Online Master of Public Administration Degree
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Program at a Glance
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 15% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.*
- Develop the high-level knowledge to evaluate, implement, and manage policy, and make ethical and effective decisions in the interest of the public.
- Earn your MPA degree 100% online, while meeting the demands of your career.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
55
(37 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$420
Master of Public Administration Overview
Purdue Global’s Master of Public Administration online degree is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop the skills and techniques necessary to take on leadership roles in fields such as government, public safety, security and protection, and emergency management.
Curriculum spans diverse topics including public administration and management, ethics and leadership, budgeting and the administration of public funds, strategic planning, and human resource management. You’ll focus on
- Applying knowledge of practice in public administration to make effective decisions that create public value in diverse and dynamic situations
- Evaluating the social and ethical implications of decisions made in the public interest
- Innovating to address issues and opportunities in the public sector
- Assessing theoretical foundations, current knowledge, and trends in public administration and public service
- Employing financial knowledge to make sound and ethical decisions in the public interest
- Considering cultural, individual, and role differences of constituents and stakeholders
- Using principles of leadership to shape change and improve the governance and management of public policy
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Courses Taught by Highly Respected Faculty
Learn from faculty with real-world experience. Our curriculum is vetted by leading and experienced professionals, so you learn the latest skills and practices.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a master’s degree program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Opportunities for Professional Development
Online discussion boards allow you to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences.
You can also take advantage of the Graduate Resource Center, a self-paced course that includes information on professional memberships and clubs, career services, social networking, and more.
Take a Career Assessment
Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.
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What Courses Will I Take?
The Master of Public Administration focuses on the in-depth leadership knowledge and skills for today's public sector. You'll have the opportunity to explore topics such as ethical decision-making, finance, and diversity.
See All Public Administration Graduate CoursesSample Courses
- Public Administration and Management
- Research and Writing in Public Administration
- Leadership in the Public Sector
- Finance and the Administration of Public Funds
- Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
Program Requirements
- Core Credits55
- Total Credits55
What Can I Do With a Master's in Public Administration?
Qualified and educated administrators are expected to remain in demand across the public sector. When you graduate with a master's in public administration you may qualify to serve in a variety of leadership roles in areas such as the executive arm of local, state/provincial, and federal/national government; nongovernmental organizations; public sector organizations; and nonprofit and volunteer sectors.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Public Policy Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Earn a Law Degree 1 Year Sooner
Upon graduating, you can apply some of your courses toward an Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) degree at Concord Law School. Save up to $7,416 in tuition and graduate a year sooner. You could earn both a master’s and EJD degree in as few as 4 years.† See which courses transfer.
Unlike the JD, which prepares you to sit for the bar exam and practice law, the online EJD is designed to help you build legal expertise to use in your career.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Master of Public Administration program and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Social and Community Service Job Growth: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
†Purdue Global alumni are eligible for a 20% tuition reduction on Concord programs. Tuition savings calculated as 18 credit hours x reduced per credit tuition rate of $412 = $7,416. Savings will vary based on the courses completed in the student’s master’s degree program. Credits apply toward open elective and/or specialty electives in the EJD program.
Time savings based on a student who applies 18 credit hours toward the 3-year EJD program; remaining 54 credits can be completed in 2 years of study. MPA can be completed in 1.5 years of study when adhering to the recommended course-load each term, taking courses in sequence, and without interruptions such as a leave of absence.