifetime careers in the public service.”



Top 39 NASPAA Accredited Online MPA Programs 

1. California State University – Dominguez Hills

The California State University – Dominguez Hills offers a 100% online MPA program with asynchronous classes that allows students to attend class at any time of the day. This program was designed to cater to the busy professional looking to earn an advanced degree on their own schedule. There are 2 different online tracks to choose from: (1) Online Accelerated; and (2) Online Flexible.

The Online Accelerated track consists of a fixed schedule of classes to be completed in 2 years. Students can start classes in either the Fall, Spring or Summer semester and there are 3 concentrations to choose from: (1) Criminal Justice Administration & Policy; (2) Healthcare Administration & Policy; and (3) Nonprofit Management. The cost of tuition is about $25,000, or $600 per credit.

The Online Flexible track consists of a self-paced open schedule of classes that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students can start classes in any of the program’s four semesters – Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring or Summer. The Online Flexible track has one concentration option in Public Management. The cost of tuition is about $21,000, or $497 per credit.

Prospective applicants must have at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA. GRE scores are not required for admission.

2. California State University – San Bernardino

The California State University – San Bernardino online MPA program is fully online with asynchronous classes for ultimate flexibility. The program has 4 concentrations to choose from: (1) Cybersecurity; (2) Leadership; (3) Public Financial Management; and (4) Nonprofit Management. Students also have the option to pursue a joint degree in a Master of Public Administration & Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW).

The program prefers that prospective applicants have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission. However, students with a GPA below 3.0 can still apply but must submit their GRE scores directly to the school’s Public Administration Department (not Graduate Admissions).

3. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University’s online MPA program is fully online and most classes are delivered in an asynchronous format. The program is not split into concentration tracks but does offer elective courses in Grant Writing, Government Administration and Executive Leadership in Nonprofit Management.

Prospective applicants must have at least a 2.8 undergraduate GPA and successful completion of either a statistics, economics or research methods undergraduate-level course. The cost of tuition is about $25,234, or $682 per credit.

4. Depaul University

Depaul University’s online MPA program is 100% online with a mix of asynchronous classes and synchronous discussion forums. Admitted students can choose from 3 different specialty concentrations: (1) Emergency Management; (2) Public Management; and (3) Metropolitan Planning & Urban Affairs.

5. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University’s online MPA program is 100% online with asynchronous courses and no required on-campus visits. Students are given the option to earn their degree with a specialized certificate in 1 of 4 different concentrations at no extra cost: (1) Certificate in Community Development; (2) Certificate in Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience; (3) Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies; and (4) Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Prospective applicants must have a GRE score of at least 145 in both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Applicants with a GPA of at least 2.75 are exempt from the GRE score requirement. Students who fail to meet both the GPA and GRE score requirements may be granted probationary admission.

The cost of tuition is about $21,966, or $611 per credit. Active Duty Military students are offered a discounted tuition of $325 per credit.

6. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University’s MPA program is mostly online and has 2 degree concentrations to select from: (1) Public Leadership & Management; and (2) Environmental Policy & Planning. Students must attend one on-campus session in their final semester to deliver an oral presentation as part of their required Capstone seminar.

There is no minimum undergraduate GPA required for admission but applicants must submit scores from either the GRE or MAT exams. Applicants should also have at least 15 hours of completed undergraduate coursework in the social sciences or business.

7. Florida International University

Florida International University’s MPA program is ranked the 9th best online MPA program in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. The program offers 7 different specialty concentrations: (1) Human Resources Management; (2) Public Management; (3) Homeland Security and Emergency Management; (4) Nonprofit and Community Development; (5) Comparative and International Public Administration; (6) Urban Policy Innovations; and (7) an Outside Field of the students choosing.

It is preferred that applicants have at least a 3.25 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 3.25 are required to submit GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores for admission.

8. Indiana State University

Students enrolled in Indiana State University’s online MPA program can choose from 3 concentration options: (1) Criminology/Criminal Justice; (2) Human Resources Development; and (3) Public Health. The program consists of 36 credit hours and is designed for working professionals who have experience in nonprofit or public organizations. Full time enrollees can complete the program in as little as 2 years. Part time students can take up to 7 years to complete the program. Courses are delivered in both an asynchronous format and a synchronous videoconferencing format.

Applicants must have at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA for admission and there is no GRE requirement. Only students from the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply.

9. Kent State University

Kent State University’s 100% online MPA program is designed for busy working professionals who want to advance their career in the public sector. The program consists of 36 credit hours that can be completed in as little as 2 years.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and there is no GRE submission required. Applicants with a GPA between 2.70 and 2.99 may be considered for conditional admission. The cost of tuition is $24,366 for in-state students ($676/credit hour) and $24,696 for out-of-state students ($686/credit hour).

10. Marist College

Marist College’s 100% online asynchronous MPA program caters to busy professionals who want to earn an advanced degree on their own schedule. The program consists of 42 credit hours and students have five different concentrations to choose from: (1) Public Management; (2) Ethical Leadership; (3) Nonprofit Management; (4) Analytics; and (5) Healthcare Administration. The cost of tuition is $36,540 ($870/credit hour).

11. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s online MPA program consists of 39 credit hours delivered in a mostly asynchronous format. Students can choose from 5 different specialty concentrations: (1) Public Procurement & Contract Management; (2) Nonprofit Management; (3) Human Resource Administration; (4) Port & Maritime Management; and (5) Urban Research & Planning.

The cost of tuition is $21,489 for in-state students ($551/credit) and $23,205 for out-of-state students ($595/credit).

12. San Diego State University

San Diego State University’s online MPA program is geared toward experienced professionals who currently work in government or nonprofit agencies. The 36-credit hour curriculum is designed to be completed in 16 months. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.85 for admission and there is no GRE or GMAT requirement. This program offers one of the most affordable tuition costs on our list at $19,836 ($551/credit hour).

13. Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University’s online MPA program delivers its coursework in a 100% online asynchronous format for ultimate flexibility. The 39 credit hour program follows curriculum guidelines from the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) and typically takes full time enrollees 2 years to complete. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores but must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher. The cost of tuition is $54,369 ($1,401/credit hour).

14. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University’s 100% online MPA program prepares its students for municipal, state and federal public sector employment. The program has 3 different specialty concentrations: (1) Criminal Justice; (2) Higher Education Administration; and (3) State & Local Government. The 36-credit hour program is typically completed in two years. Part time students can take up to six years to earn their degree.

15. The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington offers an accelerated 39-credit hour online MP program that can be completed in 2 years on a full time schedule. Part time students can spread out their coursework for up to 6 years. Students have the option to graduate with a certificate in 1 of 2 specialty fields alongside their degree: (1) Urban Nonprofit Management; or (2) Public Budgeting & Financial Management.

It is preferred that applicants have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a combined GRE score of 291. Applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher are exempt from the GRE requirement. The cost of tuition is $16,575, or $425 per credit hour.

16. University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore offers a 100% online MPA program with one specialization in Public & Nonprofit Management. The program consists of 36 to 39 credit hours with the option to waive the 3-credit internship requirement if you have relevant work experience. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission, but there is no GRE requirement.

17. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida’s online MPA program is nationally ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. The 42-credit hour program allows students to focus on strategic planning, public policy, organizational management and financial management. The program also offers a dual degree program in which students can earn an MPA and Master of Nonprofit Management simultaneously. Residents of Florida should seriously consider this program as it offers a huge discount for in-state students. The cost of tuition for in-state students is $327.32 per credit hour versus $1,151.72 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

online mpa programs

18. University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs’ 100% online MPA program is designed to prepare its students to take leadership roles in the nonprofit and public sectors. The 39-credit hour program can be completed in as little as 2 years with the option to extend the program as a part time enrollee. Admission requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or a GRE score that meets the standards of the Public Administration department.

19. University of Colorado – Denver

The University of Colorado – Denver’s online MPA program offers 3 program tracks: (1) Traditional MPA; (2) Accelerated MPA; and (3) Executive MPA. The Traditional MPA is a 36-credit hour program that is typically completed in 2 years. The Accelerated MPA is a fast-paced program geared toward advanced students and can be completed in as little as 12 months. The Executive MPA consists of 30 credit hours and caters to senior-level professionals who currently work in the nonprofit and public sectors.

The University of Colorado – Denver also offers several dual degree programs. Ambitious students can earn their MPA while also pursuing a Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ), Master of Arts in Applied Geography & Geospatial Sciences, Master of Arts in Economics, Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Urban & Regional Planning, or a Juris Doctor (JD).

20. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s online MPA program is nationally ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. The program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 30 months. This flexible, 100% online program is designed to allow current public sector professionals to advance their careers while maintaining their current work obligations. There are no on-campus visits required.

21. University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois at Springfield offers a 100% online 36-credit hour MPA program that can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program is nationally ranked in the top 25% best Public Affairs programs by the U.S. News & World Report. Students are able to use elective courses to dive deeper into particular areas of interest such as Governmental Budgeting and Public Policy Analysis. Students can also earn graduate certificates alongside their MPA degree in the following specialties: (1) Community Planning; (2) Nonprofit Management; (3) Human Services Fundraising; (4) Public Procurement Management; (5) Public Sector Relations Management; (6) Child Advocacy Studies (CAST); (7) Alcohol & Substance Abuse; (8) Emergency Preparedness & Homeland Security; (9) Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and (10) Human Resource Management.

22. University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s online MPA program was the 1st program in the U.S. to be accredited by NASPAA. Students enrolled in this program can select from 7 different degree concentrations: (1) Aviation; (2) Emergency Management; (3) Local Government; (4) Nonprofit; (5) Public Management; (6) Public Policy; and (7) Criminal Justice. Enrollees can also earn graduate certificates alongside their MPA degree in Public Management and Nonprofit Management. The program consists of 39 credit hours and is typically completed in 2 years by full time students. Part time students can take up to 10 years to earn their degree. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. GRE scores are required for admission.

23. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s online MPA program is ranked among the top 20 Public Affairs schools by the U.S. News & World Report. The program consists of a 45 credit hour curriculum that can be completed in as few as 18 months. This program is not quite as flexible as the others on our list. Coursework is delivered in a synchronous format with live online classes. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and must submit scores from either the GRE, GMAT or LSAT exams. The cost of tuition is $54,405, or $1,209 per credit hour.

24. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota’s 100% online MPA is one of the most affordable programs in the country. The university offers in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of their state of residency. The MPA program consists of 36 credit hours and coursework is primarily delivered in a synchronous format with live interactive classes. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and GRE scores are required for admission. Applicants with a GPA of 3.25 or higher are exempt from the GRE requirement.

25. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s MPA program is mostly online, but classes are delivered in a live synchronous format and there are 2 required on-campus visits. The program consists of 40 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 12 months by full time enrollees. Part time students can take up to 3.5 years to earn their degree. Alongside earning their MPA degree, students have the option to pursue graduate certificates in the following specialties areas: (1) Public Policy; (2) City & County Management; and (3) Nonprofit Management & Policy. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and GRE scores are required for admission.

26. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University’s 100% online MPA program is offered in 3 concentrations: (1) Public Sector Management; (2) Public Sector Human Resource Management; and (3) Public Policy. The program consists of 36 credit hours and 300 required hours as a participant-observer in a government agency, nonprofit or NGO. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. The GRE requirement is being removed beginning Spring 2022.

27. Villanova University

Villanova University offers a 100% online MPA program designed with flexibility and convenience in mind. The program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in 2 years by full time students. There is no minimum undergraduate GPA or GRE score required for admission. Applicants with previous work experience in the public sector are preferred. The cost of tuition is $34,200, or $950 per credit hour.

28. West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a 100% online MPA designed for busy working professionals. Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format and students are given the option to teleconference into live-classes. The program is offered in 2 degree concentrations: (1) Nonprofit Administration; and (2) Public Management. While earning their MPA degree, students can also pursue graduate certificates in the following areas: Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sports Management & Athletics, and Urban & Regional Planning.

29. Wichita State University

Wichita State University offers a 100% online MPA program that combines theory and practice in public policy, public finance and public management. The program consists of 39 credit hours and can be completed within a calendar year. While earning their MPA degree, students can also pursue graduate certificates in the following areas: Nonprofit Management, City & County Management, Economic Development, or Public Finance. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 but there is no GRE required for admission. The cost of tuition is approximately $12,011 not including fees ($307.28/credit hour).

30. University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a 100% online MPA program focused on public and nonprofit management. The program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in 2 years. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and a combined GRE score of 295 for admission. The university also offers a dual degree program for students who want to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) alongside their MPA degree.

31. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University offers a 100% online MPA program designed for mid-level professionals looking to advance their career. The program consists of 32 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 2 years. There are no on-campus visits required. Students can select from 4 different specialization tracks: (1) Public Management & Leadership; (2) Criminal Justice Administration & Policy; (3) Public Policy; and (4) Nonprofit Management. The cost of tuition ranges from $25,856 for in-state students to $28,716 for out-of-state students ($722.50/credit hour).

32. Penn State Harrisburg

Penn State Harrisburg offers a 100% online MPA program focused on real-world skills. While earning their MPA degree, students can also pursue graduate certificates in the following specialty areas: (1) Public Budgeting & Financial Management; and (2) Public Sector Human Resources Management. The program consists of 39 credit hours and a 150 hour internship. The internship requirement is waived for students who have at least 2 years of relevant work experience. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA will be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores with their application. The cost of tuition is $37,050, or $950 per credit hour.

33. Tennessee State University

The Tennessee State University transitioned their MPA department to a 100% online program in Fall 2020. The program consists of 36 credit hours and 6 internship hours. The internship requirement is waived for students with at least 1 year of professional experience in the nonprofit, public or healthcare sectors. Full time students typically earn their degree in 2 years. While earning their MPA degree, students have the option to pursue graduate certificates in the following specialty areas: public policy, nonprofit management, local government management, public administration executive leadership, and healthcare administration & planning.The cost of tuition ranges from $19,769 for in-state students to $33,031 for out-of-state students ($523 – $749/credit hour).

34. Texas Tech University at Austin College

The Texas Tech University at Austin College’s online MPA program is designed to provide students with professional knowledge and skills-based competence for careers as managers or policy analysts in the nonprofit and public sectors. The program’s 42 credit hour coursework is primarily delivered in a synchronous format from 6:00 – 8:50pm. Applicants are required to submit scores from either the GRE, GMAT or LSAT exams for admission.

35. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University offers an online MPA program in 4 concentration areas: (1) Administrative Management; (2) Criminal Justice; (3) Education; and (4) Emergency Management. The program consists of 39 credit hours of coursework and 112 internship hours. The internship requirement is waived for students with 1 year of full time work experience in a relevant field. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and must submit GRE, MAT or GMAT scores for admission. Students with a GPA above 3.0 are exempt from the standardized test requirement.

36. Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s 100% online MPA program is designed to shape its students into skilled policy leaders. All coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format to allow for ultimate flexibility. Full time students can complete the degree in as little as 1.5 years. There is no GRE submission required for admission.

37. Oakland University

Oakland University offers a 100% online MPA program with five specialization tracks: (1) Court Administration; (2) Criminal Justice Leadership; (3) Healthcare Administration; (4) Local Government Management; and (5) Nonprofit Management. The program consists of 32 credit hours and can be completed within 2 years. Accepted students generally have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher. There is no GRE requirement for admission.

38. Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a 100% online MPA program in four concentration areas: (1) Budgeting & Financial Management; (2) Healthcare Administration; (3) Nonprofit Management; and (4) Public and Nonprofit Performance Management. The program consists of 42 credit hours and there is no GRE requirement for admission.

39. Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University offers an executive online MPA program for experienced professionals looking to advance their careers further. The program is almost entirely online with the exception of 1 or 2 on-campus orientation meetings each semester. The program consists of 36 credit hours of coursework delivered in a synchronous format. Full time students can earn their degree in as little as 16 months.

Take the Next Step!

In today’s golden-age of online education there’s no need to compromise quality for convenience. Each of the NASPAA-accredited online MPA programs above will give you a first-rate learning experience and prepare you for the next level of your career. Choose the program that fits your career goals and start earning an advanced degree from the comfort of your home today!

Click here to explore more online degrees and career options. 

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1 Comment

  1. Hairstyles VIP
    February 14, 2022 @ 10:31 am

    This is hands down the best content I’ve seen about online Masters of Public Administration programs and careers in the nonprofit sector. Thanks for the thoughts shared by means of your blog.

    Reply

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