Students interested in public administration commonly ask, what is an MPA degree? A Master of Public Administration, or MPA degree, is a professional degree program that prepares students for leadership, management, and upper level careers in the public administration field. MPA programs focus on advanced topics of public administration and topics include roles and principles of public administration, public policy management, organizational management, administrative law, government and public administration, and professional ethics. Students commonly have the ability to specialize in a certain area such as health care, international affairs, environment, education, urban policy, and criminal justice. Individuals who pursue this degree often enjoy various benefits including a variety of career options and competitive salary. The programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete and online MPA programs are available.
Featured Schools
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has locations nationwide, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal and sooner than you might think.
Programs:
- Master of Public Admin
- M.B.A.
Programs:
- M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - Public Management & Leadership
- Master of Public Administration -Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)-General Program
- And more...
At Post University, we believe you shouldn’t have to put your life on hold to further your education. That’s why we offer a wide range of quality Certificate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a highly interactive online format that emphasizes flexibility, convenience, and support. Whichever program you choose, you can take classes in 8-week modules, six times a year from faculty members with advanced degrees and extensive real-world experience. You’ll also enjoy access to a full array of academic support services, including advising, tutoring, writing center assistance, and our virtual library at no additional charge.
Programs:
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Business Administration - Multidisciplinary
- And more...
Continue your education with Strayer University. We offer convenient degree options designed with the working adult in mind — study online, on campus in the evening and weekends, or through a combination of both.
Programs:
- Masters: Public Administration
- MBA: Public Administration
- MBA: Professional Studies
- And more...
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master's degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, and behavioral and health sciences.
Programs:
- Public Administration - MBA
- General Business - MBA
- Management - MBA
Programs:
- Master's-Public Administration
- Master's-Business Administration
- Graduate Certificate-Business Administration
Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its seven colleges: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, The Art Institute of California and Western State College of Law as well as certificate programs in many areas.
Programs:
- Public Administration (MA) (Online)
- Business Administration (MBA) (Online)
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*
Programs:
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Public Administration - Governmental Management
- Master of Public Administration - Health Care Management
- And more...
Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.
Programs:
- Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Health Care Management
- M.B.A.
- Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy
Work toward your degree with Arkansas State University Jonesboro. We offer a variety of online bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of education, nursing, and public administration.
Programs:
- Master of Public Administration
How To Find The Top MPA Programs
When searching for top MPA programs it is important to consider a variety of factors that may make some programs better than others such as if an institution is accredited, tuition costs, faculty, curriculum, and distance learning classes. A great place to start is looking at the rankings of colleges and universities that offer campus-based and online MPA Programs. The U.S. World and News Report reports rankings of many different institutions that offer Masters in Public Administration programs. Examples of the best MPA programs include Syracuse University, Indiana University, and the University of Georgia. Syracuse University was the first in the nation to offer a graduate public administration degree and it offers various other undergraduate and graduate public administration majors. Walden University offers one of the best online MPA programs. Students should conduct extensive research on programs and contact admissions offices and faculty of prospective programs. Considering the type of specialization, core curriculum and electives, thesis requirement, timeframe, and internship opportunities are also important factors.
Careers and Salaries For Individuals With MPA Degrees
Individuals with an MPA degree have a wide variety of career opportunities and MPA salaries are very competitive. The degree also offers working professional career development to move up in their current organizations. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership and management opportunities in local, state, and federal government organizations as well as nonprofit agencies and non-government organizations (NGO). Many choose to pursue public management positions such as a city manager. The salary for city managers ranges from $43,669 to $153,823 depending on employer, experience, and location. Other possible options and salary ranges include management analysts $43,750 to $56,163, human resources director $79,525 to $97,750, and executive director of a non-profit organization $34,000 to $66,500.
