Twelve universities in the state of Texas presently offer an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) or an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA) program with limited or no on-campus residency requirements. Students pursuing an MPA through one of these institutions can specialize their studies in Disaster and Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Criminal Justice, Rural and Local Governments, Healthcare, Environmental Policy, or General Public Administration.
Prospective students interested in earning their MPA degree online in the state of Texas should research programs offered by the following schools:
- Lamar University
- Sam Houston State University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Sul Ross State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A & M International University
- Texas A & M University
- Texas Tech University
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas Permian Basin
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- West Texas A&M University
The private and public institutions listed above are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Learn more about each of their online MPA programs below.
Schools in Texas with Online MPA Programs
Lamar University offers an online MPA program through its Department of Political Science. Blending theoretical and practical instruction, the program focuses on critical-thinking and decision-making in leadership. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of coursework and offers both a thesis and non-thesis track. Students following the thesis track complete 15 core course credits, 15 supporting course credits, and a six-credit thesis course. Those who elect the non-thesis track complete 21 supporting course credits in addition to the 15 core course credits. Coursework emphasizes topics including constitutional law, state policy formation, ethics and morality in public service, strategy, and public-private partnerships. Students without an undergraduate degree in a related field of study are required to take an additional American Government course. A final competency exam is administered to all students following the completion of their core coursework. Courses are conducted in eight-week terms, and students enrolled in consecutive terms can earn their degree in 16 months.
Lamar University uses the Blackboard learning management system to conduct its online MPA program. Course materials and assignments are accessed and completed independently (asynchronous instruction). Online students gain access to the university’s virtual library as well as the library databases of 51 other public colleges through the TexShare program. Library staff are available to assist in the location of reference materials.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers an online MPA program through its Department of Political Science, which is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The curriculum focuses on enhancing competencies related to ethics, program evaluation, decision-making, community resilience, disaster politics, and public management. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, students complete 24 core course credits and 12 concentration credits in Disaster and Emergency Management. While not required, preservice students are encouraged to complete a professional internship. Internships must preapproved by the Program Director for academic credit. All students are required to pass a comprehensive exam prior to graduation.
SHSU utilizes the learning management system Blackboard for its online MPA program, with courses taught using asynchronous instruction. Students are expected to access readings, view video lectures, and complete assignments on their own schedule. The university’s Academic Success Center offers personalized academic advising as well as virtual tutoring, workshops, and seminars.
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) offers an online MPA program through its Department of Government that can be completed fully online. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, SFA offers the option of a thesis or non-thesis track. Regardless of the elected path, all students will complete 21 core course credit hours. Students enrolled in the non-thesis track must then complete 15 elective credit hours and a final comprehensive exam, while those on the thesis track will complete nine elective credit hours and six thesis credit hours.
SFA uses the learning management system D2L to conduct its online MPA degree program. Students are required to work with a faculty advisor to register for classes.
Sul Ross State University (SRSU) offers an online MPA through its College of Literature, Arts and Social Sciences. Focusing on research and critical analysis, the curriculum blends foundational theory and modern process. The required 36 graduate credit hours of coursework consist of 15 core credit hours, nine elective credit hours, and nine to twelve credit hours in a related discipline such as Homeland Security or Criminal Justice. Students must pass a comprehensive final exam consisting of written and oral components before graduating. Students also have the option of presenting a portfolio project.
SRSU conducts its online MPA program using the learning management system Blackboard. Courses are typically taught using asynchronous instruction, where students access reading materials, lectures, and assignments at a time that aligns with their personal and/or professional schedule. All online students may present research at SRSU’s annual research symposium and may have the opportunity to present at regional and national conferences. The program also provides opportunities for individual collaboration with faculty.
Tarleton State University’s School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration within the College of Liberal & Fine Arts offers an MPA degree that can be completed fully online. Focusing on the enhancement of leadership, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills, the 36 graduate credit hour curriculum emphasizes real-world experience. The program offers both a thesis and non-thesis track. Students who select the non-thesis track complete 30 core course credits, six elective credits, and a final capstone project. The thesis track is designed for students who wish to pursue an additional doctorate degree following the completion of their MPA and substitutes elective credit hours and the capstone with an original research thesis project. Online students enrolled in two courses during the fall and spring semester and one summer course can earn their degree in two years.
Tarleton State University uses Canvas as its online learning management system, and classes are conducted primarily using asynchronous instruction. The university’s Career Services provides online students access to resources including mock interviews, resume assistance, and career counseling.
Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) offers an online MPA program through its College of Arts and Sciences and has attained programmatic accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Coursework emphasizes cultural diversity, public service values, analytical and critical thinking, and communication. The curriculum consists of 42 graduate credit hours of coursework, including 10 core courses, three elective courses selected with advisor approval, a capstone project or an internship with a final written component, and a comprehensive culminating examination. All students will begin their course of study by taking the prerequisite classes Survey of Public Administration and Research Methods in Social Sciences. Elective coursework may be applied toward an additional Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Students are allowed up to five years to fulfill all degree requirements.
Online MPA students access course readings and assignments through Blackboard, TAMIU’s chosen learning management system. During their first year of study, students build a three-person faculty advisory committee who provide support during the latter half of the program. Students meet with an advisory committee member at least once per semester to discuss academic progress.
Texas A & M University (TAMU) offers an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA) program through The Bush School of Government & Public Service and has attained programmatic accreditation from NASPAA. The non-thesis program requires the completion of 39 graduate credit hours of study, and offers students the option of selecting from one of three concentrations: Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, or Public Management. Designed for public service professionals with a minimum of five years of experience and at least three years of experience at the mid-to-upper management level, the curriculum consists of 21 core course credits, nine required concentration course credits, and nine concentration elective credits. Coursework focuses on the enhancement of public service leadership skills with an emphasis on critical thinking, decision-making, and evaluation methods as they pertain to the public sector. The degree program culminates with a collaborative applied capstone project conducted in conjunction with a government or nonprofit organizational partner.
TAMU uses the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online EMPSA program. The program can be completed primarily online, but requires two, one-week on-campus residencies at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas or in Washington, DC. Residencies are typically conducted during the fall or summer semester. Students enrolled part-time while continuing full-time employment typically earn their degree in two and a half to three years.
Texas Tech University (TTU) offers an online MPA program through its Department of Political Science and has attained programmatic accreditation through NASPAA. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, including seven core courses, four elective courses, and a three-credit internship. The internship requirement may be waived for students with significant relevant professional experience. Elective coursework may be concentrated in Public Management, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Management, or Environmental Policy and Administration. The curriculum integrates practical and theoretical study with a focus on leadership, critical policy analysis, communication, accountability, transparency, and ethics in public service. The program operates in conjunction with the Department of Political Science’s Center for Public Service (CPS) to offer access to research projects for current MPA students as well as opportunities to apply acquired skills. Students enrolled full-time may fulfill degree requirements in two years, while part-time students typically take two courses per semester and complete coursework within three to four years.
TTU uses the learning management system Blackboard to conduct its online MPA program. Courses primarily utilize synchronous instruction, with online courses scheduled in real-time from 6:00-8:50pm weekly in conjunction with an on-campus session held at TTU’s main campus in Lubbock, Texas. Select courses may offer asynchronous instruction, with students accessing course materials and assignments independently, but students should confirm a course’s method of instruction prior to the beginning of each term. Online students also gain access to virtual university resources including writing and research tutoring through the Graduate Writing Center (GWC), as well as workshops and webinars.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA) offers an online MPA program through the Department of Public Affairs & Planning and has attained programmatic accreditation by NASPAA. Focusing on the challenges facing public service managers in urban areas, the curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with real-world application to cover multiple facets of the field of public service, including public administration, policy analysis, budgeting, leadership, and ethics. Faculty use case studies, class discussions, and collaborative projects to enhance problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills. Depending on existing professional experience, the program requires the completion of between 39 and 42 graduate credit hours, including 33 core course credits, three elective credits, three internship credits, and a three-credit capstone course. Internship waivers are available to students with more than one year of experience working in the public sector. Internships may be completed during any semester.
UTA uses the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online MPA program. Courses are taught using asynchronous instruction, with students accessing course materials, assignments, and scheduling interactions with peers on their own time. Each course is conducted over an eight-week term, except for the capstone course which is 16 weeks.
The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) offers an online MPA degree program through its College of Arts and Sciences. Designed for in-service professionals with at least two years of full-time experience at a public service organization, the curriculum focuses on industry-related fundamentals such as public budgeting, organizational leadership, policy, and planning. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, including 21 core course credits and 15 elective credits. Students have the option of concentrating their elective coursework in Education, Nonprofit, or Healthcare. Concentration requirements are fulfilled by taking three of the required five elective courses in one area of study. Spring and fall courses are taught in eight-week terms, while summer courses are taught in seven-week terms. Students who enroll in consecutive terms may fulfill degree requirements in 12 months.
UTPB’s online MPA students can access assignments, course materials, quizzes, and pre-recorded content through the learning management system Canvas. Courses are primarily taught using asynchronous instruction, with students completing requirements on their own time, though some courses may utilize synchronous (live) instruction. Online students are assigned a dedicated academic advisor. The university also provides virtual access to one-on-one career services such as resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, and career assessments.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) College of Liberal Arts offers an online Master of Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Administration (MPA) program via its Department of Public Affairs & Security Studies. The online program is considered accelerated, with courses conducted in seven-week modules. The curriculum emphasizes modern theories and trends as well as real-world application in areas such public policy, grant writing, administrative research, and government management. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, the curriculum includes 18 core course credits, 15 elective credits, and a final three-credit capstone course. Students enrolled in one core and one elective course per module can earn their degree in 12 months, although students who work full-time may be advised to take only one course per module.
UTRGV uses the learning management system Blackboard Learn to conducts its online MPA program. Graduate program coordinators, or faculty advisors, are available to assist with degree planning and provide support throughout the program. University-based resources such as the UTRGV Library, Learning Center, and Writing Center are virtually accessible to online students. The UTRGV Career Center offers programs, workshops, and guidance to students and alumni.
West Texas A&M University’s (WTAMU) Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences offers an online MPA program through its Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. Examining public governance, management, and public service through a rural and regional lens, the 36 graduate credit hour curriculum focuses on enhancing area governance and service within the Panhandle region and other rural areas of Texas. The program can be completed via two tracks. All students take 21 core course credit hours and nine elective credit hours. Core coursework focuses on enhancing five primary competencies including ethics, finance, policy, research, and administrative management. Following the completion of their foundational coursework, students then have the option of enrolling in two additional elective courses and taking a comprehensive exam or completing a master’s thesis. Elective credits may be concentrated in Rural and Local Governments, Criminal Justice Administration, or General Public Administration. The program can be completed fully online without any on-campus requirements, and students enrolled full-time may earn their degree in two years.
WTAMU uses the learning management system WTClass (supported by Blackboard) to conduct its online MPA program. Courses are taught utilizing a blend of synchronous (live in real-time classroom sessions) and asynchronous instruction (pre-recorded videos, class materials, and assignments that can be accessed independently). Online students gain access to university resources including virtual tutoring through the Writing Center. The Cornette Library also offers access to library resources such as research assistance and interlibrary loans. Upon enrollment, all online students participate in a virtual orientation and are assigned a faculty advisor.