The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is currently the only academic institution in Nebraska that offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program online. The program focuses on enhancing leadership and managerial skills, policy development, and public service innovation. UNO is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has attained programmatic accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Learn about the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s online MPA program as well as out-of-state online program options for residents of Nebraska below.
Schools in Nebraska with Online MPA Programs
University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program through its College of Public Affairs & Community Service. Requiring the completion of 39 credit hours of graduate coursework (13 courses), the curriculum consists of eight core courses, three concentration courses, and two elective courses. Preservice students with minimal professional experience are encouraged to complete an internship as one of their elective courses. The program concludes with a Capstone Project course.
Following the completion of core coursework, students may elect to concentrate their degree in one of the following areas of study: Emergency Management, Health and Social Policy, Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, or Public Policy. A specialization is also offered in Criminology and Criminal Justice; however, as coursework for this track is offered outside of the School of Public Administration it will not formally appear on a student’s final transcript. A student enrolled full-time, taking three courses per semester, can graduate in two calendar years and one semester. Students may begin their course of study in the fall or spring semester, though it is important to note that students beginning in the spring may require additional time to fulfill degree requirements as core courses are not offered during the summer term.
UNO utilizes the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online MPA program. While courses are taught using asynchronous instruction, newly enrolled online MPA students are required to attend a one-day mandatory orientation at the onset of the program. Held on the UNO campus, this orientation provides online students an opportunity to meet faculty, advisors, and peers as well as explore academic resources.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Nebraska
Students looking to specialize in an area of public administration not currently offered by UNO may want to explore out-of-state online MPA programs that accept applicants from the state of Nebraska. Some out-of-state programs, similar to UNO’s online MPA program, may require online students to attend a limited number of on-campus sessions (also known as residences or intensives), but many online MPA programs can be completed fully online with no face-to-face requirements. Prospective students should research degree requirements or contact an admissions representative at their universities of interest prior to applying.
A comprehensive listing of online MPA programs can be found on our Online MPA Specializations in Public Management and Organizational Leadership page.