Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs with a Specialization in International Administration and Global Policy

Changes in health, climate, food security and human rights continue to affect the global community and create a growing need for policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders interested in promoting advancement in developing countries. Professionals working in international public administration and global public policy are employed in a wide range of roles within non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental organizations, including international charities, health service administrations, consultancies and financial firms, universities, global banks, and the United States Foreign Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of State.

Featuring a policy-centric curriculum with a focus on data analysis, strategy, and diplomacy, Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs with a specialization in International Administration, International Development and/or Global Public Policy prepare working professionals to influence and implement programs globally. For students interested in focusing on international development, enrolling in an online program offers a unique opportunity to study their coursework from anywhere in the world, including on-location in places they hope to impact in the future. In addition, online programs allow working professionals who must travel for work the flexibility to study from anywhere they have access to the Internet and to continue their studies without interruption in case they are relocated for work for long periods of time.

Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in International Development

The curriculum for a Master of Public Administration program is designed to teach the fundamentals of public policy, with theoretical and research-based coursework as well as classes in strategic planning, government, finance, ethics, and organizational behavior. Once this foundational coursework is completed, online MPA programs with a specialization in International Development offer targeted electives that focus on understanding global financial systems and public policy in developing nations around the world, including demographics, economic programming and planning, rural and sustainable development, political development, human migration, food policy, and conflict and post-conflict recovery.

Students interested in online MPA programs with a focus on international development should explore programs with specializations in the following subject areas:

• International Public Administration / Management
• International Development
• International Relations
• International Policy
• Global Policy

MPA programs typically require 36 to 48 course credits to graduate, which the average student can complete in 16-24 months of full-time study or 24-36 months of part-time study. Some universities may also offer accelerated programs that are designed to be completed in 12 months. In addition, while most universities operate on the traditional fall, spring, and summer semester academic calendar, some schools structure their academic school year using a modified academic calendar that may have four, five or even six terms per year. Typically, shorter terms allow students to focus on one course per term while still completing an equivalent number of courses over the span of a traditional 15-week semester.

The MPA curriculum typically includes a combination of didactic instruction with hands-on learning opportunities that can include group projects, an internship, and/or a final capstone project. Most MPA programs require students to complete a capstone research project in order to graduate and students who do not have previous work experience in public administration often have to complete a semester-long internship working in international development.

Note: On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, MPA programs with a focus on international development and policy must have a dedicated area of study in the field in order to be categorized under this specialization.

Examples of International Administration Specific Courses in Online MPA Programs

Curriculum for MPA programs in International Development or Global Policy may include courses focused on quantitative data analysis, demographics, development, migration theory, agriculture, and food policy. Refer to the following courses as examples only as curricula vary by university.

• Theories of Development: Examines the major theories of economic, social, and political development, and the impact of these theories on development policies in less developed countries. Students identify and describe the differences between economic, political and social development, and analyze the relationships between them.
• Non-Governmental Organizations and Development: Examines the role and impact that non-governmental and nonprofit organizations have played in political, social, and economic development in less developed countries, with a focus on state-society relations and building organizational capacity. Students analyze environmental and program development settings, organizational design and key mechanisms, and local and international changes and adaptation processes within organizations.
• Ethics, Development and Globalization: Explores recent scholarly contributions surrounding global ethics and their ability to illuminate global issues such as human rights, poverty, environmentalism, humanitarianism, and the foundations of war.
• Human Migration: Analyzes the public policy implications of migration in both developed and developing nations. This course explores the motivation behind migration along with the consequences for families, communities, and nations.
• Economic Development: Exploring economic growth and widening inequalities within global relationships, this course is rooted in economic theory, focusing on evaluating theories surrounding economic development as well as economic underdevelopment and disparities. Students will develop an understanding of the political environment and the theories of policy making to create an analytical framework and offer guidance on economic reforms.
• Politics of Development: Develop a critical, analytical perspective on how politics affect community development. Explores how institutions and organizations within societies are impacted by the interests of political parties and those in political positions of power. Students explore historical and contemporary case studies that delve into the impact of colonialism and imperialism, inequality and exclusion, the foundations of democracy, as well as corruption, the concept of accountability, and more.

The typical curriculum for an MPA program with a Specialization in International Development is broken down into core courses, specialization and/or elective courses, and a final capstone project. Below is a sample two-year course of study for a full-time online MPA program with a Specialization in International Development.

Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in International Development

Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs

For professionals looking to advance their education through an MPA program in International Development, an online program can provide greater access and increased flexibility compared to a traditional on-campus program. Courses can be completed and attended virtually from anywhere on the globe. Online programs are especially ideal for students who do not live near a college or university that offers an MPA program or an MPA program in International Public Administration, but still wish to earn an graduate degree from an accredited institution.

Digital classes allow students to attend lectures live via video conferencing software (also referred to as through synchronous instruction; live sessions are typically held in the evening so that working professionals can attend) or by watching recorded lectures and/or reviewing materials on their own time (referred to as asynchronous instruction). Coursework that does not require collaborative group sessions can be completed independently at the student’s convenience, as long as they meet due dates set in the course’s syllabus. Not all online MPA programs use synchronous instruction, but all online programs have asynchronous elements, meaning there will be time spent outside of lecture and class participation, regardless of instruction method.

Students who need maximum scheduling flexibility for professional, logistical, or personal reasons, should consider programs that mainly use asynchronous instruction. Students who benefit from engaging with classmates and instructors in real-time, and those that would prefer a more traditional college experience, should explore programs that use synchronous instruction. Independent of the instruction method, online students still have access to instructors and faculty members through email and often through live office hours that are optional for students to attend.

Even though students do not meet in person for class discussions and lectures, online programs still offer energetic and engaging class discussions and networking opportunities with classmates, instructors and faculty members. Multidisciplinary programs, especially, offer opportunities to engage with students and faculty outside the main school of public administration and expand their network into other disciplines within the realm of international development. Online MPA programs are just as rigorous and challenging as campus based MPA programs, and often require greater self-reliance and strong time management skills in order to keep up with the course schedules and syllabi.

Admissions Requirements for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in International Development

Since MPA programs with an International Development specialization focus on quantitative analysis and data development, many programs require applicants to have completed prerequisite courses in micro- and macroeconomics, as well as a statistics course. (Note: Some programs may require more advanced mathematics courses in linear algebra, and/or calculus.) Certain universities also require a fundamental understanding of American Government and may ask students without relevant experience or related undergraduate studies to take an additional prerequisite course before starting their MPA program.

While all MPA programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission, some programs may give preference to applicants with undergraduate degrees in fields related to public administration or international relations. However, there are MPA programs that will accept applicants regardless of their undergraduate degree if they can demonstrate why they wish to pursue graduate studies in public administration and international development. In addition, some universities may require or prefer applicants with related professional experience.

Most, but not all MPA programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA, which can range from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and require applicants to submit transcripts from all colleges and universities they have attended. (Note: Some programs may accept copies, while others require official transcripts.) Programs may also ask applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, a personal statement demonstrating why they wish to pursue an MPA degree at the school for which they are applying, and recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or professors that can attest to an applicant’s readiness and ability to succeed in graduate school. An interview, which can be conducted via video conference, may also be part of the application process.

Note: Most MPA programs employ a selective admissions process, which means even if an applicant meets all the minimum requirements for admission, they may still not be accepted into the program. It is always best to reach out to a program administrator or admissions counselor to discuss the admissions process and what an applicant can do to submit the best possible application for admission.

Accreditation for Online MPA Programs

Before applying for or enrolling in an online MPA program with a specialization in International Administration and/or Development, students should confirm that the program is regionally accredited by one of the six regional accreditors recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC accredits universities that mainly or only offer online programs. All schools featured on OnlineMPAPrograms.com are accredited by a commission recognized by CHEA.

Additionally, some schools may opt to pursue program-level accreditation for their master’s in public administration programs. While MPA programs are not required to seek programmatic accreditation, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) does accredit MPA programs. This optional accreditation means the program and school adheres to NASPAA’s mission and academic standards. For students, a NASPAA accreditation means a third-party organization has reviewed and approved the master’s programs in public administration.

However, there are also MPA programs that align their curricula with NASPAA standards, but for whatever reason, they do not seek formal accreditation. Therefore, applicants should weigh the importance of NASPAA accreditation as another variable as they compare MPA programs. Students should also survey a college or university’s program course offerings, teaching staff, research opportunities, private sector partnerships, tuition costs and fees, and student services before deciding on a program in which to enroll or apply.

International Development and Policy Organizations and Networking Opportunities

Students enrolled in online MPA programs with a specialization in International Development may benefit from joining professional organizations specific to their area of study. These organizations create networking and educational advancement opportunities that extend beyond the student’s existing program, and can offer access to a global professional community.

International City Management Association (ICMA) — This association promotes and increases the efficiency of city and county managers as well as other government administrators. The organization provides opportunities for its members through research and policy networking discussions, professional leadership and development opportunities, and global development and engagement.

United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) – Coordinated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), this global network connects worldwide experts united by their commitment to sustainable development.

Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) – This global peer community focuses on connecting the next generation of diverse foreign policy leaders via events, capacity building programs, and publications. Membership includes discounted language courses, access to events and various publications, as well as the community’s professional network, job board, and consulting opportunities.

Society for International Development (SID) – An international network that serves as a global forum dedicated to sustainable economic, social, and political development. The network includes chapters and individual members in more than 50 countries, bringing together individuals to discuss key issues surrounding international development. In additional to local chapter events, SID hosts an annual Conference on trends and issues in international development, a nationally recognized Career Fair for entry-level and mid-level professionals, and an Annual Dinner that celebrates achievements in the field.

Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) – For women in the Washington, DC area WIIT membership offers educational trade talks, briefings with top policymakers, and networking opportunities with professionals from the diplomatic community, educational institutions, and the public sector. WIIT also offers professional development opportunities in public speaking, writing, and program leadership.

Women’s Foreign Policy Group (WFPG) – Dedicated to supporting women working in international affairs at every stage of their careers, the WFPG seeks to engage women in leadership roles through global issue discussions. WFPG also features a Young Professional Network that offers networking opportunities, social events, professional development, and mentoring. Membership is available to students and young professionals at a discounted rate.

Comprehensive Directory of Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in International Administration and Global Policy