There are currently three schools in Arizona that offer an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program: Grand Canyon University (GCU), Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the University of Phoenix. Through the programs offered by these institutions, students can elect to specialize in areas such as Urban Management, Nonprofit Management/Administration, Emergency Management, Public Finance, Government and Policy, and Health Care Management. All three universities offer MPA programs that can be completed fully online, with no on-campus requirements.
GCU, NAU and the University of Phoenix are all regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more about their online MPA offerings in the section below.
Schools in Arizona with Online MPA Programs
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private university that offers an online MPA program through its College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The program has a focus on ethical servant leadership and students may elect to specialize in one of three areas: Government and Policy, Health Care Management, or Nonprofit Management. Each concentration requires the fulfillment of 38 graduate credit hours, which consists of seven core courses and three elective courses. The duration of the program will depend on how many credit hours a student enrolls in each semester, but a full-time student can typically complete their degree in 18 to 24 months.
GCU utilizes an online Learning Management System that enables students to interact with peers, faculty, and student service counselors, as well as access eBooks, the GCU library, discussion forums, technical assistance, web-enhanced learning tools, and calendars. Academic counselors are also available to assist online students with scheduling, outline a personalized graduation plan, and set an anticipated graduation date.
Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Department of Politics and International Affairs offers an online MPA program that has attained programmatic accreditation through Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The program’s curriculum includes 36 graduate credit hours focusing on public service values and the foundations of public management from a theoretical and practical perspective. Students are required to complete 21 credits of core coursework before moving into their 12 elective credits. While the program does not offer distinct specialization tracks, students can choose electives from concentration areas to create a focused area of study. Those enrolled full-time can expect to graduate within two years, while students enrolled part-time are given up to six consecutive years to complete their degree. Upon acceptance into the program, students are required to meet with the MPA Director to set their curriculum and expected graduation timeline.
During their course of study, students are required to participate in an internship or fieldwork to gain hands-on leadership experience. Faculty can often assist students with internship placements and guidance. The program concludes with a three-credit portfolio course and exit interview where prospective graduates are expected to demonstrate their mastery of MPA course material.
Online students utilize the Canvas learning management system to connect with professors and peers, collaborate on projects, and take exams and quizzes. While most classes offer asynchronous instruction where students can watch lectures and complete assignments on their own schedule, some classes do feature synchronous instruction. Classes conducted via synchronous instruction require students to log on for lectures, exams, and certain assignments at set times. NAU’s Student Technology Center offers online students 24/7 support during the fall/spring semester and during daytime hours over the summer.
University of Phoenix’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a fully online MPA program with a curriculum focused on the general principles and practices of public administration. MPA students are required to complete twelve core courses that comprise 36 graduate credit hours. Each course is six weeks in length. Coursework covers topics including data analysis for public policy, communications for public administrators, budgeting and finance, public policy planning and implementation. The MPA program can be completed in 17 months by students who enroll full-time and academic counselors are available to online students to assist with class scheduling.
University of Phoenix conducts its online programs using the digital classroom platform Blackboard Ultra. Classes are conducted using asynchronous instruction, which allows students to view course materials and lectures on their own time. Using Blackboard Collaborate, graduate students in the MPA program can communicate with peers and faculty members, exchange files and share applications, as well as take and share notes on a virtual whiteboard. Students are also able to view upcoming assignments, submit files, receive feedback from faculty, and track their learning progress and grades. Technical support is available to online students 20 hours each day, five days a week.