HomeFAQsFAQ: Are there any NASPAA accredited online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs?

Question: Are there any NASPAA accredited online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs?

Updated: February 18, 2025

Answer: Yes, there are currently 157 online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs that have attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). These programs can be completed 100% online or with limited in-person requirements. Programs that require three or fewer on-campus visits per year are classified as online programs, on OnlineMPAPrograms.com.

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) serves as the primary accrediting body for advanced degrees in public administration (i.e., Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree programs). This nonprofit organization sets the global standards for public service education, and all programs that undergo the extensive accreditation process adhere to the organization’s academic quality benchmarks as well as its commitment to continued programmatic improvement.

Overview of NASPAA Accreditation

The accreditation process consists of four distinct phases conducted over a minimum of 23 months. These include the Prerequisite, Eligibility, Self-Study, and Accreditation Cohort phases.

  • Prerequisite: The first phase, conducted prior to submitting an application, in which programs gather faculty and administrative support, attend an accreditation workshop, and notify NASPAA of their intent to apply for accreditation.
  • Eligibility: This phase confirms suitability to apply based on four preconditions including recognized school-level accreditation, demonstration of public service values, primary focus, and course of study.
  • Self-Study: The collection and analysis of three or more years of data that supports NASPAA accreditation standards. This self-evaluation process examines a program’s curriculum, goals, strengths, student opportunities, and learning outcomes to ensure they adhere to NASPAA’s accreditation standards.
  • Accreditation Cohort: During the final phase of the accreditation process, the NASPAA’s Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) reviews self-study submissions, writes an interim report, and conducts a site visit.

The Self-Study phase is particularly challenging for online programs. NASPAA places an emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, collaborative work among cohorts, and extensive communication between peers and faculty. An online program must demonstrate that the distance learning curriculum adequately mirrors a traditional on-campus experience. Schools offering online MPA programs have the complex task of showcasing engagement between faculty and students as well as interaction between peers. Faculty involvement is fundamental, and a program must employ at least five full-time faculty members with experience in the field in order to be eligible for accreditation. Online programs must also provide virtual academic student support services such as advising, internship and job placement assistance, and career counseling.

NASPAA Accredited Online MPA Programs

Distance education requires the use of technology in the form of learning management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard, and programs seeking NASPAA accreditation must demonstrate how their platforms are utilized to deliver course materials, lectures, and assignments. Schools must also showcase how they facilitate interactions between faculty and students throughout the program. Finally, schools need to explain how students can virtually gain access to academic support services offered by the college or university.

It is important to note that online programs may employ two types of online instruction methods, synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction. Programs that feature synchronous instruction offer lectures, discussions, and exams in real-time (often using video conferencing software), while asynchronous instruction allows students to access lectures and course materials on their own time in the absence of regularly scheduled class meetings. While all online programs incorporate asynchronous instruction, not all online programs have required real-time synchronous class meetings. There are NASPAA-accredited online MPA programs that utilize synchronous instruction and there are programs that mainly use asynchronous instruction.

Read more about the NASPAA accreditation process and its academic significance in the field of public administration in our FAQ on NASPAA Accreditation, and find a comprehensive listing of NASPAA accredited online Master of Public Administration programs below.

Directory of Online MPA Programs Accredited by the NASPAA

School Program
Adler University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Sustainable Communities, Crisis Management, and Military and Veteran Services
Albany State University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration, Health Administration & Policy, Human Resources Management, and Public Management
Albany State University Online Master of Public Administration - Executive Track with Concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration, Health Administration & Policy, Human Resources Management, and Public Management
American Public University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Disaster Management, Environmental Policy, Human Resources, Security Management, Organizational Management, Health Policy, National Security, Coaching and Conflict Resolution, and Public Policy
American University Online Master of Public Administration and Policy
Anna Maria College Online Master of Public Administration with Specializations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Fire and Emergency Services, and Homeland Security
Anna Maria College Online Master of Public Administration (Mid-Career Track) with Specializations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Fire and Emergency Services, and Homeland Security
Arkansas State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Tracks in Public Management, and Non-Profit Management
Aurora University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an Optional Focus in Leadership
Barry University Online Master of Public Administration with an Optional Specialization in Nonprofit Administration
Belhaven University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Finance, and Human Resources
California Baptist University Online Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Leadership
California State University, Dominguez Hills Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Specializations in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, Health Care Policy and Administration, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management
California State University, Long Beach Online Master of Public Administration
California State University, Northridge Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Nonprofit Sector Management, and Public Sector Management and Leadership
California State University, San Bernardino Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Leadership, Nonprofit Management, and Public Financial Management
Central Michigan University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Claremont Lincoln University Online Master in Public Administration with Concentrations in Sustainable Communities through Public Service; Strategic Innovation for Collective Impact; Advanced Management and Leadership in Complex Systems; and Advanced Practices in Public Finance (and Optional Certificates in Leadership Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Innovations and Trends in Public Administration; Urban Management; Urban Planning; Advanced Practices in Public Finance and Administration; Resource Management; and Land Policy)
Clayton State University Online Master of Public Administration with Focus Areas in General Public Administration and Policy, and Criminal Justice
Colorado Christian University Online Master of Public Administration
Colorado State University Online Public Policy and Administration (M.P.P.A.) with Specializations in Public Management, Public Policy, and International Policy and Management
Columbia Southern University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, and Emergency Services Management
Cornell University Online Executive Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Public and Nonprofit Management, and International Policy
Delaware State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
DePaul University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Concentrations in Emergency Management, Public Management, and Metropolitan and Urban Affairs
Drake University Online Master of Public Administration with Emphases in Healthcare Management, and Public & Nonprofit Management
East Carolina University Online Executive Master of Public Administration Program
East Tennessee State University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Non-Profit and Public Financial Management, and Economic Planning and Development
Eastern Kentucy University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Applied Policy, Community Development, Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience, and Nonprofit Management
Excelsior College Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, and Cannabis Control
Fairfield University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Specializations in City/State Management, Emergency Management, Health Administration, and Nonprofit Management
Florida Gulf Coast University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Public Leadership and Management, and Community Resilience
Florida International University Online Master of Public Administration with Specializations in Homeland Security and Emergency Management; Human Resources Policy and Management; Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Leadership (IDEAL); Nonprofit and Community Development; Public Finance, Procurement, and Contract Management; Public Management & Civic Leadership; and Urban Policy Innovations
Florida International University Online Executive Master of Public Administration (Hybrid-Online Program)
Florida State University Online Master of Public Administration with Optional Graduate Certificates in General Public Administration, Financial Management, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Florida City and County Management, Civic and Nonprofit Leadership, and U.S. Intelligence Studies
Franklin University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Pathways of Study in Criminal Justice, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Leadership
Georgia College & State University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Georgia Southern University Online Master of Public Administration - Executive Track with a Concentration in Public and Nonprofit Management
Golden Gate University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Digital Technology and Security, Law Enforcement & Security, and Urban Innovations
Grand Canyon University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Emphases in Government and Policy, Health Care Management, and Nonprofit Management
Hawaii Pacific University Online Masters in Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice, and Nonprofit Management
Hawaii Pacific University Online Masters in Public Administration + Program (MPA+) with Graduate Certificates in Nonprofit Management, Criminal Justice, Public Budgeting & Financial Management, Public Service Management, and Ethics for Public Service
Adams State University Online Master of Arts in Public Administration
Indiana State University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with Concentrations in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Human Resources Development, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, and Public Policy
Indiana University Bloomington Online Master of Public Affairs with Focus Areas in Public Management, Nonprofit Management, and Policy Analysis
Jacksonville State University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Administrative Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Political Science
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) Online Master of Public Administration - Public Policy and Administration with Specializations in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, Emergency Management, Human Resources Management, Law and Public Management, Management and Operations, Public Policy Analysis, and Urban Affairs
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) Online Master of Public Administration - Inspection and Oversight with Specializations in Investigation and Operational Inspection, Law and Inspection and Oversight, Organizational Assessment and Monitoring, International Inspection and Oversight, and Inspection and Oversight of Health Services
Johns Hopkins University Online Master of Arts in Public Management with Areas of Focus in Public Administration and Leadership, Public Policy Evaluation, and Public Financial Management and Budgeting
Johnson & Wales University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Human Resource Management, and Nonprofit Management
Kent State University Online Master of Public Administration
Lamar University Online Master of Public Administration
Liberty University Online Master of Public Administration with Specializations in General Public Administration, Business and Government, Disaster Management, Fire Administration, Healthcare, Law and Public Policy, Public and Nonprofit Management, and Urban Planning
Lindenwood University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Louisiana State University Online Master of Public Administration
Lynn University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Marist College Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Public Management, Analytics, Ethical Leadership, Healthcare Administration, and Nonprofit Management
Marshall University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Urban Administration, and Nonprofit Management
Marywood University Online Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Public Management (NLPM) with Specializations in General Public Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, and Homeland Security and Disaster Management
Marywood University Online Executive Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Public Management (ENLPM)
Metropolitan State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Metropolitan State University Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPNA)
Mississippi State University Online Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)
Missouri State University Online Master of Public Administration with Graduate Certificates in Economic Development, Local Government Management, Public Management, Public Policy, and Public Safety
Murray State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Economic Development, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, Public and Community Health, and Public Management
National Louis University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Community Psychology, Fundamentals of Design Thinking, Health Services Administration, Human Resource Management, Human Services Management, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Development, Public Policy, Public Safety and Justice Leadership, and Teaching of Public Policy and Administration
National University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Specializations in Human Resource Management, and Organizational Leadership
Northeastern University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Concentration in Healthcare Management and Policy; and Optional Graduate Certificates in Computational Social Science; Information Ethics; Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change; Public Policy Analysis; Security and Resilience Studies; Sustainability and Climate Change Policy; Urban Analytics; and Urban Studies
Northern Arizona University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Areas of Study in Criminal Justice Administration, Educational Administration, Environmental Management, Applied Sociology, and Tribal Government
Northern Illinois University Online Master of Public Administration with an Area of Specialization in Local Government Management
Northern Kentucky University Online Master of Public Administration with Optional Graduate Certificates in Nonprofit Management & Leadership, and Emergency Management & Leadership
Northern Michigan University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration, Human Resource Administration, State and Local Government, and Public Management
Northwestern University Online Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration with Specializations in Public Administration, Data Analytics for Public Policy, Global Health, Global Policy, and Public Policy
Norwich University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Critical Infrastructure Protection & Cyber Crime, Energy Management, Fiscal Management, Human Resource Management, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership Management, Public Sector Leadership and Crisis Management, Procurement and Government Contract Management, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management
Nova Southeastern University Online Master of Public Administration
Oakland University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with Specializations in General Public Administration, and Criminal Justice Leadership
Ohio University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Crisis and Emergency Management, Non-Profit Management, Public Leadership and Management, and State and Local Government Management, and an Optional Certificate in Project Management
Old Dominion University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Multi-Sector Public Service, and Nonprofit Management and Governance, and an Optional Graduate Certificate in Public Procurement & Contract Management
Pace University Online Master of Public Administration with Tracks in Government Management, Healthcare Administration, and Nonprofit Management
Park University Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration, Disaster and Emergency Management, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Local Economic Development, Management Information Systems, Nonprofit and Community Services Management, Project Management, and Public Policy
Penn State World Campus Online Master of Public Administration with Optional Graduate Certificates in Homeland Security, Public Budgeting and Financial Management, and Public Sector Human Resources Management
Post University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an Optional Concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Purdue University Global Online Master of Public Administration
Regent University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Nonprofit & Faith-Based Organizations, and Public Leadership & Management
Rutgers University - Newark Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Tracks in Public Management and Nonprofit Management, and Optional Graduate Certificates in Budgeting and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Leadership of Public Organizations, and Nonprofit Management
Rutgers University - Newark Online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)
Saginaw Valley State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Tracks in Public Administration, and University and College Student Affairs Administration
Saint Cloud State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Leadership and Management, City and County Leadership and Management, Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and International Development Leadership and Management
Sam Houston State University Online Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management
San Diego State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
South University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Southeast Missouri State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Tracks in Nonprofit Management, and State and Local Governance
Southern Arkansas University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an Optional Emphasis in Social Entrepreneurship
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Areas of Emphasis in General Public Administration, Healthcare, Human Resource Administration, Local Government Management, Nonprofit Management, and Safety and Security (Homeland Security)
Southern Utah University Online Master of Public Administration with Emphases in Criminal Justice, Higher Education Administration, and State and Local Government
Stephen F. Austin State University Online Master of Public Administration
Strayer University Online Master of Public Administration
Sul Ross State University Online Master of Public Administration
SUNY Brockport Online Master of Public Administration with Emphases in Local Government Management, Health Care Management, and Nonprofit Management
Syracuse University Online Executive Master of Public Administration
Tarleton State University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Tennessee State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Graduate Certificates in Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, Local Government Management, and Public Administration Executive Leadership
Texas A & M International University Online Master of Public Administration with an Optional Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management
Texas A & M University Online Executive Master of Public Service & Administration (EMPSA) with Tracks in Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management
Texas Tech University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Areas of Emphasis in Public Management, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Management, and Environmental Policy and Administration
The Ohio State University Online Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL) with Optional Specialization Tracks in Criminal Justice Administration and Policy, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, and Public Policy
The University of Montana Online Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in Nonprofit Administration
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Local Government, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in General Public Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Health Administration
The University of Texas at Arlington Online Master of Public Administration
The University of Texas Permian Basin Online Master of Public Administration with Focus Areas in Education, Nonprofit Management, and Healthcare
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Online Accelerated Master of Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Administration
Thomas Edison State University Online Master of Public Service Leadership with Areas of Study in Community and Economic Development, Nonprofit Management, Public Finance, and Public Health / Public Policy
Touro University Worldwide Online Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)
Troy University Online Master of Public Administration with an Optional Certificate in Public Health Administration
Tulane University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Concentration in Emergency Management, and Optional Graduate Certificates in Economic Development, Environmental Management and Resilience, Equity-Centered Education Leadership, and Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management
University at Albany (SUNY) Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Homeland Security, Information Technology Management, Non-Profit Management and Leadership, Public Economics and Finance, Public Management, and Public Policy
University of Alaska Southeast Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, and Rural Development (*Only Accepts Students from Alaska)
University of Baltimore Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A) with a Specialization in Public and Nonprofit Management
University of Central Florida Online Master of Public Administration with Optional Graduate Certificates in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, and Research Administration
University of Central Oklahoma Online Master of Public Administration with Specialization Tracks in Public and Nonprofit Management, and Urban Management
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Specialization Certificates in Criminal Justice; Grant Writing, Management & Program Evaluation; Homeland Security & Emergency Management Leadership; National Security Intelligence; Nonprofit Management; and Public Management
University of Colorado Denver Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration; Disasters, Hazards and Emergency Management (DHEM); Education Policy; Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS); Environmental Policy and Management; Gender-Based Violence; Local Government; Managing for Social Equity; Nonprofit Management; and Public Policy Analysis
University of Colorado Denver Online Executive Master of Public Administration (*Program Requires Campus Visits)
University of Delaware Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Specializations in General Public Administration, and Health Systems Management
University of Idaho Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
University of Illinois Springfield Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Graduate Certificates in Community Planning, Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Public Procurement Management, and Public Sector Labor Relations
University of Kentucky Online Master of Public Adminstration with Areas of Concentration in Education Policy, Environmental Management, Health Policy, Gerontology, International Public Policy, Local Economic Development, Non-Profit Management, Policy Analysis, Public Financial Management, and Transportation Systems
University of Louisiana at Monroe Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Administration of Health (ADH), Administration of Justice (ADJ), Administration of Education (ADE), Management (MGT), and Public Management (PMG)
University of Management and Technology Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration, and Public Administration
University of Miami Online Master of Public Administration
University of Michigan - Flint Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Nonprofit Administration & Social Entrepreneurship, and Social & Public Policy
University of Missouri Online Master of Public Affairs with Specializations in Nonprofit Management, Public Management, and Public Policy
University of Nebraska at Omaha Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in Emergency Management, Health & Social Policy, Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy, and a Specialization in Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of New Hampshire Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Tracks in Management and Leadership, and Program Planning and Development
University of New Hampshire Online Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Tracks in Management and Leadership, and Program Planning and Development
University of New Haven Online Master of Public Administration with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Municipal Management, Nonprofit Management, Public Financial Management, and Public Safety
University of North Carolina Wilmington Online Executive Master of Public Administration
University of North Dakota Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Graduate Certificates in Healthcare Administration, Policy Analysis, and Public Administration
University of North Georgia Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Concentration in Public Affairs
University of Phoenix Online Master of Public Administration
University of Pittsburgh Online Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
University of South Dakota Online Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in Executive Public Administration
University of Southern California Master of Public Administration Online with Optional Certificates in Public Policy, and City and County Management
University of Southern Indiana Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Nonprofit Administration, and Public Administration
University of West Georgia Online Master of Public Administration with Specializations in Public Management, Disaster and Emergency Management, and Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Community Development
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Emphases in General Public Administration, Health Agency Administration, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and Fire and Emergency Administration and Management
Upper Iowa University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Areas of Emphasis in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Healthcare Management, Nonprofit Organizational Management, and Public Management
Valdosta State University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Public Sector Management, and Public Policy
Villanova University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Optional Graduate Certificates in City Management, and Nonprofit Management
Wake Forest University Online Master of Public Administration
Walden University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Specializations in General Public Administration, Diversity and Social Justice, Emergency Management, Law and Public Policy, and Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Webster University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Areas of Emphasis in Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing Management
West Chester University Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Concentrations in Nonprofit Administration, and Public Management
West Texas A&M University Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with Concentrations in General Public Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, and Rural & Local Governments
Western Kentucky University Online Master of Public Administration with Optional Graduate Certificates in Local Government Administration, Communicating in Organizations, Emergency Management Disaster Science, Nonprofit Administration, and Organizational Leadership
Wichita State University Online Master of Public Administration with Optional Graduate Certificates in City and County Management, Economic Development, Nonprofit Management, and Public Finance

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