An MPA or Master of Public Administration allows one to compete for a variety of administrative or managerial positions. Most online programs claim that they are identical in subject matter to the on-campus versions. Many accredited schools offer online MPA degrees.
California State University Dominguez Hills
Dominguez Hills State is accredited by the NASPAA or National Association of Schools of Public Affairs/Administration. This accreditation ensures that the school went through a difficult process to make sure their program was exceptional. The school’s mission is to prepare leaders for the 21st century. The program has twenty-seven core units and nine elective units. There are several sessions every year. Check here for application deadlines and requirements. Since January 2009, tuition for MPA Online graduate courses has been $1,320.00 for a three-unit course.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
According to mpaonline.edu, the University of Nebraska’s MPA program is ranked “27th nationally and tied for 15th among public institutions.” This school also allows students to concentrate their studies in one of several areas: local government, public management, aviation administration and public works administration. Overall, the program is geared towards those who seek work in public service.
Marist
This college offers an MPA online in an accelerated format. Usually, classes are in 8-week segments. This program features many means of communication including bulletin boards, group conference rooms or private chat rooms. Students at Marist are subject to high academic standards and need a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or else they will be on probation. Some of the courses in the program are administrative law, management in public organizations, management in non-profit organizations and global issues in public administration.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University was created to help individuals develop their “analytical, conceptual and practical competencies for management careers in the public, non-profit, or private sectors.” This school is NASPAA accredited. Also, many people on the faculty are professionals in public administration. The program consists of forty-two semester hours. Twenty-four of the credits are core classes and eighteen are from elective courses. Those without work experience will take an internship as one of the electives.
Penn State
Another distinguished MPA program is at Penn State. Accredited by both the NASPAA and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Penn State Online offers a MPA program where students are in the presence of qualified faculty and have real life situations presented to them. The program is thirty-six credits and includes “eighteen credits of core courses, fifteen elective credits, and a three-credit master’s project.” In general, tuition is $730 per credit. However, there may be some exceptions for certain classes.
For more schools and MPA programs accredited by the NASPAA, click here. Accreditation statuses may change, so always check before you apply.
Sources:
marist.edu
mpaonline.edu
naspaa.org
polisci.neu.edu
unomaha.edu
worldcampus.psu.edu
