One university in Utah currently offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. The MPA program offered by Southern Utah University (SUU) can be completed fully online with no in-person or residency requirements. Online students who reside outside the state of Utah are required to have at least one year of relevant professional experience prior to applying to SUU’s MPA program. SUU is a public university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Continue reading below to learn more about Southern Utah University’s online MPA program, as well as out-of-state online MPA options available for residents of Utah.
Schools in Utah with Online MPA Programs
Southern Utah University’s (SUU) Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, coursework covers the historical, political, cultural, and economic elements of public administration through a blend of practical, theoretical, and collaborative instruction. Requiring the completion of 36 graduate-credit-hours, the program is designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills.
The program’s curriculum consists of six core courses, three to four elective courses depending on a student’s professional experience, a capstone course, and a final professional project or thesis. Students with less than one year of relevant work experience must complete an internship as one of their elective courses. Online students may choose to concentrate their studies in Criminal Justice, Higher Education Administration, or State and Local Government or customize their electives to align with career objectives.
SUU uses the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online MPA program. While the program can be completed fully online, students may enroll in on-campus courses at any point throughout the program. The MPA program at SUU can typically be completed within two years.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Utah
Prospective students looking to pursue an MPA specialization not presently offered by SUU or public service professionals with significant experience seeking an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program may explore online programs offered by out-of-state colleges and universities. Most online MPA programs can be completed 100% online, without travel, on-campus, or residency requirements. However, some programs include mandatory in-person sessions, which for some students, can enhance the online learning experience. Applicants should research all degree requirements carefully prior to applying to ensure that they choose programs that align with both their career goals and their preferred learning style (i.e., synchronous vs asynchronous online instruction, fully online or online with limited campus visits). Schools often have advisors on-hand to assist with application and degree-related questions.
Find comprehensive listings of MPA programs by specialization on our Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Specializations and Concentrations page. All programs listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com can be completed fully online or with limited on-campus requirements per year.