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An online master’s degree in public administration involves the study of government policies and administration. It is a more flexible and usually more affordable alternative to pursuing a full-time MPA. This degree opens up career opportunities like that of an administrative officer, public relations manager, publicist, economic consultant, publicist, fundraising manager, etc. You can enter the fields of social services, business, education and even government after this degree. This blog covers some of the top universities offering an online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA).
| SN | University | Course | Fees |
| 1 | Pace University | Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) | USD 42,000 |
| 2 | LSU Online | Online Master of Public Administration | USD 25,092 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Chicago | Online Master of Public Administration | USD 21,978 |
| 4 | University of Birmingham | Masters of Public Administration MPA (Online) | GBP 14,625 |
| 5 | University of York | Online Master of Public Administration | GBP 10,440 |
| 6 | USC Online | Master of Public Administration | – |
| 7 | UCF Online | Online Master of Public Administration | USD 48,342 |
| 8 | University of North Dakota | Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) | USD 20,816 |
| 9 | University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML Online) | Online Master’s in Public Administration | USD 21,600 |
| 10 | University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) | Master of Public Administration | – |
This Blog Includes:
- 1. Pace University
- 2. Louisiana State University (LSU Online)
- 3. University of Illinois Chicago
- 4. University of Birmingham
- 5. University of York
- 6. University of Southern California (USC Online)
- 7. UCF Online
- 8. University of North Dakota
- 9. University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML Online)
- 10. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
- FAQs
Let’s go into a bit more detail about each university and course.
1. Pace University
Pace University offers one of the finest public administration master’s degrees online. This is a 100% online course where you can choose between 3 tracks – Non-Profit Management, Healthcare Administration, or Government Management. On top of it, you can take up an optional short-term study abroad course in Oxford, England. You need to complete a hands-on capstone project to obtain the degree certificate.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | NA |
| Accreditation | NASPAA |
| Fees | NA |
Also Read – Learn the difference between public administration and political science
2. Louisiana State University (LSU Online)
Louisiana State University Online provides a top-notch public administration master’s degree online. This online MPA degree program includes a total of 36 credit hours. This NASPAA-accredited program has a flexible curriculum. You will learn to master skills to participate in policy and administrative processes. The drawback? This is a non-thesis degree program.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 36 |
| Accreditation | NASPAA |
| Fees | Cost Per Credit Hour USD 697 |
3. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago offers an excellent public administration master’s degree online. The program can be completed in just 16 months. You will have to study 13 courses to get a total of 54 credits. This is a 100% online degree program that offers two concentrations. You can either take up a public management concentration or a nonprofit management concentration.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 54 (13 courses) |
| Accreditation | USD 407 per credit hour |
| Fees | NA |
4. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham’s public administration master’s degree online can be completed in 2.5 years. The degree is 100% online and consists of 180 credit hours. Classes are taught in the form of video lectures, real-life case studies, and peer interactions. Other digital resources are also provided for learning. As a part of this course, you will have to complete written assignments, simulations, discussion boards, and presentations. However, you need an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall for course enrollment.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 180 |
| Accreditation | NA |
| Fees | GBP 14,625 full programme/ GBP 1,125 per module. |
5. University of York
The University of York also provides a public administration master’s degree online. York University is a big name that comes under the Russell Group. Therefore, you can be assured that you are learning from the best. The degree includes a total of 180 credits that you can obtain over 2 years. Classes start in September.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 180 |
| Accreditation | NA |
| Fees | GBP 10,440 |
6. University of Southern California (USC Online)
Offered by the University of Southern California (USC) Online, this Master’s of Public Administration is accredited by NASPAA. This degree program is taught through the university’s face-to-face video conferencing platform. There are two core focus areas of this course; the first being Institutions and Organizations, with Analytics as the second. You can get two certificate options – City and County Management or Public Policy. This degree can be completed in 24 months or less and includes 2 on-campus residencies and one capstone project. GRE or GMAT are not needed.
| Format | Hybrid |
| Credits | NA (40 units) |
| Accreditation | NASPAA-accredited |
| Fees | NA |
7. UCF Online
UCF Online’s Online MPA degree program has been recognised by the US News and World Report as one of the top graduate public administration programs. You do not need GRE for admission. This public administration master’s degree online emphasises 3 areas – Public Administration in the Policy Process, Public Budgeting, and Public Organisation Management. NASPAA has accredited this program. You have two online dual degree options as well. You can enrol in the MPA and your Master of Nonprofit Management simultaneously.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 42 |
| Accreditation | NA |
| Fees | $1,151.72 per credit hour |
Also Read – Learn about Public Policy: Definition, Courses, and Universities
8. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota‘s Master’s in Public Administration is an online degree also available for on-campus learners. The degree program has a total of 36 credit hours. It will take more than 2 years to complete this program. NASPAA has accredited this program. You will learn to address challenges facing the government and non-profit organizations in this program. 100% of the students who have enrolled in this program are either employed or are pursuing further education within 6 months.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 36 |
| Accreditation | NASPAA |
| Fees | NA |
9. University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML Online)
The UML Online’s Master of Public Administration has one of the most affordable tuition fees on this list. You do not need a GRE to enrol. Moreover, classes can be taken part-time or full-time. The curriculum includes a total of 12 courses with 36 credits. The program offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Classes are taken by faculty members who teach in humanities, fine arts, social sciences etc. You will have to complete a capstone project at a public or non-profit agency to obtain this certificate.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 36 |
| Accreditation | NA |
| Fees | $600 cost per credit |
10. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is another great university for an online master’s in public administration. The program is 100% online and can be completed within 24 months. You have to complete 39 credits to complete this degree. NASPAA has accredited this program. You can expect a flexible learning experience with interactive and engaging classes. The drawback? GRE is needed for this program.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 39 |
| Accreditation | NASPPA |
| Fees | NA |
FAQs
Definitely! The Master of Public Administration is an excellent choice for students who want to enter the field of public policy making, public management, or the non-profit sectors. Administrative Officer, Public Relations Manager, Publicist, and Economic Consultant are some of the career options after MPA.
Generally, a Master’s in Public Administration online or on campus can be completed in 2 years. You can also enrol in a part-time program. However, in this case, it can take longer to complete the program.
MBA and MPA are two different degrees. An MBA program is more suitable for anyone who wants to enter the business world or work for a for-profit organisation. On the other hand, a public administration degree is for those who want to enter the government, education, or the social services sector.
For more information, check out our top resources on online courses.
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