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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Public Administration Program?

Online degree programs offer the same coursework as traditional on-campus programs, but getting your degree online will provide you with more time for work and family commitments. Some online programs even allow you to complete courses at your own pace, enabling you to earn your degree faster than in an on-campus program. Those looking for an online MPA program should research different schools to find the best concentrations and curriculum to suit their desired career path.

Available concentrations

There are many different roles available within the field of public administration. If you already know what you would like to do once you graduate, look for a program that allows you to focus on this specialty. Some of the most popular concentration options for online MPA programs include:

  • Health Administration: Prepares graduates for occupations such as healthcare executive, nursing home administrator, clinical manager, health information manager, and medical records supervisor.
  • Policy Analyst: Focuses on the operations of political systems. Elective classes range from philosophy to research methods.
  • Human Resources: Classes center on studying and applying human resource principles. Students learn about employee relations, compensation and benefits, and similar topics.
  • Environmental Policy: Examine how to best manage the earth’s limited resources. Classes may include watershed management, environmental policy, physical science, and ecological risk analysis.
  • International Public Management: Focuses on bureaucratic structures within public agencies in the United States and other countries. Classes include strategic management, budgeting and planning, information systems, and intergovernmental systems.

Common degree curriculum

This degree prepares professionals for high-level administrative positions in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Students can expect internships and capstone projects as a requirement of the degree. Some of the core courses for a master’s in public administration include:

  • Strategic Planning: Examines how organizations in the public and private sectors grow and thrive.
  • Ethics: Seeks to help students find the answers to deep philosophical questions and examine concepts based on how to determine the right thing to do.
  • Budgeting and Planning: Reviews best practices for financial management and how to work with a tight budget.
  • Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management: Covers the operations of nonprofit organizations across various sectors and looks at how they work within communities to bring about positive change.
  • Public Policy Analysis: Teaches students how data and politics influence policy decisions and reviews the social impact of different policy approaches.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your program will also be accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. This organization has exceptionally high standards for public administration education and only approves the best options available.

Program completion timeframe

Most online master’s in public administration programs require 36 to 48 credit hours of coursework, usually taking students about two years to complete. It may take longer for part-time students or those who take time off during their degree program.

Programs that use a cohort learning model will require you to take all your classes with the same group of students each term. If you want to earn your degree as fast as possible, look for a self-paced program instead, as this will allow you to progress through courses on your own schedule.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Public Administration Graduates

The employment outlook is positive for workers who have earned a master’s in public administration. Once you’ve advanced to a management role, you’ll likely be able to earn a six-figure salary.

The public administration field offers strong job security as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of jobs in the United States is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. Most public administration occupations are expected to grow much faster than that, meaning plenty of job openings should be available once you graduate.

While only a bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry-level jobs in public administration, earning a master’s will make it even easier for you to get hired and advance to higher-paying positions.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Human Resources Manager Human resources managers handle hiring, recruiting, payroll, and benefits in nearly every industry. They consult top-level executives on organizational planning and act as a link between employees and management. $130,000 5%
Public Relations Manager Public relations managers help maintain the public image of companies and individuals. They may also help raise awareness of their employer’s brand and organize and implement fundraising efforts. $125,620 6%
Health Services Manager Health services managers are sometimes referred to as healthcare administrators. These professionals plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services in private and public practices. They might manage an entire hospital or a specific department within a facility and must stay informed on the most recent changes in healthcare laws, technologies, and regulations. $104,830 28%

Professional organizations

Joining a professional organization for those with a master’s in public administration will help you connect with colleagues and find new job opportunities within the industry. It also provides an excellent way to stay up-to-date on technological advancements, legislative rulings, and significant trends. Consider joining one of these top professional organizations:

  • American Society for Public Administration: ASPA was founded in 1939 and comprises almost 10,000 public administration professionals in the United States. The group works to advance the art, science, teaching, and practice of nonprofit and public administration.
  • Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action: This U.S.-based organization connects public administration professionals worldwide to focus on improving the work of their organizations. The group holds annual conferences, mails publications, and facilitates electronic discussions.
  • Public Management Research Association: PMRA is a nonprofit academic association. The group works to advance professional and educational opportunities in public management.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Public Administration Degree

An online master’s degree in public administration is often less expensive than a traditional on-campus degree. For one, in-state and out-of-state residents usually pay the exact tuition per hour. Students also save money on commuting expenses. But even with online degrees, many students still need financial assistance to pay for classes. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for assistance, which qualifies the student for specific grants and loan programs offered through the federal government. You may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options offered through private organizations.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

With all the different financing options available, it can be challenging to figure out what you should do after submitting your FAFSA. The following resources will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.

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Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.