The most affordable online MPA programs offer accelerated master’s degrees to working professionals. Public Administration is the architecture that keeps the American government and its various policies and programs operational. So, it is essential to find professionals dedicated to serving the people’s will. Perhaps the best way to do that is to encourage in-service professionals to earn their master’s in public administration.
The number of accelerated online MPAs available today reflects the ever-increasing need for strong, qualified candidates to fill leadership positions in the public sector. However, many civil servants can’t attend a traditional school. For these students, accelerated online MPA programs that are flexible and affordable are a great option. These programs generally take less than two years and are wholly online or have low-residency requirements. This ranking highlights some of the best schools in America that offer accelerated online graduate degrees in public administration.
Featured Schools
Methodology for Ranking Online MPAs
To develop this ranking for online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, our analytics team created a list of schools with accelerated online MPA degree programs. Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, College Navigator, and each school’s website. Then, they gathered information regarding tuition, accreditation, support services, and degree completion times.
Finally, our analytics team applied a ranking methodology and scored the schools based on specific criteria. We used the school’s in-state graduate tuition, the duration of the program, school accreditation, and also the presence of an online student support network or services. If any information didn’t fit the scoring parameters, zero points were awarded for that category. In the case of a tie, the school with the lower tuition pulled the higher rank.
Time to Completion
- 19-24 Months: 1 point
- 13-18 Months: 2 points
- 10-12 Months: 3 points
Graduate Tuition
- =/< $25,000: 1 point
- =/< $20,000: 2 points
- =/< $15,000: 3 points
- =/< $10,000: 4 points
Accreditation
- Institutional: 1 point
- Program: 1 points
- Online Support: 1 point
For this ranking, Fast Online Masters spent 50 hours of research and looked a 47 colleges and universities to compile the Most Affordable Online MPA Programs ranking. More information on data accuracy and how we develop our rankings is on the Fast Online Masters Methodology page.
Our editors first reviewed the online MPA programs in July 2020. This ranking was last updated in November 2023.
20. Franklin University
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 17 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $670 per credit, $24,120 total
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- More Information: Website
Franklin University’s accelerated MPA online offering features three optional pathways in Criminal Justice Administration, Healthcare Administration, and also Human Resources. Despite concentration choice, all students will take 36 credit hours including core MPA classes. Sample courses include Managing Personnel & Information Systems, Strategy, Collaboration & Communication, Financial Management & Budgeting, and also Management Decision Making Methods. A public administration capstone course is also required prior to graduation. Additionally, Franklin University is recognized by US News & World Report as one of the top colleges and universities in the nation for a graduate degree in public affairs.
19. Arizona State University
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Degree: Online Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PSLA)
- Minimum Time to Completion: 19 Months
- Credits: 33
- Graduate Tuition: $505 per credit, $16,649 total
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- More Information: Website
Offered in collaboration with the school’s McCain Institute for International Leadership, the online accelerated MPA from Arizona State University is an Executive MPA or EMPA program designed to be completed within 19 months. The curriculum for the program consists of ten different courses such as Microeconomics of Public Policy, Strategic Planning for Public Sector Leaders, and also Data Analytics for the Public Good. Although coursework can be completed online, some face-to-face sessions in Phoenix and Washington, DC may be required. Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field to be eligible for admission.
18. Barry University
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 14 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $430 per credit, $15,480 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Program Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- More Information: Website
Barry University offers an accelerated master of public administration online program that is both comprehensive and student-centered. Designed to be completed in just over a year of full-time study, the program features a 36-credit hour curriculum comprised of 10 core courses, two elective classes, and also a capstone project. Core course titles include Public Planning and Growth Management, Values and Ethics in Administration, Public Law and Administration, and also Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation.
17. Colorado Christian University
- Location: Lakewood, Colorado
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 15 Months
- Credits: 30
- Graduate Tuition: $543 per credit, $16,290 total
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- More Information: Website
Offered through the school’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies, Colorado Christian University’s online accelerated master’s in public administration. Students can complete the program just 15 months. Students are only required to take one course at a time, so even working professionals can juggle the course load and keep their full-time jobs. Required courses for the degree include Public Information and Civic Engagement, Organizational Systems and Change Management, Governmental Law, and also Public Personnel Management.
16. California Baptist University
- Location: Riverside, California
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $650 per credit, $23,400 total
- School Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- More Information: Website
The master of public administration online offering from California Baptist University is a highly accelerated. Yet this comprehensive offeringallows students to earn their MPA degree in just one year. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program includes core courses such as Public Finance and Budgeting, History and Theory of Public Administration, Public Personnel Management, and also Conflict Resolution & Labor Negotiations. As a culminating element of the program, students have the option to either complete a research thesis or a project and comprehensive exam.
15. Aurora University
- Location: Aurora, Illinois
- Degree: Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $580 per credit, $20,880 total
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- More Information: Website
The accelerated Master of Public Administration online option from Aurora University emphasizes the real-world application of skills. The program is offered on both a part-time and full-time basis, and full-time students can earn their MPA credentials in just one year. Enrolled students will fulfill the required 36 credit hours of coursework by taking core courses such as Administration of Public Institutions, Public Finance and Budgeting Economics, and also Government and Community Relations.
Elective offerings include Public Sector Law and Civil Liability, Principles of Community and Economic Development, and also Public Safety Administration. Students also have the option of taking a Leadership Series consisting of course titles like Strategic Management and Leading Organizational Development.
14. Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $565 per credit, $20,340 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- More Information: Website
The accelerated MPA online program from Liberty University is one of the most versatile offerings in our ranking, featuring six different specialization options. These tracks include Business and Government, Disaster Management, Healthcare, Law and Public Policy, Fire Administration, and also Public and Nonprofit Management. Regardless of concentration, all enrolled students will take core courses in public administration. A thesis is optional, but not required.
13. Corban University
- Location: Salem, Oregon
- Degree: Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 30
- Graduate Tuition: $530 per credit, $15,900 total
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- More Information: Website
Students enrolled in the accelerated online Master of Public Administration degree program from Corban University can finish their degree in just one year. Taking just one course at a time, students complete 30 credits. Course titles like Public Sector Human Resource Management, Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Finance Reporting and Control, and also Managing Public Sector Institutions. Additionally, Corban University is among the top regional universities in the West by US News & World Report.
12. Touro University Worldwide
- Location: Los Alamitos, California
- Degree: Master of Arts in Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $500 per credit, $18,000 total
- School Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- More Information: Website
Touro University-Worldwide offers a convenient and affordable online MPA program designed to be completed in just one year of full-time study. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission to the program, and students can take also advantage of six convenient start dates per year. Once enrolled, students will take required courses such as Public Administration in a Multicultural Society, Ethics in Public Administration, Law and Public Policy, Introduction to Public Policy Analysis, and also Contemporary Issues in Public Administration.
11. Murray State University
- Location: Murray, Kentucky
- Degree: MPA Online
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $340 per credit, $15,822 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- More Information: Website
Murray State University offers its versatile, accelerated online MPA program through its College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Department of Political Science and Sociology. The 12-month program features five concentration options in Non-Profit Leadership Studies, Health Administration, Public & Community Health, Economic Development, and also Public Management.
Regardless of concentration, the core curriculum for the program will consist of required course titles such as Public Budgeting and Finance, Foundations of Public Administration, Public Policy Analysis, and also Human Resource Administration. A capstone course is also required for successful program completion. US News & World Report has named it one of the best graduate schools in the nation for a public affairs degree.
10. Troy University
- Location: Troy, Alabama
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 15 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $475 per credit hour, $17,100
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- More Information: Website
The accelerated online MPA from Troy University is a versatile program that enables students to complete their coursework fully online or via a blended learning model. The curriculum for the program demands a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework. Core classes include Public Human Resource Management, Ethics in Public Administration, Governmental Budgeting and Financial Management, and also Research Methods in Public Administration. Then, the remaining credit hours are elective classes.
9. San Diego State University
- Location: San Diego, California
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $551 per credit, $19,836 total
- School Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Program Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- More Information: Website
Designed for professionals already working in the field of public affairs, the accelerated master of public administration online from San Diego State University can be completed within just 16 months. Courses comprising the 36-credit hour curriculum for the program include Administration and Public Policy Development, Public Financial Management, Administrative Theory, and also Public Personnel Administration. Additionally US News & World Report has ranks the SDSU among the best colleges and universities for a graduate degree in public affairs.
8. University of Louisiana Monroe
- Location: Monroe, Louisiana
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $500 per credit, $18,000 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- More Information Website
The online master’s in public administration program from the University of Louisiana Monroe features a fast-track option. So students can earn their degree in just one year with 36 credit hours of coursework. Concentrations include Administration of Health, Public Management, Administration of Education, Management, and also Administration of Justice. Regardless of concentration, students will take core courses such as Ethics and Public Administration, Intergovernmental Relations, Public Budgeting and Finance, and also Analysis of Political and Administrative Data.
7. Lamar University
- Location: Beaumont, Texas
- Degree: MPA Online
- Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $342 per credit, $12,315 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
- More Information: Website
Lamar University’s accelerated online master’s in public administration offering is a comprehensive program that can be completed within just 16 months of fully online study. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program is prescriptive and includes 12 core courses. Some of these classes include Disaster Policy, Ethics and Morality in Public Administration, Public Organization, and also Constitutional Law for Public Administration A comprehensive exam is also required for successful program completion.
6. University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley
- Location: Edinburg, Texas
- Degree: MPA Accelerated Online Program
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $444 per credit, $16,000 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- More Information: Website
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley offers an accelerated online MPA from its College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Public Affairs & Security Studies. Coursework for the program is delivered via 7-week modules, so students taking two courses per module can finish their degree in just one year. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses such as Policy Implementation/Program Evaluation, Budgeting and Finance, and also Political Leadership: Decision Making/Management. Students can also choose from elective offerings like Formulation of Public Policy, Public Service Ethics, and also Management of Governmental Information Systems.
5. Clayton State University
- Location: Morrow, Georgia
- Degree: Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $420 per credit, $15,088 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- More Information: Website
The accelerated online Masters in Public Administration from Clayton State University features concentrations in both General Administration and Policy and Criminal Justice. Additionally, the program’s fast-track option enables students to complete all degree requirements within just 12 months of study. Once enrolled, students will take core courses such as Local Government Administration and Finance, Human Resource Management for Administrators, and also Ethical and Legal Issues in Public Administration. Additionally, US News & World Report ranks it among the best regional universities in the South.
4. University of Colorado Denver
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Degree: Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $714 per credit, $25,704 total
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Program Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- More Information: Website
The University of Colorado-Denver offers a highly accelerated online Master of Public Administration program through its renowned School of Public Affairs. The curriculum for the program is designed to be completed within one year of full-time study and includes core courses such as The Policy Process and Democracy, Economics and Public Finance, Evidence-Based Decision Making, and Public Service Leadership and Ethics. Students will also take four elective classes prior to graduation. These electives may be selected strategically to fulfill the requirements for one of eight available concentrations:
- Gender-Based Violence
- Local Government
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Policy Analysis
- Education Policy
- Disasters, Hazards, and Emergency Management
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security
3. Texas Southern University
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Degree: online EMPA
- Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $834 per credit, $30,000 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Program Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- More Information: Website
The accelerated online masters in public administration from Texas Southern University is an Executive MPA program designed to be completed within 18 months. Offered through the school’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, the program is ideal for mid-career professionals. Though coursework can be completed online, students can expect brief face-to-face meetings once or twice per semester.
2. Arkansas State University
- Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Degree: online MPA Public Management
- Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months
- Graduate Tuition: $340 per credit, $12,240 total
- Credits: 36
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Program Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- More Information: Website
The accelerated online MPA offering from Arkansas State University features tracks in both Public Management and Non-Profit Management. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses such as Techniques of Political and Public Administration Research, Grant Writing and Administration, and also Public Budgeting and Finance. Depending on the concentration, students also take specialization classes like Administrative Behavior, Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation, Nonprofit Planning and Marketing, and Nonprofit Fundraising and Financial Management.
1. University of Texas at the Permian Basin
- Location: Odessa, Texas
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
- Credits: 36
- Graduate Tuition: $391 per credit, $14,075 total
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Program Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- More Information: Website
The accelerated online master’s in public administration from the University of Texas at the Permian Basin is a comprehensive 36-credit hour program for working professionals. Convenient scheduling options enable students to complete their degree requirements within just 12 months, and there are also six flexible start dates per year. Core courses required for the program include Public Personnel Administration, Leadership and Public Policy, Public Budgeting, and also Public Leadership and Ethics. Elective offerings include Marketing Management, Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations, and also Organizational Behavior.
What is the Field of Public Administration?
Public administration is a necessary but often overlooked field in America today. From city managers to mayors to federal justices and even the White House, public administration professionals can be found at every level of the American government system. These public sector professionals work together to provide Americans with a working government prepared to help them in their time of need. Professionals who are interested in advancing their careers in this field are encouraged to take a look at this ranking of accelerated online Master’s in Public Administration degrees and choose the one that will help them reach their goals.
If you want to make a meaningful impact on your community, state, or even country, then the field of public administration may be the ideal field for you. With an advanced degree in this field, you’ll hone your leadership skills and learn the essential principles of policy development and analysis needed to make a real difference. An MPA can open doors to top positions in government, public service, and also nonprofit organizations.
What is a Master of Public Administration (MPA)?
Often compared to master’s degrees in business administration, or MBAs, Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees focus more on the leadership skills required for positions in government and other public sector organizations as opposed to executive positions in the private sector. As a result, these graduate degree programs address topics like policy analysis, program development and evaluation, nonprofit management, and policymaking.
What are Accelerated Online MPAs?
Master of Public Administration, or MPA, degree programs are high-level academic pursuits that require a great deal of time and effort. Thanks to advancements in distance learning technology, they’re no longer out of reach for busy or working adults who desire a leadership position in public administration.
Online accelerated MPA programs enable students to earn their credentials quickly and without the hassle of attending classes on campus. These flexible programs are often available from top colleges and universities around the country, and many of them are taught by the same faculty members who teach on-campus classes. Accelerated programs can vary in terms of completion time, though. The minimum completion time for the programs featured in our ranking ranges from 12 to 22 months, for example.
What are the Types of Accelerated Online MPA Programs?
The completion time isn’t the only thing that can vary from one online accelerated MPA program to the next. Other factors may distinguish these graduate degrees in public affairs from one another. These include content format and delivery.
Fully Online Versus Hybrid Accelerated MPA Options
While some accelerated Master of Public Administration programs are offered completely online, some require infrequent visits to campus. These face-to-face meetings may be required for the purpose of orientation, networking, workshops, or practicums, for example. If you’re concerned about the flexibility of the program, be sure to speak with an admissions counselor about any on-campus requirements.
Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Accelerated Online MPAs
Whether or not your accelerated online MPA program is offered entirely online or via a hybrid format, the course delivery method for the program can also vary. Generally speaking, this method will be either synchronous, asynchronous, or a combination of the two.
Synchronous
Synchronous programs are more structured and require students to be online at specific times of the day or week. Once logged in to their learning platforms, students enrolled in a synchronous MPA online program will view live lectures and participate in real-time discussions with classmates. In this way, synchronous online programs tend to be more interactive and are also more engaging for some students.
Asynchronous
Asynchronous online Master of Public Administration programs are less structured and provide students with greater flexibility in terms of when they access course content. Students enrolled in these types of programs can log into their virtual classrooms at their convenience to view prerecorded lectures and post comments to discussion forums.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Online MPA Programs?
Before seriously entertaining the idea of earning your accelerated MPA online, you’ll need to consider whether or not you have what it takes to gain entry into such a program. While requirements for admission will vary from one program to another, there are some overlaps.
- Undergraduate Degree: Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree of some sort. But some programs are more particular about specific undergraduate coursework, requiring that students have an academic background in fields like economics, sociology, or government.
- GPA: Most schools require a minimum grade point average, but this exact GPA specification can vary. Furthermore, the majority of schools like to see GPA numbers around 3.0 or higher.
- Test Scores: Scores from a graduate entrance examination such as the GRE or GMAT are sometimes required. However, many colleges and universities now waive this requirement, especially for students experienced in the field of public affairs.
What Do You Learn in an Accelerated Online Master of Public Administration?
Public administration is an interdisciplinary field that is both an academic discipline and a practice-based discipline concerned with the professional preparation of public servants. The field is focused on diplomacy, government, public policy, the law, politics, economics, logistics, administration, and also leadership. Students will also learn about human resources, organizational theory, policy analysis, statistics, budgeting, and also ethics.
However, public administration is a broad term that also makes an appearance as a position in the nonprofit sector. This means that professionals in the field may be required to understand international affairs and diplomacy, international law, nonprofit management, fundraising, networking, and more. Professionals in this field may also need to understand culture and linguistics if working abroad.
Requiring approximately 40 credit hours of coursework on average, the curriculum for an accelerated online MPA program can vary depending on the school you attend. Generally speaking, though, coursework for these degree plans will be characterized by core MPA courses and concentration-specific elective classes.
Core MPA Classes
As an accelerated MPA online student, much of your coursework will be comprised of core MPA classes. These courses address advanced topics in public administration and management that can be applied to various sub-fields and occupations. Example course titles include:
- Public Policy and Analysis
- Urban Planning and Social Policy
- Scope of Public Administration
- Public Financial Management
- Management of Public Sector Organizations
- Community Economic Development
Online MPA Capstones
Many accelerated online master of public administration programs also require a capstone as a culminating element of the degree program. These projects or experiences enable students to demonstrate what they’ve learned over the duration of the MPA program. Often, capstones will encourage students to apply their learning to a real-world scenario. Capstone requirements vary by program but may include scholarly research projects, practicum experiences, and even internships.
What are MPA Concentrations?
Since the field of public administration is so broad, it’s not uncommon for colleges and universities to offer their accelerated online MPA students several different concentration options. Below, we list some of the popular concentrations associated with Master of Public Administration Degree programs:
Urban Planning/Management
An accelerated online MPA with a concentration in Urban Planning/Management prepares students to take on leadership roles in local management positions, including city and regional managers. Courses associated with the concentration may include:
- Planning Law and Legal Frameworks of Planning
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
- Management of Urban Government
Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
Another popular concentration for online Master of Public Administration programs is the emphasis in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice. These programs are specifically designed for professionals in the criminal justice and law enforcement fields who want to advance in their careers and take on greater responsibilities within their occupation. Same course titles required for such a concentration may include:
- Advanced Administration of Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement Ethics, Training, and Accountability
- Adult and Juvenile Correction Systems
Fiscal Management/Public Finance
Accelerated online MPA programs with a concentration in Fiscal Management/Public Finance prepares graduates to handle large-scale budgets for government agencies and nonprofits. These specialized programs may feature course titles like the ones listed below:
- Fiscal Management Accounting and Contracting
- Microeconomics of the Public Sector
- Management of Local Economic Development
Nonprofit Management
The accelerated online master’s in public administration offering with a concentration in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates with the specific skills they’ll need to successfully navigate leadership positions within a nonprofit agency. Classes comprising the curriculum for this concentration may include:
- Resource Development, Management & Efficiency by Nonprofit Organizations
- Ethics and Social Change
- Public, Private and Nonprofit Collaboration
Policy Analysis and Analytics
Specifically tailored for those professionals in the field of public administration who deal directly with policymaking, the concentration in Policy Analysis and Analytics addresses the critical skills needed to thrive in a policy-related role, including the software applications used in policy and data analysis. Course titles comprising the curriculum for such a specialty may include:
- Politics, Policy, and Planning
- Tools for Policy Analysis
- Data Analysis and Modeling for Public Affairs
Human Resource Management
One of the most common concentrations for accelerated online MPA students, the human resource management specialization trains graduates to become human resource managers for government and public service organizations. Course titles associated with this type of MPA program include:
- Organizational Training and Development
- Compensation Analysis and Benefits Planning
- Labor Relations
Healthcare Administration
An accelerated online MPA program with a specialization in Healthcare Administration prepares graduated to take on high-level leadership positions in the healthcare sector. Some of these roles include hospital operations managers, provider relations managers, hospital directors, healthcare program directors, and more. Courses one may take in an online MPA program with a concentration in Healthcare Administration may include:
- Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
- Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation in Health Care
- Managing Change in Health Care Organizations
Other Accelerated Online MPA Concentrations
There are plenty of other concentrations available for online MPA students. Some of these include:
- Management of Engineering and Technology
- Computer and Information Security
- Strategic Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Public Administration Leadership and Crisis Management
- Procurement and Government Contract Management
- Emergency Management
- Homeland Defense and Security
- Public Sector Management
In some cases, an online MPA program may include options for students to create their own custom concentration by strategically selecting elective classes aligned with their academic interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated MPA Programs
It’s normal to have concerns before embarking on a serious academic endeavor like a master’s degree in public administration. When evaluating online accelerated MPA programs, you may feel like you have more questions than answers. We’re here to help you with that.
Below you will find some of the most commonly asked questions about these convenient master’s degrees. As you’re considering this information, keep in mind that it is general in nature and not meant to replace advisement from a particular school’s admissions counselor or other representative.
How quickly can I earn my MPA online?
Completion time for accelerated online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs vary. The shortest degree plans in our ranking are the one-year MPA options.
What does an online accelerated MPA cost?
Tuition costs vary widely from one program to the next. While some of the programs in our ranking cost less than $5,000 a year, there are other MPAs associated with tuition expenses of $30,000 or more annually. Whatever the cost, keep in mind that financial aid is often available in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants.
Can I pursue an online MPA part-time?
Yes. Many online masters of public administration programs feature part-time tracks, but these are not often accelerated in nature. In fact, they may take more than two years to complete. To finish your degree quickly, you’ll likely have to study full-time.
How do I choose the Best Accelerated online master’s in public administration program?
The best MPA program is the one that best suits your needs and career goals. Some factors to consider include scheduling options, curriculum, tuition, and accreditation, for example.
What are Career Options with an MPA?
Choosing the right online accelerated MPA program is just the first step. After graduation, you’ll find yourself with many career-related decisions to make as well. There are many possible career choices for online MPA graduates, but it will depend on your prior experience and any concentrations or specializations you elect to pursue while enrolled in your specific master of public administration program. Below, you will find some job titles commonly associated with MPA graduates:
- City Manager
- Public Administration Consultant
- Budget Director
- Nonprofit Organization Director
- Nonprofit Executive
- Business Development Director
- Public Affairs Director
- Policy Analyst
- Speechwriter
- Administration Consultant
- Director of Development
- Mayor
- Foreign Service Officer
- Budget Analyst
- Urban Planner
How Much Will I Make with an Online MPA Degree?
The current average salary for public administrators is nearly $68,00, according to PayScale. Your exact pay will depend on a number of different factors like experience in the field and geographical location, for instance. Also, professionals should note that some positions may require additional educational training beyond the master’s level as well as certifications or endorsements.
What Professional Organizations Should I Join with an Online MPA?
As an MPA holder, you’ll have many choices regarding professional association membership. Here are some organizations to consider:
- American Public Works Association
- International City/Council Management Association
- Alliance for Nonprofit Management
- American Society for Public Administration
- American Planning Association
- Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
- International Public Management Association for Human Resources
- International Economic Development Council
- American Evaluation Association
Related Resources:
- Top 10 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Online
- 10 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Nonprofit Management Online
- Top 15 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Public Policy Online
- 20 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Organizational Leadership Online
- Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Business Management Online
- 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Public Relations Online
