The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh) is currently the only school in Wisconsin that offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. The program can be completed fully online, without in-person or residency requirements. Online students may concentrate their elective coursework in General Public Administration, Health Agency Administration, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, or Fire and Emergency Administration and Management. UW Oshkosh is a public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Read below to learn more about the online MPA program offered by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as well as out-of-state online MPA programs accessible to residents of Wisconsin.
Schools in Wisconsin with Online MPA Programs
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh) offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program through its Department of Public Administration. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, including 27 core credit hours and nine elective credit hours. The curriculum blends theory, research, and practice, and is designed to strengthen analytical, ethical, and public service leadership skills, with a focus on accountability and responsiveness. The program follows a fixed course schedule, with most classes taking place over seven-week terms. All students complete a final capstone course that is conducted over 14 weeks. Students on the accelerated MPA track can earn their degree in two years, while those enrolled full-time/part-time typically earn their degree in two and half to three years.
UW Oshkosh utilizes the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online MPA program. While courses are taught using asynchronous instruction, with students accessing readings, assignments, and lectures on their own schedule, faculty utilize synchronous (i.e., real-time) sessions to help students throughout the program. Students are also encouraged to invite a faculty member who aligns with their professional background or career goals to serve as their mentor and academic advisor. Online students also gain access to university resources including a virtual library and resources offered by the Writing Center including asynchronous tutoring.
Note: While UW Oshkosh has not sought formal programmatic accreditation for its online MPA program, the MPA curriculum aligns with the guidelines set by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Wisconsin
Prospective students looking to specialize their MPA degree in an area not offered by UW Oshkosh may want to explore online MPA programs offered by out-of-state schools that accept applicants from Wisconsin residents. While many online MPA programs can be completed fully online, without travel or relocation requirements, some programs include mandatory in-person elements such as on-campus intensives or orientations. These sessions typically take place over the summer, last approximately one-week in length, and provide students with the opportunity to meet classmates and instructors face-to-face. Prior to applying to out-of-state programs, students should research program requirements carefully to ensure they understand any potential travel requirements. Universities often have dedicated admissions advisors available to answer questions regarding degree and application requirements.
A comprehensive listing of online MPA programs that can be completed fully online or with limited campus visits can be found on our General Online MPA Programs page. On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, programs that require three or fewer campus visits per year are classified as online programs.