Four universities currently offer an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program in the state of Virginia. Through the programs offered by Liberty University, Old Dominion University, Regent University, and the University of Management and Technology online students may concentrate their studies in one of the following areas: General Public Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, Disaster Management, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Fire Administration, Healthcare, Law and Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, Urban Planning; and Public Financial Management. These programs can all be completed fully online with no required on-campus instruction.
Liberty University, Old Dominion University, and Regent University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The University of Management and Technology is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which provides accreditation for universities that primarily offer online programs. Learn more about each of their program offerings below.
Schools in Virginia with Online MPA Programs
Liberty University (LU) is a private university that offers an online Master of Public Administration degree program through the Helms Schools of Government. The program’s Christian-centric curriculum focuses on philosophical and biblical influences within the field of public administration. Students explore the fundamentals of advanced government theories, with an emphasis on subjects such as public policy analysis and economic development. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, including 21 core course credits, nine concentration credits, and the option of completing six elective course credits or a master’s thesis. Students may elect to concentrate their studies in Business and Government, Disaster Management, Fire Administration, Healthcare, Law and Public Policy, Public and Nonprofit Management, Urban Planning, or General Public Administration. Courses are conducted in eight-week terms and the program can be completed fully online without on-campus or residency requirements in less than two years.
Courses at Liberty University are taught using asynchronous instruction via the learning management system Canvas. Online MPA students access course materials and assignments independently. Liberty University’s library resources are available remotely, with support services available during on-campus operating hours.
Old Dominion University’s (ODU) School of Public Service within the Strome College of Business offers an online MPA program and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The program focuses on enhancing individual competencies in areas such as ethical public sector leadership and management, public policy analysis, critical problem-solving, communication, and decision-making. The curriculum requires the completion of 13 courses, including eight core courses and five elective courses. While there is no specific course sequence, students are required to take Administrative Theory I early in the program. The program concludes with a Capstone Seminar.
Online students may take general public administration electives or concentrate their coursework in Multi-Sector Public Service (Public, Non-Profit, Private) or Nonprofit Management and Governance. Elective coursework may also be applied to earn an additional graduate certificate in Public Procurement and Contract Management. Students without relevant professional experience are encouraged to complete a professional internship as one of their elective courses, but completing an internship is not a requirement for graduation. Students enrolled full-time can complete degree requirements in two years, while part-time students typically take three to four years to earn their degree. Most students enroll part-time.
ODU conducts its online MPA program via the learning management system Canvas. The program can be completed fully online, with no set course times (i.e., using asynchronous instruction). Online students gain access to the same university resources as campus-based students including tutoring and library services. ODU’s Career Development Services are a virtual resource for interview preparation, resume review, and job search assistance for existing students and alumni.
Regent University’s Robertson School of Government offers an online MPA program and has attained programmatic accreditation through NASPAA. The program is taught from a Christian faith-based perspective, concentrating on establishing a foundation in constitutional government while enhancing executive management skills. Coursework focuses on budgeting, risk assessment, ethics, policymaking, analytics, communication, and law through case studies and hands-on educational opportunities. The curriculum consists of 36 to 38 graduate credit hours, including eight core courses, three concentration courses, and a three-credit internship (students who qualify for an internship waiver take an additional elective course within their chosen area of concentration). Elective coursework may be concentrated in one of the following areas of study: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, General Public Administration, Nonprofit and Faith-based Organizations, or Public Leadership and Management. Classes are held in eight-week sessions, and students enrolled full-time taking nine credits per term can graduate in two years (eight sessions).
Regent University conducts its online degree programs using the learning management system Canvas. Online students gain virtual access to numerous campus-based resources such as the University Library and Writing Center. The Center for Student Happiness offers virtual academic, life, and career coaching, as well as interview prep, career workshops, and more.
Note: Depending on a student’s admissions writing sample score, Regent University may require students to complete an additional co-requisite class on the foundations of government.
University of Management and Technology (UMT) whose administration operates out of Arlington, Virginia, offers an MPA program that can be completed fully online. The curriculum consists of 36 graduate credit hours divided into six core courses and six concentration courses in the areas of either Criminal Justice Administration or General Public Administration. Blending theoretical and practical instruction, coursework is designed to enhance foundational knowledge and skills that may be applicable across the public and private sector. Topics covered include data analytics, budgeting, finance, economics, managerial theory, law, and ethics.
UMT’s online MPA courses are taught using asynchronous instruction, enabling students to access course materials and assignments on their own schedule. Courses are conducted on an ongoing basis instead of on a traditional academic semester or term schedule, and students may enroll at any time. Online students typically enroll part-time. UMT also hosts an online alumni community platform to encourage networking and mentorship among students and alumni.