Wichita State University (WSU) is currently the only school in the state of Kansas that offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program with no in-person requirements. The WSU online MPA program follows a general public administration curriculum with an emphasis on leadership in the areas of public finance, management, and public policy. Students may elect to pursue an additional optional graduate certificate in one of the following areas of specialization: City and County Management, Economic Development, Nonprofit Management, or Public Finance.
WSU is a public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Learn more about the program offered by Wichita State University, as well as other online MPA programs available to residents of Kansas.
Schools in Kansas with Online MPA Programs
Wichita State University (WSU) offers a fully online MPA program through the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs. Employing policy-focused research assignments, seminars, and classroom discussions, the curriculum is designed to draw connections between the social sciences, economics, and public management. The program requires the completion of 39 credit hours of graduate coursework, including 24 core curriculum credits and 15 elective credits. Elective coursework may be tailored to career objectives, and students may choose to focus their elective credits to earn an additional graduate certificate in City and County Management, Economic Development, Nonprofit Management, or Public Finance.
Though not required, preservice students or those with limited professional experience are encouraged to complete an internship as part of their course of study. Full-time students enrolled in three courses per semester can earn their degree in two years. Students who plan to continue working while earning their degree often enroll part-time and earn their degree in three to five years, taking one to two courses per semester.
WSU utilizes the learning management system Blackboard to conduct its online MPA program. Classes are offered via asynchronous instruction, allowing students to access materials and fulfill course requirements independently on their own schedule (assuming students meet set deadlines for participation and assignments). In addition to 24/7 technical support, WSU offers online students access to the Shocker Career Accelerator, which offers career guidance, resume and interview support, as well as individual coaching, access to career fairs, and more. In addition, membership to the Hugo Wall Public Administration Society (HWPAS) is open to all graduate students and offers access to meetings, lectures, and networking opportunities with fellow students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Kansas
Online students in Kansas also have the option to explore online MPA programs offered by out-of-state universities. This is especially true for students interested in an MPA specialization not currently offered by WSU. Numerous online MPA programs can be completed without in-person or residency requirements; however, prospective applicants to out-of-state programs should research whether a program incorporates any mandatory in-person elements such as on-campus intensives, orientations, or networking sessions before applying. For some students, face-to-face sessions may be a valuable addition to an online program. For other students, traveling to campus for a long weekend or week may not be possible due to personal or professional obligations. Most schools have a dedicated advisor who can aide interested students with any admissions or degree-related questions.
Our General Online MPA Programs page provides a comprehensive listing of online MPA programs that can be completed with limited or no residency requirements.