"My continuous contact with former instructors played a significant role in my success both as an elected official and government consultant."
– Peter Melan, MPA, 2020
Online Master of Public Administration Degree
Become a Leader in Public Service
Online Master of Public Administration Degree
2
Years to Complete
$823
Cost Per Credit
36
Credit Hours
3
Concentrations or a Project Management Certificate
Excel as a Leader in Your Community
As you work to take the next step in your career, Ohio University's online Master of Public Administration program will combine rigorous coursework with the flexibility of online learning to equip you with the skills to excel as a pioneering, influential and actionable leader. With three concentrations to choose from, you will tailor this 36-credit program to help you pursue your passions, whether you seek leadership roles in nonprofits, state and local governments, or the public sector.
Program Benefits
- 100% online
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Scholarships available*
- Project Management Certificate option
Excel in Your Public Administration Career
Earning the online Master of Public Administration can help you develop the expertise required to address public needs. After graduation, you can advance in several leadership and management roles. Overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow eight percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.1
Graduate Testimonial
Jobs for Online MPA Graduates
Online MPA Curriculum
12 Total Courses | 36 Total Credits
When you join Ohio University's online Master of Public Administration program, you will develop mastery of the concepts and capabilities required to lead nonprofits, public sector teams and state and local government operations. Throughout your experience, you will explore topics including public policy analysis, financial management in the public sector, strategic planning, ethical leadership and more. Choose ONE of three concentrations — Public Leadership and Management, Non-Profit Management, and State and Local Government Management — and specialize in the area that aligns with your career goals. Students may also choose to complete the 9-credit, 100% online Project Management Certificate in place of a concentration.
You can complete the 36-credit program 100% online in as few as two years.
Note: PM Certificate courses must be approved by the MPA director and PM program director.
Course Highlights:
- MPA 5140: Organizational Leadership
- MPA 5860: Public Budgeting
- MPA 6010: Research Methods in Leadership and Public Affairs
- MPA 6800: Strategic Leadership and Public Value
Online Master of Public Administration Admission Requirements
No GRE/GMAT required | Transfer Up to 9 Credits
With a dynamic curriculum led by expert faculty, the online Master of Public Administration program can help you elevate your career to new heights as you develop the master's-level skills required to meet your community's needs in government, nonprofit leadership, public sector and emergency management roles. You can begin this next step in your journey by starting your online application now.
Spring 2025:
- Application Deadline: 12/09/24
- Classes Begin: 01/13/25
To apply to OHIO's online degree, you will need:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts for all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement (2–4 pages) discussing your career goals, how the master's degree will help you achieve those goals, areas or competencies that you expect the program will help you strengthen and what you plan to contribute to the learning community
- Current resume detailing professional experience
- $50 application fee
Invest in Your Public Administration Career
$29,628 Total Tuition | $823 Per Credit Hour | Scholarships Available
Earning your online Master of Public Administration degree offers long-term value by providing specialized capabilities required to successfully advance your leadership career. By investing in the skills critical to leadership in the public sector and more, you can access higher-level positions, increase your earning potential and continue a fulfilling professional journey.
| Cost per credit hour | $804 (Ohio resident) $823 (non-resident) |
| Total credit hours | 36 |
| Total estimated cost, minus fees | $28,944(Ohio resident) $29,628 (non-resident) |
| Additional fees |
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| Other costs to budget for | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses. |
Listed tuition is for estimating purposes only and is subject to change.
Financial Aid
OHIO is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition and has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a best-value university by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, student veteran, active military members, alumni, and corporate partners are automatically eligible to receive a 15% scholarship. Depending on your background, costs and credit hours will differ.
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Online Learning at OHIO
Ohio University has a long tradition of offering online programs specifically designed for the modality and created for working professionals. Our online students complete engaging, comprehensive coursework that combines the academic excellence and experience-based learning of a traditional program with all the flexibility and convenience of online study.
With asynchronous courses and part-time scheduling (one course per seven weeks), you can earn your degree while maintaining your current work and personal commitments. Virtual office hours give you the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty. Access your coursework 24/7 and complete your assignments on a schedule that fits your life.
What You'll Learn
As you progress through the online Master of Public Administration program, you will experience a curriculum that prepares you for real-world challenges by focusing on relevant topics, including data analysis, public-private partnerships and measuring outcomes. In addition, you will master skills and concepts pertaining to your passions by pursuing one of three concentrations*. When you graduate, you will have all the necessary skills to lead nonprofits, state and local government operations and public sector teams.
Program Outcomes
- Lead and manage in public governance
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
Learn From Leading Experts
Ohio University’s Online MPA program boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing you direct connection with collaborative and deeply experienced faculty mentors. As leading researchers and practitioners in the public administration field, our faculty is passionate about teaching and eager to share their knowledge with you.
Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight
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Credit Hours: 36
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Online Master of Health Administration
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Answers to Common Questions
Find answers to common questions about the online program. For information not covered here, our expert admissions team is available to provide additional details and guidance.
Sources and Disclaimer
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Management Occupations. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Urban and Regional Planners. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Emergency Management Directors. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Social and Community Service Managers. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Budget Analysts. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm.
*Ohio University is proud of our active and veteran military members, alumni, and employees of corporate partners. New students who are a member of one of these groups and enrolling in one of the eligible online graduate programs for the 2023-2024 academic year are eligible for a 15% OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship.
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Your Future Starts Here