A master's degree in public administration online offers a flexible, accessible path for individuals seeking to develop leadership skills and advance their careers in public service. An online MPA typically covers essential topics such as policy analysis, management, and ethics, equipping you with the competencies to navigate complex governmental and nonprofit environments. We've selected several online degrees to consider for your master's in public administration.
Key Takeaways:
- Anna Maria College earns the top spot with an exceptional median graduate earnings of $102,918.
- Northwestern University boasts a graduation rate of 96%, situating it in the top 1% for this metric, and it is ranked #3 overall.
- American Public University System impresses with 18,012 military student enrollments and securing the #9 spot overall.
We've assigned each program a Salary Score so that students can compare early career salaries for specific programs. Graduates of programs with the highest reported earnings are listed at the top. For more information, view our methodology.
2025 Best Online Master of Public Administration Degrees
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Earnings | Learn more about how we make money.' > | $102,918 | 409 | $15,536 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University | A+ | $97,983 | 1,516 | $36,000 | ||||
| Northwestern University | A+ | $95,107 | 1,123 | $25,636 | ||||
| Syracuse University | A+ | $93,872 | 2,244 | $46,680 | ||||
| University of Southern California | A+ | $92,079 | 6,276 | $47,080 | ||||
| Marist College | A | $84,436 | 543 | $34,200 | ||||
| California State University - Northridge | A- | $82,592 | 3,333 | Learn more about how we make money.' > | A- | $82,170 | 11,757 | $11,934 |
| American Public University System | A- | $79,706 | 48,668 | $8,190 | ||||
| California Baptist University | A- | $79,662 | 2,766 | OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >
Online degree: Why we like them: Anna Maria College ranks high on our list primarily due to its exceptional earning potential for graduates. With a median earning of $102,918, the program stands in the top 1% for this metric, signaling a strong return on investment for your education. The online MPA offers five specializations. You can choose from concentrations in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Fire and Emergency Services, Homeland Security, or a General Track. This diversity ensures you gain targeted knowledge relevant to your field of interest. The program is notable for accommodating working professionals through a 'Mid-Career Track,' which allows you to earn your degree with as few as 30 credits if you have applicable field experience. #2
Online degree: Why we like them: Alumni report an impressive median salary of $97,983, placing American University among the top 2% for highest earnings by graduates. This strong return on investment is complemented by a high graduation rate of 79%, situating AU in the top 7% nationally, clearly indicating that most students successfully complete their studies. The program emphasizes practical policy analysis and public administration skills, including quantitative methods, policy processes, and ethical leadership. Additionally, AU's program is NASPAA-accredited and offers a robust curriculum that can be completed in as little as 24 months, making it a highly reputable and efficient choice for advancing your career in public administration and policy. #3
Online degree: Why we like them: Northwestern University is ranked 3rd for its online Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree, largely due to its impressive median earnings of $95,107, placing it in the top 4% nationwide. This high earning potential is complemented by a robust graduation rate of 96%, positioning NU in the top 1% of universities, and highlighting its commitment to student success. Additionally, you would benefit from personalized attention inherent in the small 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, positioning NU in the top 5% for this metric. This MPPA program requires 13 courses for degree completion, including nine core courses, three electives related to your area of specialization, and a capstone class or an independent thesis, providing flexibility to tailor your education. The rigorous curriculum covers critical areas such as research methods, public finance and budgeting, and ethics and leadership, ensuring you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. #4
Online degree: Why we like them: This program stands out for its high median earnings for graduates, sitting at $93,872. That's among the top 4% of schools, confirming the strong return on investment. Adding depth to these impressive earnings, SU’s graduation rate of 83% positions it in the top 6%, highlighting the institution's commitment to student success. The 30-credit MPA is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers without the need for licensure or on-campus requirements. Courses include Human Resources Management for the Public Sector, Ethics and Morality in Public Affairs, Public Budgeting, and more. #5
Online degree: Why we like them: USC's MPA stands out primarily due to its high median earnings of $92,079 for graduates, situating it in the top 5% nationally for earning potential. Additionally, the retention rate of 97% is indicative of exceptional student satisfaction and engagement, positioning the program in the top 3% nationwide. The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip you with essential management, analytical, and policy-making skills through core courses and elective options, including two certificates in Public Policy and City/County Management. Structured to be completed in 24 months, the program also offers live online classes and two on-campus residencies, enhancing the learning experience. #6
Online degree: Why we like them: Marist College's impressive median earnings of $84,436 places its graduates in the top 14% nationwide, reflecting the high value and return on investment offered by its Master of Public Administration. This notable earning potential is complemented by an exceptional graduation rate of 81%, situating the college among the top 6% of institutions for student success. The MPA program is accredited by NASPAA, ensuring that it meets the global standards for public service education. The program offers specialized concentrations in public and nonprofit management, ethical leadership, analytics, or healthcare administration, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. Courses are 100% online and can be completed in as little as 14 months full-time. #7
Online degree: Why we like them: California State University - Northridge stands out for its exceptional median earnings of $82,592, placing it in the top 17% of universities for this critical metric. If we were to compare CSUN's online enrollment with other institutions, CSUN would be in the highest 21%, with 3,333 students studying online, showcasing the school's popularity and accessibility. The program is designed to advance the careers of public, private, and nonprofit sector professionals, focusing on key areas such as Nonprofit Sector Management and Public Sector Management and Leadership. A unique feature of CSUN's MPA program is its collaboration with numerous Los Angeles County agencies and municipalities, ensuring that you network with public sector administrators. #8
Online degree: Why we like them: NU ranks impressively with a median earning of $82,170 for its graduates, placing it in the top 17% among its peers for post-graduation earnings. Combined with an exceptional online enrollment of 11,757 students, NU is among the top 3% of universities nationwide with the largest online student populations. This underscores the program's extensive reach and popularity. The program offers 4-week courses and year-round enrollment, allowing you to start sooner and complete your degree faster. The curriculum covers fundamental public administration skills, including financial management, budgeting, research, and public policy analysis. Designed to be completed in as little as 13 months, the program offers specializations, such as Human Resource Management, to help tailor your education to specific career goals. #9
Online degree: Why we like them: APUS stands out with a median earnings figure of $79,706, placing it in the top 22% for earnings among graduates. When paired with its significant online presence, where 48,668 students are currently enrolled, positioning APUS among the top 2% of universities for online enrollment. This robust digital community ensures ample networking opportunities and diverse perspectives. Furthermore, the university's retention rate of 90%, placing it in the top 8%, reflects high student satisfaction and program quality. The program's structure requires 36 credits and offers courses ranging from public policy analysis to fiscal management, providing a comprehensive education. The focus on practical skills prepares you well for real-world public administration challenges. Lastly, the support for military students is exceptional, with 18,012 enrolled, placing APUS in the top 1% for military enrollment. #10
Online degree: Why we like them: California Baptist University's (CBU) program graduates report high median earnings for graduates at $79,662, placing it in the top 22% of schools for this metric. This outcome underscores the significant return on investment you can expect from their Master of Public Administration program. Additionally, CBU excels in offering financial support, with an average financial aid package of $22,757, situating it among the top 17% of schools and emphasizing the university's commitment to making education accessible. The program is designed for flexibility, featuring accelerated, asynchronous courses that allow you to balance studies with professional and personal commitments. You can complete the 36-unit program in as little as 16 months, making it an efficient path to career advancement. #11
Online degree: Why we like them: With median earnings reported at $78,297, you're joining a program whose graduates rank in the top 25% nationally for earning potential. Complementing this is an exceptional graduation rate of 91%, placing Villanova in the top 3% of universities, indicating strong student success and program quality. This online MPA program is designed for flexibility, offering 100% online, in-person, and hybrid formats to suit your needs. The innovative curriculum includes core courses, electives, and practical workshops, providing a comprehensive education in public administration. The 39-credit program requires a management internship, but you can skip this requirement if you have relevant work experience. Full-time students usually complete the degree in two years, but part-time students often take four years. #12
Online degree: Why we like them: John Jay graduates report median earnings of $73,777, placing the institution in a favorable percentile for earnings compared to other universities, which signifies a promising return on investment. Complementing this, John Jay boasts a robust recommendation rate of 88%, illustrating the high satisfaction among its graduates. This 42-credit program offers specialized tracks in key areas such as Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, Emergency Management, and Human Resources Management, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. Moreover, with 100% of students receiving financial aid, John Jay demonstrates a strong commitment to making higher education accessible. #13
Online degree: Why we like them: UTA has a significant online enrollment, positioning it in the top 3% of universities for this metric. This makes UTA a popular choice for distance learners, supported by their robust digital infrastructure. Coupled with a commendable median earnings of $73,662, placing it in the top 36% for graduate earnings, your investment in this program is likely to yield substantial financial returns. Further enhancing its appeal, the UTA MPA program is fully accredited by NASPAA, offering three distinct pathways: online, on-campus, and a city cohort. Students have the flexibility to complete the program part-time in as little as two years. #14
Online degree: Why we like them: With 8,674 online students enrolled, ODU is a popular choice for remote learning. Military personnel will also find a welcoming environment, as ODU's military enrollment ranks in the top 2% of all institutions, affirming its dedication to accommodating the unique needs of service members. This MPA program is NASPAA accredited, ensuring the educational quality and relevance you require for advancing in the public sector. With a curriculum encompassing key areas such as public management processes, organizational behavior, and policy analysis, the program equips you with the competencies needed for a successful career in public administration. #15
Online degree: Why we like them: USD's Executive Master of Public Administration stands out due to its impressive median earnings of $73,463 for graduates, which places it in the top 37% nationally. The rigorous 30-credit curriculum includes core courses like Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice, Budgetary and Fiscal Management, and Organization and Management. The program focuses on leadership communication, conflict resolution, and administrative law, ensuring you're well-rounded in critical public administration skills. #16
Online degree: Why we like them: Beyond financial outcomes, we also consider student satisfaction highly reflective of educational quality. Northeastern's retention rate of 97% situates it among the top 3% of institutions, suggesting exceptional student experience and support. According to the comprehensive program details, the MPA is accredited by NASPAA and focuses on interdisciplinary work and applied research, preparing graduates for leadership roles in public and nonprofit sectors. Furthermore, the program offers unique opportunities for hands-on experience through capstone projects and real-world work opportunities, even incorporating a one-semester exchange with the University of Amsterdam's Urban Studies Research master's program. Northeastern also allows students to add a graduate certificate at no additional cost in nonprofit sector and urban analytics, enhancing their credentials without extra financial burden. #17
Online degree: Why we like them: The University of Nebraska at Omaha impresses with its median earnings for graduates at $71,079, placing it above 57% of other programs nationwide. This is complemented by a highly favorable recommendation rate of 96%, reflecting strong alumni satisfaction. Students can choose from specializations in high-demand fields like Emergency Management, Health & Social Policy, Local Government, and Public Policy, allowing you to tailor your education to fit your career aspirations. Notably, there is a unique requirement for new online students to attend a one-day on-campus orientation, ensuring that you get a head start by building a strong learning community from the outset. #18
Online degree: Why we like them: CSUDH's program graduates report an impressive median salary of $71,031 that places it in the upper 57th percentile among similar programs. This online MPA focuses on building analytical, communication, and ethical decision-making skills necessary for effective governance in the public sector. The accelerated degree is offered in an asynchronous format and can be completed in 2.5 years. Students have the option to choose from three specializations: Criminal Justice Administration & Policy, Health Care Administration & Policy, or Nonprofit Management. #19
Online degree: Why we like them: DePaul University ranks prominently due to its impressive median earnings of $71,026 post-graduation, placing it in the top 43% nationwide for earning potential. Additionally, its high online enrollment, with 4,119 students studying remotely, underscores DePaul's strong virtual campus environment. DePaul's MPA program is NASPAA-accredited, ensuring high educational standards and industry relevance. The program offers various concentrations, including Cybersecurity, Emergency Management, and Health Care Administration, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. The flexible format of evening or entirely online classes can be completed in just over two years, making it suitable for working professionals. The program also boasts extensive networking opportunities through its alumni network, comprising over 3,460 School of Public Service alumni, facilitating valuable professional connections in government and nonprofit sectors. #20
Online degree: Why we like them: We appreciate that the university offers in-state tuition to all online students regardless of their location. This MPA provides a robust curriculum that includes key focus areas such as public management, nonprofit management, and public policy. The program is ideal for those aiming to enhance leadership skills within the public sector, offering you a rich mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application tailored to meet the demands of modern governance and organizational management. The 36-credit program includes six specializations: Budgeting & Fiscal Administration, Global Affairs & Human Security, Health-Care Policy & Administration, Negotiations & Conflict Management, Public Policy & Administration, or Public & Nonprofit Management. Students must complete a 3-credit internship but may be able to eliminate this requirement if they have relevant work experience. #21
Online degree: Why we like them: Texas A&M's program stands out with an earnings median of $70,188 for graduates, placing it in the top 46% for earning potential. The school's retention rate at 95% reflects a top 3% placement, highlighting its ability to keep students engaged and satisfied, indicative of a supportive learning environment. The MPA's coursework is entirely online, supplemented by two one-week residency requirements at Texas A&M University, either in College Station or Washington, D.C. You can specialize in tracks like Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, or Public Management, dedicating 18 hours to your chosen field. You may transfer up to 12 credit hours from the Bush School’s graduate certificate programs related to your track, expediting the completion process based on your prior learning. Sessions are extensive, lasting fifteen weeks in fall and spring and ten weeks during the summer. #22
Online degree: Why we like them: UNC Chapel Hill's graduates report median earnings of $70,134, placing it in the top 46% nationally - a testament to the high return on investment its graduates enjoy. Complementing this is the school's exceptional 98% recommendation rate. Positioned among the top-tier schools, it further impresses with a robust graduation rate of 91%, a figure that places it in the top 2% of institutions, ensuring that students achieve their academic ambitions. This program requires 45 credit hours, including 30 hours of core coursework and 15 hours of electives. Students complete a Professional Work Experience (PWE) and an Applied Research Problem, which includes an oral exam and a written response to a public sector issue. Core courses cover topics like public administration foundations, financial management, and human resource management. #23
Online degree: Why we like them: With median earnings reported at $69,322, FIU stands in the top 48% of programs, providing a promising return on investment. Complementing this financial upside is its online enrollment, boasting over 14,804 virtual learners, which positions it in the top 9% by size. This MPA is a 42-credit program accredited by NASPAA, designed for professionals in public and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum includes core courses such as human resources management, policy analysis, and public finance, with various elective concentrations available, including Homeland Security and Nonprofit Management. The program offers flexibility with part-time or full-time enrollment, career services, and an internship option for those lacking public service experience. Admissions are on a rolling basis with no GRE required for qualified applicants. #24
Online degree: Why we like them: CU Denver stands out with graduates earning a median salary of $69,290. Additionally, the institution maintains a high recommendation rate of 90%, showcasing satisfaction among online learners and emphasizing its capacity to meet educational and professional aspirations effectively. This MPA prepares you for leadership roles in government or nonprofits through a curriculum steeped in public governance and public service. Accredited by the NASPAA, it offers a nationally recognized education, with the School of Public Affairs being the sole accredited public affairs institution in Colorado. The 36-credit hour program fuses courses in budgeting, leadership, and policy analysis, promising theoretical and practical learning. The program offers concentrations like Education Policy, Nonprofit Management, and Public Policy Analysis, culminating in a capstone project to apply gained knowledge to real-world scenarios. #25
Online degree: Why we like them: Norwich University has an excellent student-faculty ratio of 11:1 across all programs, ensuring more personalized attention. The MPA is a 36-credit, 18-month program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public administration. It offers a variety of concentrations, including Fiscal Management, Nonprofit Management, and Public Sector Leadership & Crisis Management. The curriculum covers areas like organizational leadership, ethics, and financial management, allowing students to apply real-world administrative solutions. The program is delivered 100% online, with multiple start dates available throughout the year. #26
Online degree: Why we like them: Graduates report an impressive median earnings of $68,517, situating them within the top 50% for earnings across similar programs. Additionally, with 86% of students receiving financial aid, support is accessible for many, enhancing the program's appeal. This MPA is a 36-credit program designed for full-time completion in two years, but can also be completed part-time. It offers flexibility with online, evening, and weekend classes. The curriculum covers topics like ethical leadership, social justice, and environmental issues, preparing students for careers in public, nonprofit, and private sectors. #27
Online degree: Why we like them: CSU is one of the most popular online universities on our list, based on an online student enrollment of 15,948 students. This MPA is 36 credits and includes 12 credits specifically centered on concentration courses: Project Management, Project Stakeholders, Current Issues in Leadership, and Human Resource Management Methods. We also appreciate CSU's commitment to students in the military by offering a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit hour. #28
Online degree: Why we like them: ISU has a strong overall recommendation rate at 91%, based on student reviews on our site. This 36-credit-hour MPA is tailored for working professionals in public or nonprofit organizations. The program may extend by an additional three credits if an internship is required for students lacking practical experience. Completion is feasible in just over two years full-time or three years part-time, with a maximum of seven years allowed. The curriculum includes elective concentrations across public policy, nonprofit leadership, criminology, human resources, and public health, enhancing your expertise in specialized fields. Courses are delivered asynchronously or through web-based videoconferencing, and include mandatory participation in live classes for specific subjects via Canvas, the university's learning management system. #29
Online degree: Why we like them: ASU holds a prominent position due to its impressive median earnings of $67,474, placing it in the top 53% of its category. Furthermore, ASU's online enrollment stands at a remarkable 66,946 students, placing the university among the top 2% for online program engagement, which is further evidence of its broad appeal and flexible offerings. This program is tailored for public safety professionals aiming to elevate their leadership roles. Emphasizing real-world solutions in public safety, this degree spans 11 classes over a 33-credit curriculum, designed to be completed with 7.5 weeks per class. The program stands out by offering concentrations in Emergency Medical Services - Mobile Integrated Health Care, Executive Fire Administration, and Executive Police Administration. #30
Online degree: Why we like them: Northern Illinois University earns its rank with median earnings of $67,394, placing it in the top 54% for earning potential. The overall school also has an impressive 87% recommendation rate, reflecting a high level of trust and satisfaction among alumni. NIU's strong focus on online education is evident in its enrollment of 2,208 students, situating it within the top 21% of institutions with a significant online student body. With a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, the university provides an environment conducive to personalized learning experiences. This program requires 39 credit hours and can be completed in under three years by taking two courses per semester. Courses cover topics such as local government administration and leadership in public sector organizations. Applicants need at least two years of local government employment and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, alongside specific course prerequisites. What Is An Online Master in Public Administration?An online master's in public administration (MPA) is a multidisciplinary degree that teaches how to serve in public-facing positions. Students explore policy development, project management, financial analysis, and organizational systems — all necessary skills for overseeing the daily functions of governmental and nonprofit organizations. They will also study law, ethics, fundraising, and statistics. An online MPA is a collaborative degree that requires students to work in groups to finish projects and conduct research. This intersectoral approach prepares graduates for work in organizations that serve public interests. Students can best prepare for their master's degree with a bachelor's in public administration. These degrees provide a foundational understanding of public sector work, including policy and grant writing, ethical decision-making, and communication. Budget-minded students can pursue an affordable bachelor's in public administration to save money on tuition costs. Students should only pursue a master of public administration if it comes from an accredited school. Accreditation ensures that the program and its professors have been evaluated for quality by an independent education agency. All schools featured on the OnlineU site are accredited. How Long Does It Take To Get a Master in Public Administration Degree Online?A public administration master's is designed to take two years for full-time students. They must complete approximately 12 to 15 credits each semester to reach the 36 credits typically needed for graduation. Usually, it takes students longer to graduate than they originally planned for. An MPA online usually finishes with a capstone project or thesis paper. Internships may also be required, in which case students coordinate with local organizations in their area to arrange work. Common Courses in a Public Administration Master'sA master's degree in public administration offers an in-depth examination on how professionals develop, implement, and manage public policy initiatives. These skills require knowledge of organizational structures to manage staff, policy development to organize each step of the process, and ethics to ensure policies are developed in the public's best interests. Policy Development Policy development teaches students to identify issues through public feedback, academic research, and data analysis. They learn about operational planning, which includes managing personnel and developing organizational structures that help them implement change. Each part of policy development is examined in detail through a political lens. Ethics in Public Management In this course, students learn the importance of ethics in government systems and how to conduct themselves professionally, identify organizational hierarchies, and encourage public participation. Students use ethical decision-making models that provide frameworks for identifying issues, gathering information, and implementing solutions. Organizational Analysis An organizational analysis course is helpful in understanding group behavior and structures in political environments. Staff, budget, and data governance are also discussed, providing students with the practical skills required to oversee public organizations and implement policies. Project Management Project management in a public administration context provides operational training for various types of public-serving organizations. Students learn to outline project parameters, including budgets, scope, personnel, and scheduling. They also gain an understanding of sensitive, high-risk operations within the government. What Can You Do With a Public Administration Master’s Degree?Public administration officials implement laws created by policymakers. Their work is critical to organizations that provide social benefits, launch public safety initiatives, and maintain public facilities. Master in public administration graduates can find employment in different facets of the policy design and implementation process, with varying leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public health institutions, and private companies. Below are a few examples of career trajectories for graduates with a master's in public administration: Community Service Managers Median Annual Salary: $74,240 Job Growth: 9%+ organize social programs such as child welfare, psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and healthcare. They ensure benefits reach the community by conducting outreach and communicating eligibility requirements. They hire and train staff, manage budgets, maintain records, and develop policies. Administrative Services Managers Median Annual Salary: $103,330 Job Growth: 5-8% coordinate various operations with an organization to keep it functioning as efficiently as possible. This can include managing inventories, supporting staff, preparing reports, developing key performance indicators, and creating policies. They oversee project planning and implementation, which requires excellent communication and organization skills. Project Management Specialists Median Annual Salary: $95,370 Job Growth: 5-8% The responsibilities of are wide-ranging within a public administration organization. They guide projects from ideation to completion while maintaining budgets and schedules, including hiring and training in-house staff and outside contractors. They work closely with administrators to deliver progress reports while utilizing project management software to manage timelines. Development Managers Median Annual Salary: $120,000 Job Growth: 5-8% In a public administration context, focus on community programs. Their projects aim to improve infrastructure, facilitate economic growth, promote transparency, or address inequalities. Much like other administrative roles, they handle all aspects of program development, such as allocating resources and preparing staff. What Is the Highest Paying Job in Public Administration?Public administration jobs are typically high-paying because of how vital their public-facing leadership duties are to local communities. According to federal data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as cited above, the highest paying roles, such as development managers and administrative services managers, earn median annual salaries above $100,000. Even the lowest paying jobs are pretty high, with project management specialists and community service managers earning between $74,000 and $95,000. Applying For an MPAStudents applying to college for an MPA must have a bachelor's degree. It's recommended that it be in a similar field, like economics, social work, or political science, although only some programs require related academic experience. Students must provide transcripts that show they earned a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 during their undergraduate degree. Additional application requirements may include personal essays, letters of recommendation, and college entrance exams. FAQs About Online MPAsWhich Is Better: An MPA or MBA?The main difference is that an MPA's coursework focuses more on public organizational practices, while an MBA explores the workings of private enterprises. Ultimately, students should choose between an MPA or MBA based on whether they have career aspirations in the public or private sector. Undecided students may want to pursue an MBA in public administration, which teaches business principles in the context of public organizations. What Degree Is Best for a Public Administration Career?Public administration degrees offer concentrations that allow students to narrow the scope of their coursework to what type of organizations they wish to work for. For example, some programs have criminal justice concentrations, while others specialize in nonprofit management. Some programs don't have concentrations at all and instead, provide a range of electives so students can experiment with the direction of their future careers. Is MPA a Respected Degree?Earning an MPA online is a respectable route to a career in public administration. Many of these degrees are taught by the same instructors who lead courses on campus. Even though they are conducted remotely, students still engage in classroom discussions, lectures, and group projects. Furthermore, an online MPA likely won't mention the credential was earned online. Is a Master's in Public Administration Worth It?Check out some more of the pros and cons of earning a Master in Public Administration: Benefits
Drawbacks
Master's degrees are expensive and time-consuming — and MPAs are no different. This often leads students to seek an affordable master's in public administration. However, students can greatly benefit from these programs by earning skills that have a positive impact. Graduates will be in line for leadership jobs that can make a genuine difference in people's lives. Student Reviews of Online Public Administration ProgramsI am in my first semester of an online grad program. Expect to spend a lot of time fixing administrative errors and shortcomings. Departments bounce you back and forth. Ticket system is ignored. I called accounts today and was 26th in line. After 45 minutes I made it to 10th. Review Date: 4/18/2023 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No I need to choose a new grad program and I wanted to continue working in public sector. I decided to give U of Phoenix a try, and I am so happy that I did. I believe that this program was a great fit and that it allowed me to pace myself throughout the six week of each course. I believe that these six weeks are enough time to fully grasp the courses and to understand the objectives. The professors really want you to succeed and always provide well in-depth feedback on how to make progress. I have... Read More Review Date: 8/11/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Over the last few years, University of Phoenix has helped me in numerous ways, not only academically but also personally. The specialists were all helpful in ensuring things were all set and ready to start class each quarter as well check in to see how things are going. The professors have been amazing. They are always actively giving students the knowledge and tools to be able to succeed in the courses. Most importantly, they were all very understanding of circumstances and were willing to accommodate... Read More Review Date: 6/12/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I had a great experience with TUW. I recently completed the MPA program. The faculty and staff engaged to ensure there were no communication gaps. It is a great model for busy professionals. All of the professors were responsive and knowledgeable. The tuition is affordable and has allowed me to further my education. TUW has been one of my best educational experiences. I highly recommend TUW. Review Date: 10/26/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Overall experience was great. Some professors stood out more than others. Some lifetime friendships with classmates and professors were made. Both my BS and MPA capstone professors could have done a better job with grading to give students a better chance of improving. Review Date: 7/9/2022 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I chose Purdue University Global because of its reputation and permitted me to transfer of graduate credit from my previous graduate work. What surprised me was the weekly synchronous online seminar which helped connect to my professors to clarify concepts or theories. The assignments, asynchronous weekly posting on the blackboard and weekly seminars enable me and other students to have multiple mode for the subject/theme of the week. My professors in Public Admin qualified and credentialed with... Read More Review Date: 3/5/2022 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Until financial aid and the bursar office can get it together, stay away. I have issue after issue with the financial department. From them keeping disbursement funds from summer and not figuring it out until fall after being told, to classes almost over before disbursements go out. When you have to buy books and supplies or new laptop with those funds, they put you in a bad position to be successful. They used to be really good but like everything COVID is an excuse for awful service that breaks... Read More Review Date: 9/8/2021 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No I went to this school online and it was just too much religion for me. Religion was injected into every assignment and every conversation, and I'm saying this as a Christian. The 8 week course load for the Master's program is also extremely challenging, for a program made for people who have families and work full-time. I really don't understand how you can even work full-time while taking an 8 week course load. Slip up on one assignment and it's a downward hill from there. And then don't get me... Read More Review Date: 10/21/2020 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No Don't understand the poor reviews on here. I too had a financial aid issues and they explained to me that it would take a while to get sorted out. But, eventually it worked out. This is my first term and it was hard. I only took one class and they really hold you accountable. Discussion boards and seminars are east points but the other assignments are tough. This is what I expect from a graduate school. Most people think online is easy but it's tougher than what people think. My advisor is amazing... Read More Review Date: 9/3/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Barry University through its PACE program gives you the freedom to take classes at your own pace. It's a good fit for working adults with a family. Since being at Barry University, the insight of the professors have been tremendous, they are always willing to help whenever possible. Review Date: 3/16/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No This is all online. It was ok I guess. The professor I had on our leadership class was totally checked out and we didnt hear from him until the end of the course. He provided no direction and didnt respond to emails. As I approached graduation I had one professor who gave me a 3.0 in the class. I had to call her out and point out specifics of the syllabus. She then had to change my grade to a 4.0. When I had emailed her about my grade she simply tossed it off and said I didnt turn in all the assignments.... Read More Review Date: 3/23/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I enjoyed my experience at Strayer University. When I began attending, I was a young single mother working full time. I appreciated the flexibility Strayer afforded me in choosing to enroll in on campus or online classes. The professors were accommodating and responsive. The course load was challenging but kept my interest. I learned a lot of valuable tools that I utilize in my current profession. I would recommend Strayer to everyone, especially those with busy lives. Review Date: 11/21/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The Public Administration Program at Sul Ross State University is incredibly accommodating to online students. All of my classes took place online and I feel like I learned and absorbed the professor's lectures and information just as successfully as in a traditional classroom setting. The majority of people in my class were working full time as well as balancing being a full time student, so each semester was stressful and required skillful time management abilities. Each professor had realistic... Read More Review Date: 2/1/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes University of Phoenix provided outstanding services for obtaining my Master's degree. They offered an array of helpful resources from online information , step-by-step videos, audio media and accessible around the clock. While studying at Phoenix, I also had the support of the staff and a personal mentor assigned to motivate and encourage me. She was always a phone call away with inspiring words to keep me focused. University of Phoenix is a phenomenal school and the resources available ensure that... Read More Review Date: 2/18/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes It's an easily accessible program, but sometimes the class sizes are too large. I'm only two subjects in and I feel the topics are very interesting, but because the classes are online, I don't feel like I know my professors or that they have much of an interest in my work. I'm hoping this will change as the coursework becomes more advanced. The students are all very nice and offer advice and feedback. Review Date: 10/2/2015 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The University of Phoenix online Masters of Public Administration is a well rounded program. I have been able to combine what I am learning in the online class environment and apply it to an internship I am doing with a local government. Having the online capability to network with professionals that are currently in other public sector agencies has been a wonderful way to learn about other communities and the way other cities work. I highly recommend the online program for future or prospective... Read More Review Date: 3/14/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes This university has been my key to success. I have achieved three degrees from CTU and have just been accepted into a doctoral program. The system in which this university provides an opportunity to those who may not believe that it is possible to obtain a degree (or four)! Our military lifestyle made achieving a higher education impossible, but CTU - Online said otherwise. I am extremely happy with my time at CTU and know that I will always be proud of my Alma Mater. Review Date: 7/24/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Central Michigan University has demonstrated the highest level of commitment for military university. As an active duty Coast Guardsman on random patrols at sea, Central Michigan University has helped with admissions, tuition and degree plan. The university's professors have took time to fully explain courses and help students succeed. Review Date: 9/28/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I am half-way through my Masters in Public Administration (MPA) degree at Capella University. I am taking one class per quarter, which has been a good pace for me while I work full-time and maintain my normal life. I received my BA in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) in 1992, attending in the traditional manner. My studies at Capella are all on-line. I will echo the other positive reviews regarding Capella’s graduate programs. If you are disciplined, and know what... Read More Review Date: 4/11/2016 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: Yes Public Administration program is very informational and helpful if you work in government or work with government agencies. It gives you a great inside view what we are doing and why we doing it in the government. Public administration is the implementation of government policy and also an academic discipline that studies this implementation and prepares civil servants for working in the public service. It is centrally concerned with the organization of government policies and programs as well as... Read More Review Date: 6/22/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Why Trust Us?27 Data Researchers 60,000 Degrees Researched Annually 20,000 Hours Spent on Research Annually Launching Rankings Since 2009 Related Articles |
