Updated: May 15, 2023
Public administrators assist in community development, initiate sustainability projects, manage public agencies, and develop new government policies. Prepare for a career dedicated to serving the public and helping to better society with a Master's Degree in Public Administration.
With an average salary of $100,170, administrative services managers make more than twice the average salary of all occupations.
Environmental, demographic, and transportation changes will increase the need for more skilled city planners over the next decade.
From 2021 to 2031, an estimated 16,100 new job openings will be available for administrative services managers.
This list features some of the best master’s in public administration degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), an internationally recognized agency that assesses public administration programs for educational excellence and commitment to quality in education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of master’s in public administration degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
intelligent score 99.98
Award
Intelligent Pick
#1 Values College
#2 Great Business Schools
#11 Social Work Degree Center
College Station, TX
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University offers a highly interactive residential Master of Public Service and Administration degree program. Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, the program has many hands-on components, including public service, interaction with high-level public leaders, real-world consulting projects, and a summer internship. Students can choose from three tracks: Nonprofit Management, Public Management, and Public Policy Analysis. The two-year program is 48 credit hours and concludes with a capstone project. Organizations where you'll find graduates of the Bush School working include the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Red Cross, and the World Bank. Texas A&M is a public university and its Master's of Public service and Administration is among the most affordable of its kind in the nation. All full-time students pay in-state tuition and all students receive some type of financial support regardless of income level.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $891
Out-of-State: $1,950
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
979-862-3476
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 99.45
Award
Best Hands-on Learning
#1 Great Business Schools
#3 Values College
#4 Top Management
Provo, UT
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business offers a rigorous, 58-credit-hour Master of Public Administration degree program that takes two years to complete. Students at this private school run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not permitted to hold employment during the first semester of the program so they can focus on their studies. Three degree specializations are available: Nonprofit Sector, Local Government Sector, and State and Local Government Sector. The program focuses heavily on experiential learning - for example, the Good Measure initiative, where students provide program evaluation and statistical analysis services to nonprofits in the Provo, Utah, community. Students can also participate in Grantwell, a student-run consulting program where Master of Public Administration candidates advise financial donors on their giving decisions. Additionally, students can participate in career trips to cities like Washington, D.C., to network with alumni, policymakers, and employers.
Award
Best Hands-on Learning
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$441
accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-422-4121
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
intelligent score 99.26
Award
Best Faculty
#4 Values College
#6 Great Business Schools
#9 Social Work Degree Center
Athens, GA
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs has a Master of Public Administration program that welcomes applicants with or without previous public service experience. Program values include ethical considerations, service to the public good, and the democratic principles of equity and due process. Eight degree specializations are available, including Criminal Justice, Nonprofit Administration, and Public Policy. All students are encouraged to complete 100 hours of community service during their graduate studies. The program's faculty are nationally recognized leaders, scholars, and researchers in the field. The Journal of Public Administration Education ranked Georgia's Public Administration and Policy faculty number one in the nation for research published in scholarly journals associated with the American Society for Public Administration. Georgia's program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. It takes two years of full-time study to complete the program. The University of Georgia stands out on this list for having the highest graduation rate (88%) among the public schools included.
Award
Best Faculty
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
41
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $417
Out-of-State: $1,082
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
706-542-4114
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
41
intelligent score 99.09
Award
Best Private School
#1 Social Work Degree Center
#8 Values College
#10 Great Business Schools
Pittsburgh, PA
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 17%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
A focus on technology, management, and analytics is a priority of Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM). Administered by the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, the program is research- and technology-driven. Among the subjects that students and faculty are researching, addressing barriers to homeownership, predicting the societal impacts of legal cannabis, and reducing homicide rates using machine learning are some of the top choices. This Pittsburgh-based master's program takes two years to complete and requires a summer internship and capstone project. Ten optional degree concentrations are available, including Smart Communities, Environmental Policy, and Cybersecurity and Management. The program has dedicated career services staff, and you can find recent graduates in organizations like Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the World Bank. Carnegie Mellon University stands out on this list for having the lowest admissions rate (17%) and highest graduation rate (88%) of the private schools included.
Award
Best Private School
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$875.5?0
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
412-268-2164
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 98.85
Award
Best Collaborative Program
#2 Social Work Degree Center
#9 Values College
#11 Great Business Schools
Minneapolis, MN
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Master of Public Affairs degree program is geared toward professionals with 10+ years of work experience in nonprofit leadership, policy, and program analysis. Students are typically able to work full-time in this program because classes are held on evenings and weekends. A unique facet of Minnesota's program is that you design your concentration based on your interests with the help of your advisor. Past concentrations have included Disability Policy, Food Systems Policy, and Transportation Planning. The program, which is housed in the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, is highly collaborative. It features a cohort method of instruction with considerable group work and action-learning projects. Embracing diversity is also a hallmark of the program. A diversity statement is required from all applicants to share experiences and/or interests in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Award
Best Collaborative Program
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,694
Non-Resident: $2,471
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
612-624-3800
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 98.71
Award
Best Public School
#4 Social Work Degree Center
#7 Great Business Schools
#11 Values College
Vestal, NY
Graduation Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 43%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Part of the State University of New York, Binghamton University offers a marketable Master of Public Administration degree that is student-centered and communications-focused. Students graduate with 300 hours of practical experience - part of which comes from the school's Philanthropy Incubator, a unique hands-on program that works with local nonprofits. The 42-credit-hour program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration and typically takes two years to complete. Core courses include Foundations of Public Service, Organizational Theory, and Human Resource Management. A unique aspect of the program is that it has an advisory board of public and nonprofit employers, alumni, and community leaders who ensure the curriculum is relevant and marketable. Board members include members from the New York State Assembly, the New York City Department of Education, and the United Way. Binghamton University stands out on this list for having the most selective rate of admission (43%) of the public schools included.
Award
Best Public School
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $269
Non-Resident: $550
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
607-777-2719
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 98.24
Award
Best Scholarships
#1 Top Management
#7 Values College
#9 Great Business Schools
#22 Social Work Degree Center
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate: 77%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University offers a Master of Public Administration program that focuses on public policy, economics, management, and data analysis. It's a 52-credit-hour full-time program that takes two years to complete. Students can choose between four curriculum streams to focus their degree: Public Policy, Management, Economics, and Decision Support Systems. Typically, students can manage a part-time job of about 20 hours a week when in the program. Those students who need help finding a part-time job can seek assistance from the Glenn College Career Services staff. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Undergraduate courses in microeconomics, statistics, and government are strongly recommended. All applicants to Ohio State's Master of Public Administration program are automatically considered for several fellowships and merit-based funding opportunities.
Award
Best Scholarships
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
52
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $222
Non-Resident: $721
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
614-292-8696
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
52
intelligent score 97.38
Award
Best Accelerated Program
#5 Great Business Schools
#5 Values College
#19 Social Work Degree Center
College Park, MD
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 51%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
The University of Maryland's School of Public Policy offers an accelerated Master of Professional Studies in Public Administration. The 36-credit-hour program can be completed in 12 months as a full-time student or 21 months as a part-time student. Owing to the school's proximity to Washington, D.C., there are many opportunities for internships and networking events, including those offered by government agencies and organizations. Courses include Social Identity, Ethics of Public Administration, and Quantitative Aspects of Public Policy. Program faculty are both scholars and practitioners and bring real-world experiences and connections into the classroom. Faculty include the first director of the U.S. National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, a Peace Corps alumnus, and a committee member of the United Nations Environment Programme. The program concludes with a capstone project in which students tackle a complex policy or management analysis on behalf of a client, often of their choosing.
Award
Best Accelerated Program
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $975
Non-Resident: $2,003
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
301-405-6330
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 97.22
Award
Best Dual-Degree Options
#4 Great Business Schools
#6 Values College
Raleigh, NC
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 46%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
A flexible Master of Public Administration degree is offered by North Carolina State University's School of Public and International Affairs. The 42-credit-hour program focuses on efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and accountability in public service, and it takes two years of full-time study or three to five years of part-time study to complete. Classes are taught in the evening at the school's Raleigh campus to allow full-time students to participate in internships and part-time students to work. The program has no specializations, but three well-established dual-degree options are offered alongside the master's degree: a Juris Doctorate, a Master of International Studies, or a Master of Social Work degree. Among the places graduates of this program are employed are the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.
Award
Best Dual-Degree Options
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $505
Non-Resident: $1,572
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-515-2872
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 96.97
Award
Best Internships
#8 Top Management
#10 Values College
#13 Great Business Schools
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 56%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The University of Washington's Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy & Governance offers a hands-on Master of Public Administration program on campus in Seattle. Students can choose from seven program areas to customize their degrees. These areas include Environmental Policy, Leadership and Decision Making, and Public Financial Management. The chosen area of specialization will appear on a student's final transcript but not on the diploma. The University of Washington's Master of Public Administration program requires both a capstone project and a 400-hour internship. Internship partners that regularly host the program's students include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Seattle Housing Authority, and the Washington State House of Representatives. During their second year in this master's program, students can become Student Ambassadors whose role is to answer inquiries from prospective students on the faculty, coursework, student experience, and internship experience.
Award
Best Internships
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $348
Non- Resident: $594
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
206-685-8983
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
intelligent score 95.49
Award
Fairfax, VA
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36 - 39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $759
Out-of-State: $1,574
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
703-993-8099
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36 - 39
intelligent score 95.37
Award
Lubbock, TX
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $226
Non-Resident: $421
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
806-834-3729
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 94
Award
Salt Lake City, UT
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Hybrid, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $300
Non-Resident: $1,057
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-581-6781
Delivery Format
Hybrid, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
intelligent score 93.61
Award
Denver, CO
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $542
Non-Resident: $1,293
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
303-315-2601
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 93.17
Award
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $882
Non-Resident: $1,794
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-621-7600
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 92.99
Award
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,049
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-854-6216
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 91.87
Award
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 43%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,960?
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-994-6295
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
intelligent score 91.42
Award
Orlando, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 45%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $369
Out-of-State: $1,194
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
407-823-5369
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 91.38
Award
San Jose, CA
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $319?
Out-of-State: $451?
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-924-5550
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 90.29
Award
Birmingham, AL
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $468
Out-of-State: $1,109?
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
205-934-8227
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 90.01
Award
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,100
Non-Resident: $1,603?
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
602-496-0450
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 89.9
Award
Mississippi State, MS
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$514
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662.325.2711
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 89.48
Award
San Francisco, CA
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39 - 42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$598
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
415-405-3483
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39 - 42
intelligent score 88.61
Award
El Paso, TX
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $311
Non-Resident: $836
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
915-747-5491
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 87.88
Award
Baltimore, MD
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
37
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $699
Non-Resident: $1,201
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
410-455-5555
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
37
intelligent score 87.5
Award
Syracuse, NY
Graduation Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$810
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-443-4000
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
intelligent score 87.33
Award
Long Beach, CA
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 42%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $512
Non-Resident: $908
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
562-985-5471
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 86.94
Award
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $456
Non-Resident: $852
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
323-343-3901
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 85.81
Award
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
54
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$989
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-413-8088
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
54
intelligent score 84.23
Award
Cambridge, MA
Graduation Rate: 98%
Admission Rate: 5%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$875
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-495-1155
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 83.26
Award
Indianapolis, IN
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $814
Non-Resident: $1,661
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
317-274-4656
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 82.17
Award
Cullowhee, NC
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Hybrid, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $420
Non Resident: $998
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
828-227-7398
Delivery Format
Hybrid, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 81.36
Award
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 37%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $598
Non-Resident: $994
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
619-594-8566
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 81.07
Award
Charlotte, NC
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $240
Non-Resident: $1,026
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
704-687-1400
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 80.23
Award
Lawrence, KS
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $751
Non-Resident: $959
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-864-3140
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
intelligent score 79.98
Award
Las Cruces, NM
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $278
Non-Resident: $907
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
575-646-4935
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 79.45
Award
Richardson, TX
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
54
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,701
Non-Resident: $2,487
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
972-883-2270
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
54
intelligent score 79.3
Award
Fullerton, CA
Graduation Rate: 77%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $512
Non-Resident: $908
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
657-278-3521
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 78.97
Award
Laredo, TX
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 59%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $748
Non-Resident: $51,709
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
956-326-2001
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 78.72
Award
Denton, TX
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $768
Non-Resident: $1,176
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
940-565-2165
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 78.52
Award
Fresno, CA
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$423
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
559-278-2261
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 77.63
Award
Atlanta, GA
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Hybrid, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $398
Out-of-State: $1,259
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
404-413-0107
Delivery Format
Hybrid, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 77.61
Award
San Marcos, TX
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$918
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-245-7582
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 77.02
Award
Tampa, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 49%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $435
Non-Resident: $881
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-974-3350
Delivery Format
On- Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
When choosing a public sector career, you should also consider studying for a master of public policy (MPP) degree. While an MPA helps students develop the skills necessary to manage public policy and resolve organizational problems, an MPP degree specializes in policy research and statistical analysis.
A master’s in public administration has a broader curriculum to help prepare graduates for leadership and management roles in the public sector.
When choosing a degree program, determine whether you’re more interested in researching and analyzing data to create programs for the public sector or implementing and managing new policies.
Students who pursue a master’s in public administration graduate with a comprehensive skill set they can apply to many areas. Graduates often work in the private sector as financial and human resources managers, budget analysts, and tax examiners.
The job outlook for MPA graduates remains significantly higher than the national average due to a need for leaders in government, nonprofit management, and social service. With governments’ focusing on sustainable environmental policy over the next decade, urban and city planners are needed to implement these plans.
Ask yourself these questions when researching master’s in public administration programs:
Be sure to submit all application materials on time. Some programs might have additional prerequisites for applicants, so visit the school website to determine exact application information.
Scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages are available for students wishing to pursue a master’s degree. Consider how you will fund your graduate studies, and research opportunities to reduce tuition fees and related costs.