The University of South Dakota (USD) is currently the only university in South Dakota that offers an online master’s degree in public administration. The online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program offered by USD is designed to build upon existing experience. Students are required to have five or more years of relevant professional experience in the nonprofit or public sector, including three or more years in middle-to-upper-level management. USD is a public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Read below to learn more about University of South Dakota’s online EMPA program, as well as out-of-state online MPA and EMPA programs for residents of South Dakota with varying levels of professional experience.
Schools in South Dakota with Online MPA Programs
The University of South Dakota’s (USD) Department of Political Science offers an online Executive Master of Public Administration program and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The program consists of 30 graduate credit hours that can be completed fully online, with no in-person requirements. The curriculum blends theory and real-world application, centering around the enhancement of managerial and leadership capabilities and deepening knowledge of public and nonprofit organizations. Online students take a collaborative, experiential approach to coursework, focusing on topics including public policy process, critical thinking, problem solving, and effective collaboration and communication. The program concludes with a capstone course or independent research project. Designed for students who maintain full-time employment throughout their course of study, online students enrolled part-time can complete the program in two years.
USD utilizes the learning management system Desire2Learn (D2L) to conduct its online EMPA degree program. The Academic and Career Planning Center (ACPC) assigns each online student an academic advisor; provides services such as interview coaching, tutoring, resume and cover letter review; and maintains the Coyote Careers job board.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of South Dakota
Preservice and in-service professionals who do not hold the minimum experience required by the EMPA at University of South Dakota may want to explore online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs offered by out-of-state universities. Many traditional MPA programs can be completed fully online, allowing students to earn their degree without having to relocate or travel to campus. However, a limited number of programs do require in-person elements such as on-campus orientations or residential intensives, which can include in-person instruction and networking events, that are integrated into the curriculum. Students who like to travel or those who would like the opportunity to meet classmates and instructors in-person may want to explore programs that include face-to-face requirements. However, these sessions may not be ideal for all students as they typically involve additional costs and travel time, which may be significant for students who do not live near the university. Therefore, prospective students should research all program requirements carefully prior to applying.
Colleges and universities typically have admissions advisors (or program directors) who can answer degree related questions and/or assist applicants with the application process. Find a comprehensive listing of MPA programs that can be completed online with limited or no on-campus requires on our General Online MPA Programs page.