Four universities in the state of Indiana currently offer online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs, including Indiana State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University Global, and the University of Southern Indiana. The MPA program at each of these schools can be completed fully online with limited or no on-campus requirements. Within these programs, students may pursue a general public administration curriculum or concentrate their studies in one of the following areas: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Human Resources Development, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, and Public Policy Analysis.
Each of the four schools offering MPA programs in Indiana are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more about each of their program offerings below.
Schools in Indiana with Online MPA Programs
Indiana State University (ISU) offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program through its Department of Political Science. Designed for public service professionals with existing relevant administrative or managerial experience within the public or nonprofit sector, the program focuses on nonprofit and public organizations. The curriculum consists of 36 graduate credit hours, including seven core courses, four elective courses, and concludes with a Capstone Research Seminar. Elective courses can be concentrated in one of five areas of study: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Human Resources Development, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, and Public Policy. While degree requirements may be fulfilled by students enrolled full-time in two years, the majority of degree candidates enroll part-time and graduate within three years.
ISU’s online courses are conducted via the learning management system Canvas. Four core courses are conducted using asynchronous instruction, with students accessing lectures and materials on their own schedule. The remaining three core courses utilize synchronous instruction, and require students to attend weekly class meetings in real-time. Depending on the chosen area of concentration, elective courses may be offered in both instructional formats.
Indiana University Bloomington’s (IU Bloomington) Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs offers a combined online Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy degree, referred to as a Master of Public Affairs (MPA). The university has attained additional programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Leadership focused, the program emphasizes social equity, diversity, climate change, ethical responsibility, and racial injustice. The curriculum consists of 48 graduate credit hours, including ten core courses and five elective courses, with focus areas in Public Management, Nonprofit Management, and Policy Analysis. Credits may be awarded to students with significant relevant experience, which can reduce the credits required to graduate. Conversely, pre-service students or those without significant professional experience may be required to complete an internship or research project. While the program can be completed fully online, students have the option of participating in a one-week, three-credit on-campus intensive at the beginning of their graduate experience. Online students are advised to enroll in two courses per semester.
IU Bloomington utilizes the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online courses. While classes are taught utilizing asynchronous instruction, which allows students to access course materials at times that are convenient for them, students are still required to log on one or more times each week to view lectures and participate in discussions and assignments. Certain classes may schedule synchronous discussion sessions as well for students who are interested in attending in real-time. Online students are encouraged to engage with the university’s alumni through various networking and mentoring opportunities. Students and alumni also gain access to career services including advising, resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and more.
Purdue University Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a fully online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with no residency requirements. The program features a general public administration curriculum with an emphasis on leadership, ethics, diversity, and financial and strategic management. The ten required courses are conducted in ten-week terms, and the program concludes with a Master’s Capstone in Public Administration course. Students enrolled full-time can expect to earn their degree in 18 months.
Classes at Purdue University Global are taught using asynchronous instruction, allowing students to view lectures, participate in seminars, and complete assignments on their own schedule. Using the learning management system Brightspace, students can access course materials, engage with classmates, and access university resources such as the Purdue Global Library. Online students are encouraged to utilize the Graduate Resource Center and take a self-paced course that offers information on professional organizations, networking opportunities, and other relevant career-related services. Career Services Specialists are also available to students to assist with resume and interview preparation.
University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program through its School of Graduate Studies. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate credit hours, students can elect to focus their studies in Nonprofit Administration or Public Sector Administration. The curriculum includes seven core courses, three to four elective courses, and a final capstone seminar or thesis project. Students who pursue the Public Sector Administration concentration follow a general public administration curriculum focused on enhancing organizational and policy management skills. The Nonprofit Administration concentration emphasizes topics including fundraising, volunteer and human resource management, grant writing, and leadership. Depending on the class, terms are conducted in four, nine, 10 or 14-week sessions. Students enrolled full-time, taking two classes each semester, can expect to earn their degree in two years.
USI utilizes the learning management system Blackboard as well as video conferencing software to conduct its online MPA program. While the program can be completed fully online, USI hosts the Nonprofit Excellence Symposium in person each fall. The half-day event brings together industry professionals for a myriad of workshops, presentations, discussion groups, and networking opportunities.