As the challenges facing our local, national, and global communities continue to grow in complexity, there is an outstanding need for professionals with the desire to initiate meaningful change. Individuals in the field of public administration share a common commitment to public service, as well as aspirations of leading and impacting large groups of people, whether that be through work in government, nonprofit groups, or nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and in the public or private sector. The field encompasses a broad scope of professionals, including civil servants, city managers, elected and appointed officials, academics, non-profit managers and more, with each making a vital contribution to societal improvement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in public administration are projected to increase by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030 (bls.gov). This growth, as well as daily responsibilities, vary by job title and industry, but the issues facing public administration professionals center around meeting the evolving needs of the public, designing and implementing new methods of governing, and ensuring there is a line of communication between policy makers and their constituents. Ultimately, each faction operates with the mission of making a positive impact on community welfare, focusing on economy, efficiency, and equity.
Those interested in pursuing leadership roles within any level of government or making a broad impact through non-profits and community initiatives may benefit from pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.
Overview of Master of Public Administration Degree Programs
The average MPA program requires between 36 and 64 credit hours made up of core work, electives, and a culminating capstone project that is designed to demonstrate students’ comprehension of the ideas, theories and practices learned throughout the program. In addition, some programs may require community outreach and internships as part of their curriculum.
An MPA curriculum can be described as an amalgamation of the coursework found in Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and Master of Organizational Leadership degrees. The primary difference between an MPA and MPP degree is that an MPP focuses on policy analysis and design, while an MPA focuses on implementing the aforementioned policies. According to U.S. News & World Report, while MBA and MPA programs both offer essential management training, the key distinction between the two degrees is the type of careers its graduates pursue. An MBA tends to be geared toward prospective business executives, focusing on how to generate profit and create shareholder value, while an MPA focuses more on social impact, preparing students for leadership roles in government and the public sector.
However, that does not mean that MPA graduates only pursue careers in the public sector. Harvard Business School for example reported that in 2019 25% of its MPA graduates took jobs at Nonprofit/NGOs, 34% pursued government roles, and 37% found positions at private companies. The same report found that market fluctuations, global events, and politics can have a direct impact on the sector in which graduates find employment.
MPA degree candidates will study various areas of government and non-profit management, finance, and strategy as well as policy analysis and economics. While electives and specializations vary by institution, the core of most public administration degrees includes courses in human resources, decision making, strategy and problem solving, statistics, accounting, research methods, ethics, and management concepts.
Online MPA Programs
Numerous reputable institutions (both public and private) now offer MPA degrees online. These web-based programs feature comparable curricula to traditional face-to-face graduate programs, along with faculty engagement and virtual networking opportunities, but with several differentiating advantages.
- Global Networking Opportunities: Online degree programs offer the opportunity to engage with students from anywhere in the world. The result of this unique global element is dynamic class discussions that stem from a having a diverse cohort not limited by the geographic restrictions of a traditional classroom. This can make an online master’s degree in public administration enticing, especially for those looking to pursue government or non-profit positions that feature an international component.
- Time Saving: Removing the need to commute to and from campus, online programs save valuable time for professionals trying to fit lectures into their already busy schedules.
- Flexibility: Pursuing an MPA program online provides flexibility for working professionals who hope to balance coursework with full-time employment and personal obligations. It is important to note that some online programs include weekend or week-long on-campus sessions. These in-person intensives offer degree candidates the opportunity to connect with their instructors and classmates, engaging in group discussions and networking activities. If you are looking for a fully remote program that does not require travel, be sure to examine the course requirements prior to applying. For a program to be considered “online” on OnlineMPAPrograms.com, it must require no more than three campus visits per year.
- Accessibility: With the ability to join the classroom from anywhere in the world, online programs eliminate the limitation of finding the right program in your area. This is especially advantageous for those who don’t live near a university that offers their degree of interest, and removes the obstacle of relocation, thereby allowing for continuous employment. It also allows for students to apply to programs based on the curriculum and faculty that best match their career goals.
While considering the conveniences of an online program, it’s also important to take into account potential challenges. Online programs feature the same rigorous curricula as on-campus programs, so successful candidates must have strong time management and organizational skills. Without the support of an in-person cohort and the routine of on-campus lectures, self-discipline and self-motivation are also essential to being able to complete coursework requirements. In addition, while having a global cohort has its benefits, varying time zones can present unique obstacles when trying to schedule virtual team meetings or complete group projects.
MPA in Criminal Justice Administration
Prepare for career advancement within state, local, or national law enforcement agencies by gaining understanding of criminal justice theories and technologies, and evaluating strategies, policies, and procedures to ascertain best practices.
MPA in Education Administration and Policy
Focusing on curricula, educational plans, as well as the social and socioeconomic influence on education, learn to develop and implement policies that impact academic systems at a state, local, or national level.
MPA in Emergency Management / Disaster Management
Emphasizing critical thinking, efficiency, and rapid response time, prepare to guide businesses and organizations that continue to provide essential services during and after emergencies or natural disasters.
MPA in Environmental Policy and Management
Prepare for the administrative, economic, political, and legal challenges confronting sustainability advocates and those working in environmental policy, protection, management, and conserving natural resources.
MPA in Healthcare Administration
Learn to manage the complexities involved in the management of hospitals and other health services organizations as well as public health infrastructure.
MPA in Homeland Security
Develop disaster prevention and response expertise to prepare to handle the effects of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other crisis situations on a national scale.
MPA in Human Resource Management
Focusing on management as well as policy development and implementation, explore the connection between human resources strategy and business leadership to achieve optimal organizational effectiveness in national and global business environments.
MPA in International Administration and Global Policy
A policy- and economic-focused specialization that centers on understanding the challenges and opportunities facing those who work to promote advancement in developing countries.
MPA in Local Government Management (Community, City, State, and Urban Management)
Learn the fundamentals of infrastructure, focusing on the issues of sustainability and development in the context of government regulation, incentive programs, and local politics.
MPA in Nonprofit Management and Administration
Learn to advocate for essential community resources by combining business knowledge with public policy expertise, focusing on the managerial aspects of leading a non-profit organization such as fundraising, volunteer management, strategic planning, and more.
MPA in Public Financial Management
Develop the foundational knowledge and analytic skills needed to assess the financial and economic position of a municipality or government unit, focusing on budgeting, allocation of public resources, and understanding the role of public debt.
MPA in Public Health
Learn to develop and implement new approaches to healthcare and how the management and administration of health systems affects populations by focusing on analysis and examination of public health practices, intervention, and the relationship between health and the environment.
MPA in Public Management and Organizational Leadership (General MPA Programs)
Prepare for managerial and executive roles in the field of public service. Develop expertise in formulating, evaluating, and implementing public policies, focusing on strategic planning, ethics, human resources, and conflict resolution skills.
MPA in Public Policy
Learn to analyze laws and regulations to determine community impact, as well as gain understanding of policy formation and implementation in different geographic areas. This degree differs from a Master of Public Policy.
Important Considerations for Selecting an Online MPA Program
There are several important considerations students should take into account while researching online MPA programs. These factors include: part-time versus full-time enrollment options, types of online instruction methods, whether or not online programs require a limited number of campus visits, options for start dates, and traditional versus modified academic calendars. Each of these considerations is explored in more detail below.
- Enrollment Options for Online MPA Programs: Students enrolling full-time in an online MPA program can expect to earn their degree in two years. Some schools also offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months. Students who enroll on a part-time basis typically earn their degree within three to four years. Full-time enrollment often requires taking two to three graduate courses per 15-week semester; therefore, students should take their potential course load into account when deciding whether to enroll part- or full-time.
- Instruction Methods: There are two main types of instruction methods utilized by online programs: synchronous instruction and asynchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction features online classes with a live instructor often during early morning, evening, or weekend hours to accommodate working professionals. Cohorts take part in team assignments that are scheduled independently. Asynchronous instruction does not have a real-time component. Instead, students review course materials and participate in online discussion sessions when it is convenient for them (assuming they abide by class deadlines).
All online programs have asynchronous elements; however, not all programs incorporate live synchronous sessions. Students who prefer a more traditional classroom experience should look for programs that utilize synchronous instruction. Students who are independent learners who need maximum flexibility to complete course materials on their own time should find programs that mainly use asynchronous instruction.
- Intensive Sessions and Campus Visits: Some online programs feature components that require students to take part in face-to-face weekend or week-long intensives (which are sometimes referred to as immersions) on-campus or at another location to work on skills development and to encourage team building and networking. Students interested in meeting their classmates and professors in person may want to explore programs that incorporate these events into the curriculum.
- Start Dates and Academic Calendars: While many schools follow the traditional fall and/or spring semester start, others offer rolling admissions with cohorts beginning at numerous times throughout the year. In fact, some programs have six or more starts per year so that students can literally start a program shortly after applying (assuming they are accepted).
Another popular format utilized by some universities are shorter, more frequent sessions of four to eight weeks as opposed to the traditional 10-week quarter system or 15-week semester system. This alternative academic calendar allows students to focus more intensively on individual subjects as opposed to taking several courses simultaneously. Students should consider the format that best matches their learning style when applying to online MPA programs.
Accreditation for Online MPA Programs
Accreditation status is one of the most important elements to consider when evaluating prospective universities. The accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school’s programs and student services by an independent body to ensure a minimum level of quality. As you research potential programs, pay close attention to both regional and program-based accreditation.
Regional Accreditation: Overseeing their respective areas of the country, independent regional accrediting organizations in the U.S. ensure certain academic criteria are met. The six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S. include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) / Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This type of “institutional accreditation” typically applies to academically oriented, non-profit, and/or state-owned institutions. The process is voluntary, and schools are regularly reassessed to ensure their programs and faculty continue to the meet expectations. Students interested in earning a master’s degree should only attend a college or university that has regional accreditation.
Note: The Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) are two federal agencies that oversee education in the U.S. In addition to the six regional accrediting bodies mentioned above, CHEA and the USDE may recognize other organizations that provide school and/or programmatic accreditation. Students can review these organizations on the chea.org website.
Program-Based Accreditation: Within an accredited college or university, individual degree programs may choose to acquire additional accreditation. These assessments are conducted by the professional associations linked to that field of study to ensure that the program meets the standards of the field. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) evaluates master’s degree programs in public policy, affairs, or administration. NASPAA conducts an extensive peer review where a program and its faculty must meet stringent criteria before being granted accreditation. While not a requirement, NASPAA accreditation is often viewed as beneficial by future employers.
A school’s accreditation can impact eligibility for federal financial aid as well as the transferability of credits a student has earned if they need to transfer at any point during their studies. Almost every university that accepts transfer credits requires those credits to have been earned at an accredited institution. It is important to note that some online MPA programs do not accept any transfer credits, even if there were earned at an accredited institution.