The University of North Dakota (UND) is presently the only school in the state of North Dakota that offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The program can be completed fully online without residential or on-campus requirements. The UND online curriculum addresses the challenges facing current professional within government and non-profit organizations; focusing on areas such as ethics, leadership, management, and public policy. UND is a public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), as well as a member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Learn more about University of North Dakota’s online MPA program below as well as out-of-state online options for residents of North Dakota.
Schools in North Dakota with Online MPA Programs
The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online MPA program through its Department of Political Science & Public Administration, which is housed in UND’s Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, the curriculum includes eight core courses, two elective courses, an internship, and a final capstone course. In-service students with a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience may request to take an additional elective in lieu of an internship. Core coursework focuses on topics including ethics, budgeting, public policy, and human resource management. Elective coursework may be concentrated toward earning an additional graduate certificate in Policy Analysis, Public Administration, or Healthcare Administration. Students enrolled full-time can earn their degree in two years, though earning a certificate may require the completion of additional courses.
UND hosts its online degree programs through the learning management system Blackboard. Online MPA classes are conducted live in the evenings (synchronous instruction). Lectures are held once a week, during which students will engage in class discussions and group activities. To prepare for each collaborative classroom session, students are expected to complete assigned readings and compile questions as an emphasis is placed on participation. Online students also gain access to numerous campus-based resources, including the UND Writing Center, online tutoring, academic coaching, virtual research through the Chester Fritz Library, and personalized career support via the Pancratz Career Development Center.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of North Dakota
Many online MPA programs are offered fully online with schedules designed to meet the needs of those with full-time employment or other personal or professional obligations. These programs can often be completed without the need for a student to travel to campus or relocate to earn their degree. Students interested in specializing in an area of public administration not currently offered by UND can explore online MPA programs offered by out-of-state institutions that accept online applicants who reside in the state of North Dakota. As a limited number of programs include mandatory in-person elements as part of their online program’s curriculum, prospective students should research all degree requirements prior to submitting an application. Admissions advisors at each institution are often available to answer questions from prospective applicants.
Explore the specialization options for MPA programs on our Online MPA Specializations page, each specialization page contains a comprehensive directory of online MPA programs offering that specialization.