Students seeking advanced careers in public service will benefit from an online master’s degree in public administration. At a public university, the cost of a graduate degree averages $12,596, and at a private university, $28,017. The degree can have an excellent return on the investment, however.
The median annual salary for a political scientist is $128,020, while the median for a fundraising manager is $107,390. This degree can also lead to top executive positions in government, such as city manager or mayor, who earn a median annual salary of $124,090.
We asked Michelle Pickett, director of Northern Illinois University’s Academic Advising Center, for guidance on choosing a master’s in public administration degree program and tips for succeeding in an online model.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Public Administration (MPA) degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 47 Online Master’s in Public Administration Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 99.47In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $327
Out-of-State: $1,151
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
42
Villanova University
Intelligent Score: 99.29In-state: $56,730
Out-of-state: $56,730
In-state: $20,619
Out-of-state: $20,619
SAT: 1320-1460
ACT: 30-33
$940
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
39
San Diego State University
Intelligent Score: 99.08In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 1090-1300
ACT: 22-29
$551
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
36
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Intelligent Score: 98.03In-state: $7,019
Out-of-state: $34,198
In-state: $10,552
Out-of-state: $10,552
SAT: 1280-1490
ACT: 28-33
$1,209
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
45
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 96.76In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,244
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
40
Northwestern School of Professional Studies
Intelligent Score: 96.42In-state: $58,227
Out-of-state: $58,227
In-state: $56,067
Out-of-state: $56,067
SAT: 1430-1550
ACT: 33-35
$1,288
Online, Hybrid
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
39
Sul Ross State University
Intelligent Score: 94.72In-state: $6,547
Out-of-state: $18,817
In-state: $4,162
Out-of-state: $4,162
SAT: 850-1047
ACT: 15-21
Resident: $266
Non-Resident: $674
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Nebraska Omaha
Intelligent Score: 94.41In-state: $7,770
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $6,138
Out-of-state: $6,138
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-28
Resident: $365
Non-Resident: $600
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
39
Texas A&M International University
Intelligent Score: 93.49In-state: $8,395
Out-of-state: $36,849
In-state: $6,775
Out-of-state: $6,775
SAT: 1160-1380
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $77
Non-Resident: $486
Online
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
42
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 93.23In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $864
Non-Resident: $1,108
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
30
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 92.55In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $455
Out-of-State: $ 1,001
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
42
Clayton State University
Intelligent Score: 92.35In-state: $4,064
Out-of-state: $14,786
In-state: $5,760
Out-of-state: $5,760
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$419
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 92.08In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$695
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
University of Illinois Springfield
Intelligent Score: 91.91In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$365
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
36
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 91.85In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
$342
Online, Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Texas A&M University The Bush School of Government and Public Service
Intelligent Score: 91.57In-state: $8,395
Out-of-state: $36,849
In-state: $6,775
Out-of-state: $6,775
SAT: 1160-1380
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $717
Non-Resident: $1,259
Online
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
39
Southern Utah University
Intelligent Score: 91.56In-state: $6,006
Out-of-state: $19,822
In-state: $7,574
Out-of-state: $7,574
SAT: 1030-1220
ACT: 21-27
$430
Online, On-Campus
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
36
Southern University and A&M College
Intelligent Score: 90.18In-state: $28,456
Out-of-state: $35,886
In-state: $28,592
Out-of-state: $28,592
SAT: 890-1060
ACT: 15-19
$475
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Public Administration Program
Choose your area of study
Universities offer different concentrations for an online master’s in public administration. Some popular areas include management and leadership in government, nonprofit, healthcare, or educational organizations.
Students must also decide what type of master’s they want, such as one of the following:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
MPA degrees typically prepare students to manage or direct agencies at a high level. MPP degrees teach students how to analyze and make changes to policies. Both are similar to MBA degrees, which prepare students for private sector roles, focusing on analysis skills.
Do you already have specific plans for your career after you graduate? If so, choose the type of degree and concentration that best matches your professional goals.
“When considering a major or area of study, select a program you are interested in studying and learning more about,” says Pickett. “One helpful resource is the Bureau of Labor Statistics’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides a wealth of career information, including the career outlook and educational preparation needed for different occupations.”
Research schools and programs
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in public administration program will also be accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). This organization has particularly high standards for public sector education.
Other ways to search for the best master’s in public administration program include the following:
- Visit public administration program websites
- Attend in-person or virtual open houses or information sessions
- Follow the online degree programs on social media
- Ask for references from former students
- Check out the course curriculum, including internships, thesis requirements, and final projects
- Review faculty biographies
Contact an admissions counselor or graduate program representative to get the answers to any questions you weren’t able to find through your own research.
Prepare for tests and applications
All potential students must complete the admissions requirements of a university and a specific program. One school’s requirements may differ significantly from another’s. Many MPAs use entrance exams, such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Some schools may waive the GRE for students with years of work experience in public administration. Some waive the GRE for students with GPAs over 3.0.
Other than the GRE, standard application requirements for a public administration program include the following:
- Application and fees
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts showing proof of a bachelor’s degree and GPA
- Personal statement
- Resume
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Applying to numerous schools at once can be tempting, but students should be aware that application fees can add up. Students can narrow their list by ruling out options that are too expensive — in addition to tuition, look out for hidden costs such as technology fees, student services fees, etc. And if you want to graduate as quickly as possible, you should probably avoid programs that have an internship or thesis requirement.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again (especially any logistical concerns). Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in a 100% online program, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some online degree programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? “Students considering enrolling in an online college should ensure that they’re focused and motivated and can practice good time management and self-discipline skills, especially for self-paced programs,” says Pickett. Your online program should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Unless students save up enough money to cover the costs of the best online master’s in public administration, they will need to find other ways to pay. Contacting the financial aid department is a must. Their staff can help students access resources they may not find independently. Students can also learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA is a necessary step for accessing federal grants and loans, as well as many other financial aid programs.
Other resources include university and community scholarships, fellowships, work-study jobs, government grants, payment plans, and loans. Those already working full-time jobs may check with employers regarding tuition assistance and reimbursement plans.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Public Administration Program?
Students in an online master’s in public administration program will learn leadership skills that focus on all aspects of an organization, like organizational behavior, needs assessment, program evaluation, public financial management, labor relations, and data analysis. Other focus areas may include statistics, political policies, governance, human resources, public relations, and nonprofit management.
Most programs take two years to complete based on a 30-credit curriculum of both core courses and elective courses. However, based on factors like full-time or part-time enrollment and accelerated courses, the time it takes to finish a master’s in public administration degree will vary for each student.
Graduation requirements typically include internship hours, a thesis project, and sometimes both. Meeting with the internship or thesis coordinator will give students insight into the guidelines. Ask questions like:
- Can it be a paid internship?
- What are the expectations for reporting internship hours, duties, location, etc.?
- How can students access the program’s internship handbook?
- How will students be evaluated during their internship?
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in public administration program
- Administrative Theories. Students will learn the foundations of executive positions working for the public sector as well as the private sector. Students learn the management and leadership skills necessary for success and how to apply them in various settings. Real-world case studies and interviews with local leaders are often included in this course.
- Legal Aspects of Public Administration. Students develop an understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to public administration and how the legal system has shaped public administration, policy initiatives, and reforms. Legal courses are typically broad, covering information that may apply to various concentrations of public administration.
- Organizational Culture and Dynamics. Students learn how to analyze the behaviors within an organization and make necessary changes so the company can be more successful. They examine the environments within a business to improve how it functions.
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Leaders must know how to resolve conflicts, whether it is among employees or between countries. In this course, students review real-life cases requiring negotiation and conflict resolution and learn techniques to apply in their career.
- Technology and Public Administration. Students learn how to use technology to their advantage in their chosen field. Topics may include artificial intelligence (AI), social media, tools and platforms, and digital marketing.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Public Administration?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with an online master’s degree in public administration (MPA) is promising, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled professionals in public service. Many of the occupations in this field are growing quickly, and some have particularly high salaries.
“Researching the growth opportunities for a career is important. It helps individuals understand the full scope and opportunities for an area they are interested in pursuing,” adds Pickett. “The job market is fluid, things can shift over time, and new careers may develop. Understanding this information is just one factor individuals can use to make a well-informed decision about their career path.”
Earning a master’s degree in public administration equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and drive positive change in the public sector. This graduate program blends elements of public policy, organizational management, ethical leadership, and public human resource management, positioning graduates for impactful careers in public organizations, nonprofit organizations, and beyond. Here’s a glimpse into potential career paths that open up with an MPA, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to the betterment of communities and society:
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $100,090
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
- Emergency management director — Prepare plans and coordinate responses for emergencies and natural disasters.
- Median annual salary: $79,180
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 900 annually
- Human resources manager — Oversee employee relations, payroll administration, and talent acquisition and development.
- Median annual salary: $130,000
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 15,500 annually
Online Master’s in Public Administration Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in public administration degree program?
Contact the school’s admissions department to speak to an admissions counselor for the most accurate information. The admissions counselor can tell prospective students the application requirements and share the deadlines for each step of the process. Typically, master’s degree programs ask for the following:
- GRE scores or proof of work experience
- Transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree and overall GPA
- Letters of recommendation from people who can attest to your abilities in the field
- Completed application and fees
- Resume or curriculum vitae
How much does an online master's in public administration degree cost?
Online master’s in public administration programs will vary in cost based on many individualized factors. When calculating potential expenses, students should include the following:
- Base tuition fees
- Textbooks or digital media required for the class
- Laboratory fees, technology fees, and other university fees
- Childcare, supplies, computer, internet, and other expenses
- Time away from being able to earn money
How long does it take to earn an online master's in public administration degree?
The time it takes to earn an online master’s in public administration primarily depends on how many credits the program is. A program with more required credits tends to take longer to finish (unless students are enrolled in an accelerated program).
Additional factors that can affect how long it takes to complete an online master’s in public administration include:
- Full-time status versus part-time status
- Personal or professional obligations
- Unexpected life changes
- Deployment
Is an online master's in public administration worth it?
Earning an online master’s in public administration is highly valuable for individuals aspiring to lead and make a difference in public service.
The earning potential for individuals with an online MPA degree is competitive. Salaries can range from $60,000 to $150,000 or more annually, depending on factors such as experience, specialization, and the specific career path chosen. MPA graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in government, nonprofits, and the private sector.
One of the key advantages of earning an online MPA degree is the flexibility it offers. Online programs allow students to balance their education with work or other commitments, providing access to quality education without geographical constraints. This flexibility enhances opportunities for career growth and advancement.
An online master’s in public administration imparts knowledge about public policy and administration and cultivates critical skills applicable in various professional settings. Graduates are prepared to lead with integrity, drive organizational effectiveness, and contribute to positive societal outcomes.
Read More about Online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) Degrees
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