Top Online MPA Programs

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University / School Online Program Admissions
Northeastern University
Online Master of Public Administration
Finish in as little as 1.5 years, No GRE required. NASPAA Accredited.
NASPAA Accredited
American University
Online MPAP - Master of Public Administration and Policy
Top-ranked school for public affairs. NASPAA-accredited. Online MPA, MPAP, MPP.
NASPAA Accredited
University of Texas Permian Basin
Online Master of Public Administration
Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
Ohio University
Online Master of Public Administration
MPA equips you for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, the public sector and emergency and crisis management.
No GRE Required
Syracuse University
Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA)
Earn an MPA for Executives from the #1-ranked Maxwell School. Complete in as few as 15 months.
No GRE Required
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Click to view all online MPA programs (and related) that are taking applications now for 2024.

Find the best online MPA program for you (most are NASPAA accredited)

Deciding to enroll in an Online MPA program is a big decision, especially for those already employed within government, public administration, public relations, or a related field. Public administration has various implementations in businesses, non-profit organizations, and public service organizations that can potentially provide for lifelong, satisfying careers. A Master of Public Administration degree can help put you in a more qualified position for career opportunities in the public administration sector.

When you are searching for the right online MPA program, you may find that the choices can be overwhelming, since there are a multitude of options available. Should I do an Online MPA? What is the MPP? What accreditation is there for MPA programs? How long are MPA programs and what do they cost?

Getting Started Finding the Right School and Program

Before we get started, let's quickly answer those questions: For accreditation, you should learn about the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. View an in-depth review of online NASPAA accredited MPA programs. MPA programs vary in length (typically 1-3 year programs) and vary greatly in cost. See our list of online MPA programs for detailed information on tuition, scholarship opportunities, program length, and program overviews.

Here are the most common types of online MPA programs:

Click here to search online MPA programs currently taking applications. Or view all of the available MPA programs online, or click to jump to the ranking list of some of the top online MPA programs we've reviewed.

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Consider a sponsored online MPA program currently accepting applications.

University / School Online Program Admissions
Northeastern University
Online Master of Public Administration
Finish in as little as 1.5 years, No GRE required. NASPAA Accredited.
NASPAA Accredited
American University
Online MPAP - Master of Public Administration and Policy
Top-ranked school for public affairs. NASPAA-accredited. Online MPA, MPAP, MPP.
NASPAA Accredited
University of Texas Permian Basin
Online Master of Public Administration
Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
sponsored

Click for online MPA programs that are currently taking applications.

Researching Schools With Our List of Reviewed Online MPA Programs Updated for 2024

Our goal is to provide you with support during this process and provide reliable and researched results that you can count on. We have reviewed the various Online MPA programs available to assist you in choosing the right university.

We took different marks into consideration when making this list, including:

  • The reputation of the university
  • The basic requirements of each university for acceptance
  • Tuition costs
  • Accreditation, particularly if the MPA program is NASPAA accredited

There are several different factors that come into play when choosing a degree program, including the reliability of the degree program, the costs, and the amount of time it takes to complete. As with any significant decision, you should weigh your options and speak with multiple programs to figure out which is the best fit for you and your goals.

Consider a Featured Online MPA Program

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University / School Online Program Admissions
Ohio University
Online Master of Public Administration
MPA equips you for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, the public sector and emergency and crisis management.
No GRE Required
Syracuse University
Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA)
Earn an MPA for Executives from the #1-ranked Maxwell School. Complete in as few as 15 months.
No GRE Required
Johns Hopkins University AAP
Master of Arts in Public Management
Areas of focus in Public Administration and Leadership and Public Policy Evaluation.
Johns Hopkins University AAP
Master of Arts in Government
100% online, part time option.
Aurora University
Online MPA (one year)
100% online, affordable tuition.
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In-depth review of online MPA programs

Browse some of the top online MPA programs below to get a good idea of your choices prior to enrolling. As with any rankings list, this is a subjective list (though we did our best!), and you can view our methodology below.

American University – Online MPA and MPAP

Online MPA Program at American UniversityAmerican University’s online MPA is 100% online and NASPAA Accredited. American University’s campus is based in the heart of politics, in Washington DC, and works to bring the campus experience to you online. The school offers an online Master of Public Administration and Policy, which combined the nationally recognized MPA and MPP into one credential.
NASPAA Accredited

Costs, Length, & Credit Hour Requirements

  • Scholarship: An Online Merit Scholarship of $12,000 (as of 2024) is available to accepted applicants who meet eligibility requirements
  • Program Length: Graduate with your MPAP in as few as 24 months
  • Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
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Syracuse University – Online Executive MPA

Syracuse University Online MPA ProgramThe Online Executive MPA at Syracuse University is through The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. The MPA program focuses on social sciences, public policy, public administration, and international relations. It is the first school to offer a graduate degree in public administration in the US. Courses include Managerial Leadership, Public Budgeting and Human Resources Management for the Public Sector.

Rankings, tuition, and length information

  • Rangings: Ranked #1 Best Public Affairs Graduate Program by U.S. News & World Report
  • Tuition: Ask representative
  • Program Length: as few as 15 months
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University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill – Online MPA

UNC's Online MPA ProgramUNC – Chapel Hill’s Online MPA degree program is ranked among the best 25 public administration programs in the nation. This program seeks to prepare learners leadership roles in both governmental and business positions. Through this online degree program, students can learn and prepare for leadership positions in various sectors of local government, national government, small businesses, and major well-known businesses.

Costs, Length, & Credit Hour Requirements

  • Tuition: Ask representative
  • Program Length: 45 credit hours, 2 years or less
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)

University of Southern California – Online MPA

Online MPA Program at USCThe Online MPA program at Southern California integrates the necessary elements of all related discipline to help provide a great understanding of leadership and management that is needed in public administration. Since public administration is a multidisciplinary topic, this university caters to the need for a diverse, yet structure curriculum.

  • Tuition: $2,244 per credit hour
  • Program Length:as few as 24 months
  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)

Texas A&M University – Online Executive Master of Public Service and Administration

Texas A&M University claims that a degree from their university can set learners apart from the rest in the working world. This online degree program offered by this school requires a 2 week residency within the 2 year program period. It also allows for students to choose from 3 different tracks – Homeland Security, Non-Profit Management, or Public Management.

  • Tuition: Costs vary – School advises prospects to call for a recent quote.
  • Program Length: 39 credit hours, 2-3 years
  • Accreditation: The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)

Website

University of Colorado – Denver – Online MPA

UCD provides students within an Online MPA program that allows for them to continue working or managing a busy family life. This university offers reasonable options for in-state and out of state students, which is a great option for students from across the country.

  • Tuition: Approximately $27,000 (full-time resident for 2023-2024)
  • Program Length: 36 credit hours, 2 years for full-time students
  • Accreditation: NASPAA accredited

Website

University of Central Florida – Online MPA

UCF’s Online MPA program is designed to cater to future non-profit and public servants. This program seeks to increase overall leadership and management skills for individuals on this track, and is a great choice for students that want to get the most out of their degree program. No GRE required for admission into the MPA program.

  • Tuition as of 2024: $327.32 per credit hour (in-state students) & $1,151.72 per credit hour (out of state students) including fees
  • Program Length: 42 credit hours, 2+ years
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) & Networks of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration

Website

University of Illinois – Springfield – Online MPA

The University of Illinois-Springfield sets itself apart from other universities in that it drives focus away from standard educational experiences. This university wants to provide the Online MPA program to students that want to design their own schedule to fit their lifestyles.

  • Tuition: Varies based on residency of Illinois ($350+ per credit hour)
  • Program Length: 36 credit hours, 16 to 24 months on average
  • Accreditation: NASPAA Accredited MPA program

Website

Villanova University – Online MPA

The goal of Villanova University’s Online MPA program is to prepare and create effective leaders and managers in non-profit and public service organizations. Students that want to know the ins and outs of ethics and how they are properly applied in the public setting are great candidates for this university.

Website

Pennsylvania State University – Online MPA

Penn State has recognized the need for knowledgeable and reputable leaders in the public sector. In response to this need, this university has provided a reliable and relevant MPA program to truly test the skills of students involved. If you want a challenging degree program that is worth the effort, than definitely consider Penn State for your Online MPA program.

  • Tuition: 39 credits at $1017 per credit hour – as of 2024
  • Program Length: 39 credit hours, 2 years on average
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)

Website

University of Missouri – Columbia – Online Master of Public Affairs

This university focuses on the interdisciplinary approach to training great leaders for non-profit and public entities. Using a blend of research and public service capacity, this university provides students with different perspectives that can provide for a great foundation for leadership positions.

  • Tuition: $18,000 as of 2024 (not including all fees)
  • Program Length: 36 credit hours
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission & Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration

Website

Northeastern University – Online MPA

Northeastern University claims that their Online MPA program is no different in consistency than their standard in-person program. This university has worked hard to ensure that their Online MPA program meets national standards, and provides students with everything needed to be knowledgeable and valid professionals in public service.

  • Tuition: around $39,400 (as of 2024)
  • Program Length: 42 credit hours, 1-2 years
  • Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)

Website

University of Ohio Online MPA Program

The MPA program at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University is focused on helping students gain expertise in the field and the skills to lead. It is a fully online program with four areas of concentration:

  • Crisis and Emergency Management
  • Public Leadership and Management
  • Non-Profit Management
  • State and Local Government

In addition to learning core concepts like public budgeting, program evaluation, and strategic leadership, students at Ohio will practice essential skills such as effective communication and resource management. This focus on enabling students to be able to win the contest of ideas makes Ohio a good place to go to pair passion with competence.

Courses you might take

  • Organizational Leadership: How organizations are understood in public administration.
  • Public Budgeting: The principles and politics of tax policy and revenue decisions
  • Public Human Resource Management: Introduction to the management and leadership skills needed for the public sector workforce.
  • Nonprofit Leadership and Governance: An introduction to the nonprofit sector and its role in society.
  • Crisis and Emergency Planning: How to avert crises through risk assessment and continuity planning, and be resilient and recover when crises strike.
  • Civic Innovation and Citizen Engagement: Explore innovative practices that engage marginalized groups through case studies.

Admissions standards and requirements for this program

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No GRE or GMAT is required. You just need to submit a resume, letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation. The program is full time, there is no part-time option.

Eastern Kentucky University Online MPA Program

Eastern Kentucky offers both an in person and an online MPA program. The online program is highly flexible, with six starting dates through the year and accelerated 8 week terms. Students can earn occupational certificates in specialized areas while earning their degree. These include:

  • Community Development
  • Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Non-Profit Management

The other things that set Eastern Kentucky apart are personalized graduation plans an no campus visit required.

Courses you might take

  • Public Sector Leadership: Examines competing theories of leadership.
  • Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation: Learn quantitative and non-quantitative methods of analysis for public programs.
  • Community Development: Uses the concept of self-help to create and implement community development programs.
  • Grant Writing: Learn federal and foundation grant writing processes.

Admissions standards and requirements for this program

Applicants must have completed a bachelors degree with at least a 2.75 GPA. They need to have verbal and quantitative scores of 145 or higher on the GRE, and submit two letters of recommendation and a statement of career goals and purpose. Active duty military members get reduced tuition.

Arkansas State University Online MPA Program

At under $12,000, Arkansas State’s online MPA program is less expensive than most. It is designed for working professionals, with multiple start dates and an accelerated course option to finish in 18 months. The public management track specializes in law enforcement and public service careers, and there is a non-profit track as well. This program provides an accessible pathway to advancement and promotion for mid-career public servants.

Courses you might take

  • Administrative Leadership: Study of issues faced by first time managers as they work with citizens, politicians, and employees to get their work done.
  • Public Financial Management: Emphasizes financial planning and management in local government.
  • Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation: Learn a theoretical and technical framework to understand policy evaluation and analysis.
  • Administrative Behavior: Examines the patterns and administrative structures of public sector organizations.

Admissions standards and requirements for this program

To apply to the online MPA program, you need to have a bachelors degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and a C grade or higher in American Government, Principles of Economics, and Research Methods. Applicants submit a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation. No GRE is required.

Northern Arizona University Online MPA Program

If you want to advance your career or expand your expertise in public policy amid the natural wonders or Arizona, then take a look at Northern Arizona University’s online MPA program. In addition to learning the standard MPA curriculum, NAU has an internship/fieldwork requirement. Past students have done internships with the Conconino County Search and Rescue, Arizona State Parks, and the Sonoran Institute. This regional focus allows for unique partnerships with Native Communities, providing unique opportunities for understanding tribal government.

Courses you might take

  • Public Management: Review current and classic concepts about management in the public sector.
  • American Indian Policies and Laws: Examines the development, politics, functioning, and legal aspects of American Indian policies and laws.
  • Ethics of Public Administration and Management: Explores the ethical context of public management at multiple levels.
  • Government Budgeting: Explore how governments use fiscal resources.

Admissions standards and requirements for this program

To apply to this program, you need to have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a writing sample, personal statement or essay, and three letters of recommendation. There is no GRE requirement.

Florida International University Online MPA Program

The Florida International University MPA program has a great reputation and has prepared thousands of graduate for careers in public service. It’s broad offering of courses includes several specialized certificates:

  • Public Finance and Procurement
  • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Nonprofit and Community Development
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Public Administration
  • Urban Policy Innovations

Students who come to the program without existing experience in the field are able to do a public service internship to gain that experience before completing the program. FIU also offers a Career Services Department to ensure its graduates are competitive in the job market.

Courses you might take

  • Political, Social, & Economic Context of Public Administration: Examines the relationship between public organizations and their multifaceted environment.
  • Smart Governance: Explores the use of cyber technologies for organizational management and delivery of public services.
  • Leadership and Decision Making: Examines how effective leaders make decisions through case studies.
  • Homeland Security Risk Assessment1: Learn the technical framework to design and conduct risk assessments at the local, regional, and state levels.
  • Government and Minority Group Relations: Examines the clash between established organizational values and minority group values, with a survey of remedies for the problem.

Admissions standards and requirements for this program

Applicants to this program need to have completed a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. If their undergraduate GPA is below 3.25, applicants are required to take the GRE. The GRE requirement can be waived for students with prior graduate work or work experience. Applicants also submit a resume, essay, and three letters of recommendation. Students employed by the State of Florida may qualify for a tuition waiver.

Our Methodology
Determining a “top online programs list” can be a very subjective determination. As with anything, you are responsible and should do your own homework on any program you consider for your online MPA. We asked the following questions when determining this list: Is the MPA program online? Does the university utilize the same faculty for the online MPA as they do for their on-campus MPA? What is the focus? Are there multiple tracks? How long has the MPA program been in existence? What is the program length and tuition costs? What is the brand equity of the university? Is the program accredited? How usable is the website? Is the information on the website helpful for a prospective student?

This list is subject to change, and likely will throughout the year. We have reviewed the list as of early 2023. As universities continue to grow their online presence, more could be added to this list.

One Year Online MPA Programs

In the fast-paced world you live in, more and more students are finding standard educational processes too slow for their own desires. Students that have already completed 4-year bachelor’s programs are typically searching for master’s level programs that can be completed within a faster time-frame than the popular 2-year option.

The online educational environment has played a role in the widespread availability of higher education, which has set the foundation for accelerated programs. Accelerated programs allow for students to take courses that are shorter in duration or that condense more courses into the semester. People learn at different paces. For those that learn quickly and can handle a full load of courses, accelerated 1 – year programs may be a great option. These accredited programs can provide students with the same courses and instructors as traditional programs, but simply at a more condensed rate.

1 year online MPA programs typically consist of a credit hour requirement from 32-42 hours. Courses are administered 2 or 3 at a time and can be finished in half of a semester. This is organized so that students are completing twice the course load within the standard semester. One university offering this program states that the fall and spring semesters are halved and students must complete 2 courses within each half. During the summer semester, students are required to take 3 courses, which completes the entire program within 1 calendar year. If you are considering this accelerated option, you should prepare yourself for fast-paced learning and dense homework completion periods.

Online MPA Programs with Spring Admission

When you are prepared to enter into a MPA program, it is important that you find a school that accepts applicants at all times of the academic year. Some universities still abide by the fall admission standard, while other schools are evolving into a more inclusive concept – spring and summer admissions. Universities that offer admission to students at different times of the year may be more attractive than schools that force students to wait half of a year to apply. If you are interested in finding a school that offers this type of convenience, you may be pleased to find that there are universities across the country offering year-round admission.

Most universities are providing accelerated or other convenient options for students that are motivated to get started on their degree program. Colleges offering flexible admissions may be the best option for you as you begin your journey towards your master’s degree. Rutger’s University in Newark, New Jersey is an advanced university that offers students the option of enrolling into an online MPA program year-round. This program has advantages to their program including low tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, small class sizes, and ease of communication with instructors.

Another university that offers students the opportunity of spring admission is Arkansas State University. This online MPA program at this university allows students to take courses at their own pace, set their own schedule, and have the convenience of year-found enrollment. These advantages can play a large role in the flexibility that is needed for balancing a busy professional life with further education.

Year-round enrollment is not limited to the universities listed within this section. With a lot of different universities understanding the need for more time-consideration, it is likely that you can find many online MPA programs with this enrollment option.

What personal trait/attributes are complementary to the online MPA?

Choosing a degree program can be a life-changing decision. Before you decide to take part in innovative online MPA programs, there are a few things to consider in terms of what is required to be a great fit for this degree program. As you may know, the field of public administration is highly focused on the administrative functions of public service organizations. This means that student entering in this degree field must have a diverse set of skills and personal attributes in order to be successful throughout their experience.

Introduction to the Online MPA

At the beginning of a degree program, students that enter into online MPA programs should have a strong ability to motivate themselves. Self-motivation is a huge part of success in online degree programs, due to the independence that is involved throughout the duration of the graduate program.

You Need Time Management Skills

One of the most challenging aspects of online education is time management. While most students succeed in this area of their education, a lot of people struggle with maintaining a productive schedule – especially when they are employed full-time. Students are often tasked with creating their own due dates and managing their homework and tests within certain time-frames. Self-discipline is a large component of managing this effectively.

You Need to Have a Passion for Public Service

In terms of comprehension throughout the degree programs, students must hold unbiased ideas about public service to society. In order to be an effective learner, a student must be an active listener and proactive researcher. While in the degree program, students might learn more about the potential for conflicting ideals and personalities in the workplace. This encourages the use of innovation and critical thinking. These skills can help students determine effective means of dissolving conflict while respecting the rights and liberties of employees.

You Need to Grow as a Leader

A lot of the curriculum in MPA programs centers around leadership. Not everyone is born a natural leader, so theories and practices of leadership skills are often learned throughout MPA degree programs. Some personality traits that are complementary for leadership professionals is confidence, trustworthiness, and resilience. Not only are these traits great for future work in the field of public administration, but they are excellent traits to help you succeed throughout your online degree program.

GPA Requirements for Online MPA

In addition to having the right type of self-motivation and personality for online MPA programs, students must also prove that they have reached achievement standards of graduate-level degree programs. Most online degree programs list their admissions requirements on their website, in order to make your choice easier in the long run. Some of the factors considered for admissions include undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, previous work experience, and personal and professional references. In this section, you can learn more about how your undergraduate GPA can have an effect on the online MPA programs you are applying to.

When Researching Online MPA Programs: Learn About NASPAA Accreditation

If you want to pursue a carer in public administration, you might be wondering where you should pursue your MPA? How can you be sure that the school you are attending will provide a quality education with a good shot at getting a job in your field? After you have your degree, how can you keep up with recent developments and meet other public administration professionals? Like most career fields, public administration has a professional association that ensures the quality of MPA programs and provides opportunities to network and continue professional development. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) provides these services and is a trusted source of information about MPA programs.

What is NASPAA Accreditation?

The NASPAA is the world-recognized accrediting agency for masters degree programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs, non profit and related fields. The accreditation process requires MPA programs to engage in a self-study, evaluating itself against established standards and its own mission statement. Accreditation ensures that MPA programs are continuously tracking and improving their performance by pursuing their missions and goals, engaging with stakeholders, gathering data on performance metrics, and assessing student learning.

Why the NASPAA?

The NASPAA offers a global standard of excellence in public affairs education. It provides a rigorous system of accountability for MPA programs, which protects both students and their future employers. By providing a set of measurable standards and a way to hold colleges to those standards, the public administration field can focus on the quality of individuals holding a degree rather than making guesses about the quality of the degree itself. NASPAA accredits over 300 MPA programs, making it the largest and most recognized standard in the field.

History of the NASPAA

The NASPAA was formed in 1970, building on the foundation set by the earlier Council on Graduate Education for Public Administration (CGEPA). It started as a subgroup of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). In 1977, it became its own independent entity, but continues to be headquartered at the ASPA. It receives funds off and on from USAID, and is currently funded through private grants and membership fees. It has been functioning as an accrediting body since 1980 . In 2009, the NASPAA opened its membership to non-US programs, changing the “N” in its name from National to Network to recognize its global reach.

What Does the NASPAA Do?

The NASPAA is first and foremost an accrediting body, ensuring the quality of public service educational programs. In addition, the NASPAA is a professional association, providing professional development workshops and conferences for working professionals who have completed their MPA and wish to keep up with the most recent scholarship and advance their careers in the field. The NASPAA is also a valuable resource for students seeking to find a quality MPA program, offering datasets and simulations to help them find a school that is right for them.

Standards and Guidance of the NASPAA

The NASPAA updated their standards in 2019. MPA programs must meet these standards to be accredited. The seven standards are:

  1. The program is managed strategically, including having a mission statement, setting goals and expectations for student learning, and collecting and reporting performance information on the program.
  2. The program’s governance matches its mission, including an appropriate administrative infrastructure and adequate faculty governance.
  3. The faculty are appropriate to the mission, including faculty qualifications, diversity, and scholarship.
  4. The program serves students, including recruitment practices, admission criteria, support services, and student diversity.
  5. The program’s curriculum includes core competencies that reflect its mission and values public service. These competencies are clearly defined and students learn to apply them through experiential learning.
  6. The program has the financial and physical resources needed to pursue its mission.
  7. The program communicates its mission, accomplishments, and student outcomes with the public and stakeholders.

Mission of the NASPAA

The mission of the NASPAA is to “ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service.” In support of its mission, the NASPAA formed the Institute for Innovative Teaching and Learning for Public Service to promote experiential learning in MPA programs. In 2020, the NASPAA is preparing to launch a platform to provide access to case studies and simulations to its member institutions.

How Do Schools / Programs Become a NASPAA Member?

Before a school can apply for NASPAA accreditation, it must first meet four precondition criteria:

  • The host university must be already be accredited by a regional, national, or international agency.
  • The mission of the program should emphasize the values of public service.
  • The program must grant a master’s degree whose primary focus is on training professionals for leadership in public service.
  • The program requires 36 to 48 credit hours to ensure significant interaction between faculty and students.

Once these criteria are met, a school or program applying for accreditation will submit a Self Study Report demonstrating that they meet the NASPAA standards.

Statistics to Know About the NASPAA

  • 317 Member Institutions
  • 25 Countries Represented
  • Over 23,000 students attend NASPAA accredited institutions

Why Consider a NASPAA Accredited MPA Program?

To gain accreditation, a college or university must demonstrate that its MPA program delivers on what it promises students and follows best practices in the field. A degree from an accredited institution will be recognized as valid and useful by governments, employers, and other universities if you decide to pursue additional education. Students should hesitate before enrolling in a non-accredited institution, as there is little guarantee of quality or that their degree will be seen as valid in the job market.

Online MPA Programs

Full List of All of the Best Online MPA Programs updated for 2024

School State Program Online Degree NASPAA Accredited
University of Alaska Southeast Alaska Master of Public Administration Online No
Northern Arizona University Arizona Master of Public Administration Online No
Arkansas State University Arkansas Master of Public Administration Online Yes
California Baptist University California Master of Public Administration Online No
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona California Master of Public Administration Online Yes
California State University, Chico California Master of Public Administration Online Yes
California State University, Dominguez Hills California Master of Public Administration Online Yes
California State University, Long Beach California Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Southern California California Master of Public Administration Online Yes
San Diego State University California Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Colorado Denver Colorado Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Delaware Delaware Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Florida International University Florida Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Florida State University Florida Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Nova Southeastern University Florida Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Central Florida Florida Master of Nonprofit Management Online Yes
University of Central Florida Florida Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Columbus State University Georgia Master of Public Administration Online No
Georgia College & State University Georgia Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Valdosta State University Georgia Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Albany State University Georgia Master of Public Administration Online Yes
DePaul University Illinois Master of Science in Public Service Management Online Yes
DePaul University Illinois Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Northern Illinois University Illinois Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Illinois at Springfield Illinois Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Illinois Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana Master of Public Affairs Online Yes
University of Northern Iowa Iowa Master of Public Policy Online No
Upper Iowa University Iowa Master of Public Policy Administration Online No
Wichita State University Kansas Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Eastern Kentucky University Kentucky Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Morehead State University Kentucky Master of Public Administration Online No
Louisiana State University Louisiana Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Bowie State University Maryland Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Baltimore Maryland Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Northeastern University Massachusetts Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Massachusetts Master of Public Policy Online No
Central Michigan University Michigan Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Northern Michigan University Michigan Master of Public Administration Online No
Capella University Minnesota Master of Public Administration Online No
Park University Missouri Master of Public Administration Online No
University of Missouri-Columbia Missouri Master of Public Affairs Online Yes
University of Montana Montana Master of Public Administration Online Yes
University of Nebraska at Omaha Nebraska Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Rutgers University, Newark New Jersey Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Seton Hall University New Jersey Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Baruch College, CUNY New York Master of Public Administration Online Yes
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY New York Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Marist College New York Master of Public Administration Online Yes
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina Master of Public Administration Online Yes
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke North Carolina Master of Public Administration Online No
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke North Carolina Master of Public Administration Online No
University of North Dakota North Dakota Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Franklin University Ohio Master of Public Administration Online No
Kent State University Ohio Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Ohio University Ohio Master of Public Administration Online No
The Ohio State University Ohio Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Marywood University Pennsylvania Master of Public Administration Online No
Penn State Harrisburg Pennsylvania Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Villanova University Pennsylvania Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Texas A&M International University Texas Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Texas A&M University Texas Master of Public Service and Administration Online Yes
The University of Texas at Arlington Texas Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Southern Utah University Utah Master of Public Administration Online Yes
Norwich University Vermont Master of Public Administration Online No
Regent University Virgina Master of Public Administration Online No
Seattle University Washington Master of Public Administration Online Yes