Two universities in the state of Tennessee currently offer Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs that can be completed fully online. Through the programs at East Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University, online MPA students can elect to concentrate their degree in one of the following areas of study: Nonprofit and Public Financial Management, Economic Planning and Development, Public Policy, Local Government Management, and Public Administration Executive Leadership. Online MPA programs are designed for working professionals who intend to continue working while pursuing an advanced degree in the field of public service and administration.
Both Tennessee-based schools are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Read more about each of their MPA degree programs below.
Schools in Tennessee with Online MPA Programs
East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) Department of Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration offers an online MPA program with concentrations in Non-Profit and Public Financial Management, and Economic Planning and Development. The program focuses on government, not-for-profit, and public sector organizations at the local level, covering topics such as public values, public policy evaluation, organizational theory, leadership, and public governance. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate credit hours, the curriculum includes 18 core course credits, 12 concentration credits, a three-credit public management internship or public administration consultantship, and a final three-credit capstone. The internship is required of all degree candidates, although students may elect to complete two additional elective courses in lieu of the capstone course. Students enrolled full-time can earn their degree in 20 months, while part-time students typically fulfill degree requirements in 30 months.
ETSU uses the learning management system D2L to conduct its online MPA program. Courses utilize asynchronous instruction, with students accessing reading and lecture materials, and assignments on their own schedule. While the program can be completed entirely online, ETSU hosts an optional on-campus welcome event.
Tennessee State University’s (TSU) offers an online MPA program through its Department of Public Administration, housed within the College of Public Service. TSU has attained programmatic accreditation for its MPA degree through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The program is designed to mimic an on-campus MPA experience, integrating virtual interaction and collaboration with classmates and faculty. The curriculum builds upon knowledge of core concepts utilizing practical application, striving to enhance public service values, analytical problem-solving capabilities, and expertise in the areas of public policy, leadership, and management. The program requires 36 graduate credit hours of coursework for in-service students (i.e., those with at least one year of relevant professional experience) or 42 graduate credit hours of coursework for pre-service students (i.e., those with little to no professional experience in public administration). Pre-service students must complete a six-credit internship as part of their degree program.
Online students may elect to concurrently earn a graduate certificate in one of the following areas of specialization: Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, Local Government Management, or Public Administration Executive Leadership. The six certificate courses are integrated into the MPA curriculum. Students who elect not to pursue a dedicated certificate can enroll in three MPA elective courses of their choosing. The final Capstone course establishes mastery of the knowledge acquired throughout the program and requires that students complete a client-based project that demonstrates their expertise and enhanced qualifications. A student enrolled in two courses per semester can fulfill degree requirements in two years.
TSU uses the learning management system D2L Brightspace to conduct its online MPA program. Courses are typically conducted using asynchronous instruction, where students are responsible for independently completing readings and assignments. Every online student has access to an academic advisor, who is assigned based on the student’s chosen area of specialization.