Research Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs by State

OnlineMPAPrograms.com features a comprehensive database of online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs offered by universities and colleges in the United States. Presently, schools in 43 states and the District of Columbia (DC) offer MPA programs that can be completed through online instruction. While most online MPA programs accept students from all 50 states, there are four main factors prospective students should consider as they research programs offered by in-state and out-of-state schools.

The following are important questions students should ask before applying to an online MPA program:

1. Does the program include any required on-campus sessions or other face-to-face requirements in addition to online instruction?
2. Does the program require students to complete an internship as part of the program’s curriculum?
3. Is the program authorized to accept students from the applicant’s state of residence?
4. Does the school have variable tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students for their online MPA programs?

Campus Requirements for Online MPA Programs

While the majority of online MPA programs utilize fully web-based instruction, there are some programs that require students to attend one or more on-campus sessions. For example, some programs require students to participate in an on-campus orientation, giving students the opportunity to meet their cohort and members of the faculty, navigate campus resources, and ask key questions prior to beginning their course of study. Alternately, some programs may ask students to visit campus for networking events, hands-on learning experiences such as group project work, to review their capstone projects with a faculty advisor, or to present their capstone project at the end of their program. In order to be classified as an online program on OnlineMPAPrograms.com, a program must require no more than three campus visits per year.

On-campus requirements, which may be referred to as intensives, vary in terms of their format and time requirements. Most intensives are designed to last two to three days (typically over a weekend) to a week, and many are held during the summer. In addition, some programs feature these sessions as a complete course with students earning credits toward their degree in a condensed period. Finally, some programs may hold their intensives at a different location that is relevant to the program’s course of study (e.g., Washington, DC or a location abroad).

• Currently, nine online MPA programs out of 142 require on-campus visits, while the other 133 can be completed entirely online.

While these residential study periods can be a valuable addition to a traditional online learning experience, it’s important for prospective students to consider travel and lodging expenses before applying to a program, as schools often do not factor these costs into tuition. If a program includes an on-campus session or sessions, they will usually be required for all students; however, some schools may consider extenuating circumstances that would allow a student to attend virtually.

Note: Some, but not all programs allow local online students to take courses on-campus if they wish to complete their program through hybrid instruction. The majority of online programs allow and welcome online students to attend on-campus graduation if they wish.

Internship Requirements for Online MPA Programs

The opportunity to implement and apply newly acquired knowledge is considered an integral component of many MPA programs. Typically spanning one semester, internships offer students the opportunity to gain real-world experience working under the guidance of public administration professionals. Students typically earn credits while completing internship hours and depending on the program, may enroll in an internship course that includes an academic element in addition to field work.

For pre-service students – those without professional experience in public administration or their area of specialization – the completion of internship credits within the MPA curriculum is often a mandatory graduation requirement. However, many schools offer an internship waiver to those with a professional background in public administration. The number of years of experience required for a waiver differs depending on the program, as some programs may require several years of experience for a waiver, while others may only require one or two years of experience.

While available throughout the school year, many MPA students seek internships during the summer semester. Universities often maintain relationships with local non-profit organizations and public administration agencies and can typically assist with internship placements. For students applying to out-of-state programs, it is important to note that not all universities have pre-established connections with organizations that operate outside of their city or state. Therefore, online students should consult with a program advisor to ensure that internship placements are available near their place of residence. In these instances, alumni networks can be a valuable resource when establishing connections and exploring potential opportunities.

State Restrictions for Online MPA Programs

The majority of online MPA programs accept applicants from every state, with some exceptions. This is an important factor to note when researching prospective schools. Historically, to enroll online students based in states where a university or college does not have a physical campus, depending on the state, the school had to seek approval from each state’s board of education. To streamline the process, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) was formed. This governing body establishes and oversees national standards for postsecondary distance education, and currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia have joined NC-SARA.

Institutions offering online programs that wish to enroll out-of-state students must meet SARA requirements and then be approved by their state. Once approved, if their state is a member of NC-SARA, then the school is typically allowed to enroll students from other NC-SARA approved states. (Note: There are some exceptions for programs that require clinical hours, which are not typically relevant for MPA programs.)

While uncommon, certain restrictions may prohibit some online MPA programs from accepting or enrolling students from certain states. California, for example, is currently the only state that is not a member of NC-SARA, so some online programs may not accept students who are residents of California. However, California does not require public and non-profit institutions who do not have a campus in California to register if they wish to enroll students residing in California, so most institutions accept students from California. On the other hand, since California is not a member of NC-SARA, California institutions may not accept online students from all 50 states.

It’s important to note that these restrictions are not concrete and can actually vary by program. Given the variability of these restrictions, prospective students should always research program guidelines or contact an admissions advisor to ensure their program of interest is able to accept students from their state of residence.

Tuition Costs for Online MPA Students

When researching in-state versus out-of-state programs, students should keep in mind that while some online MPA programs charge a universal tuition rate (i.e., the tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state online students), others offer variable tuition rates that are lower for students who are residents of the state. For graduate programs, tuition rates each term are often calculated on a cost per credit hour basis plus additional university fees. Typically, if a university has variable tuition costs, the cost per credit hour will be different for in-state and out-of-state students. Also, some schools charge online students, both in-state and out-of-state, an online course fee while waiving other required fees, such as facilities fees, as online students typically utilize different resources than campus students.

While not common, some universities may also charge in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students who live in specific and/or nearby states. It is also important to note that in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates can also vary greatly, with some universities charging only a nominal increase for non-residents, while other universities may charge non-residents significantly more than residents. However, some students may be able and willing to pay out-of-state tuition if it means they are able to attend their chosen program or if an out-of-state school offers a specific specialization they wish to pursue.

Given the fluidity of tuition rates, any tuition information listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com should be considered as an estimate only (refer to our Sources and Disclaimers page for more information). Some schools may also offer scholarships and/or research assistant opportunities to help offset the cost of tuition. Therefore, for the most accurate and current tuition costs, students should reach out to an admissions advisor or program representative before applying to a program.

Find Online MPA Programs by State

Research online MPA programs available in each state by clicking the links below. Each page contains a comprehensive directory of online programs offered by schools in the state as well as information about each program that is offered.