Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate-level degree focused on public sector management and leadership, preparing students for careers in government, nonprofits, and public service.
Careers open to public administration graduates
Institutions awarding this level in public administration (393)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Columbia University · New York
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- New York University · New York
- Grand Canyon University · Phoenix
- American University · Washington
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- Syracuse University · Syracuse
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- Baruch College · New York
- Columbia Southern University · Orange Beach
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice · New York
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- Cornell University · Ithaca
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- University of Phoenix-Arizona · Phoenix
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Rutgers University-Newark · Newark
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Anna Maria College · Paxton
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Arkansas State University · Jonesboro
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- Florida International University · Miami
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- Villanova University · Villanova
- Barry University · Miami
- California State University, Dominguez Hills · Carson
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- National University · San Diego
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Northeastern University · Boston
- California State University, San Bernardino · San Bernardino
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- University of Georgia · Athens
- University at Albany · Albany
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- Troy University · Troy
- American Public University System · Charles Town
- Southern Utah University · Cedar City
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- The Evergreen State College · Olympia
- Marist College · Poughkeepsie
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- Purdue University Global · West Lafayette
- Binghamton University · Binghamton
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus · University Park
- George Washington University · Washington
- Suffolk University · Boston
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- Golden Gate University · San Francisco
- North Carolina Central University · Durham
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- Valdosta State University · Valdosta
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha
- Park University · Parkville
- University of Illinois at Springfield · Springfield
- Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant
- Calumet College of Saint Joseph · Whiting
- Murray State University · Murray
- Fairleigh Dickinson University · Teaneck
- Clark University · Worcester
- Clemson University · Clemson
- Texas Southern University · Houston
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio
- Capella University · Minneapolis
- University of Guam · Mangilao
- University of Baltimore · Baltimore
- Eastern Kentucky University · Richmond
- Drake University · Des Moines
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- California State University, East Bay · Hayward
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Tennessee State University · Nashville
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- Portland State University · Portland
- Rutgers University-Camden · Camden
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- Georgia College & State University · Milledgeville
- Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey · Monterey
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- The University of Texas of the Permian Basin · Odessa
- University of San Francisco · San Francisco
- University of La Verne · La Verne
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- University of New Haven · West Haven
- Franklin University · Columbus
- University of West Georgia · Carrollton
- Clayton State University · Morrow
- Kean University · Union
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs · Colorado Springs
- California State University, Bakersfield · Bakersfield
- Cumberland University · Lebanon
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Strayer University-Georgia · Chamblee
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- Post University · Waterbury
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- West Chester University · West Chester
- Tarleton State University · Stephenville
- Strayer University-North Carolina · Greensboro
- Bowie State University · Bowie
- University of Louisiana at Monroe · Monroe
- University of Rhode Island · Kingston
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- California Baptist University · Riverside
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City
- University of South Alabama · Mobile
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- SUNY Brockport · Brockport
- Excelsior College · Albany
- Boise State University · Boise
- University of New Hampshire · Durham
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- Auburn University · Auburn
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville
- University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- University of North Georgia · Dahlonega
- University of Idaho · Moscow
- Delaware State University · Dover
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke · Pembroke
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- Texas A&M International University · Laredo
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras · San Juan
- University of Central Oklahoma · Edmond
- University of North Carolina Wilmington · Wilmington
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- St. Cloud State University · Saint Cloud
- Metropolitan College of New York · New York
- Florida Gulf Coast University · Fort Myers
- Seattle University · Seattle
- The University of Texas at Dallas · Richardson
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Savannah State University · Savannah
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Northern Kentucky University · Highland Heights
- Westfield State University · Westfield
- University of Michigan–Flint · Flint
- Regent University · Virginia Beach
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- Albany State University · Albany
- University of Oregon · Eugene
- James Madison University · Harrisonburg
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- University of Alaska Southeast · Juneau
- Aurora University · Aurora
- Strayer University-Global Region · Washington
- Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- University of Wyoming · Laramie
- Sam Houston State University · Huntsville
- Lipscomb University · Nashville
- Claremont Lincoln University · Claremont
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh · Oshkosh
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock · Little Rock
- College of Charleston · Charleston
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- Lamar University · Beaumont
- Clark Atlanta University · Atlanta
- University of South Dakota · Vermillion
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- Hawaii Pacific University · Honolulu
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- Indiana University Northwest · Gary
- Bellevue University · Bellevue
- University of Delaware · Newark
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
About
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate-level degree pursued after completing a bachelor's degree. It is designed to develop leadership, management, and policy analysis skills specifically for public sector and nonprofit organizations. This degree holds a significant place in the U.S. educational system as it prepares students for advanced roles in government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and public service. The MPA is offered by many four-year institutions accredited regionally and sometimes programmatically, ensuring quality and recognition. It appeals to students interested in making a positive impact through public administration, policy implementation, and community leadership.
- Graduate-level degree after a bachelor's degree
- Focus on public sector and nonprofit management
- Offered by regionally accredited four-year institutions
- Develops leadership and policy skills
- Prepares for public service careers
- Recognized in government and nonprofit sectors
How to get in
Admission to an MPA program typically requires a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants often submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes GRE scores, though requirements vary by school. The selection process considers academic performance, relevant experience, and motivation for public service. Some programs may prefer candidates with prior work or volunteer experience in government or nonprofit sectors. Competitive programs may have selective admissions, while others offer more open access, including part-time or online options to accommodate working professionals.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Application includes transcripts and recommendations
- GRE scores may be required
- Preference for public service experience
- Admissions can be selective or open
- Options for part-time and online study
Format and schedule
The MPA program typically lasts about two years of full-time study, though part-time and online formats allow more flexibility. The curriculum is organized into credit hours, with students completing core courses and electives relevant to their career goals. Many programs include practical components such as internships or capstone projects to apply learning in real-world public administration settings. Evaluation methods often combine exams, research papers, presentations, and project work. The program's structure supports both recent graduates and working professionals seeking career advancement.
- Usually completed in two years full-time
- Credit hours structure with core and elective courses
- Includes internships or capstone projects
- Evaluations via exams and projects
- Flexible part-time and online options
- Designed for recent grads and professionals
What next?
Graduates with an MPA can enter or advance in careers within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public service institutions. The degree opens pathways to leadership and management roles in areas like policy analysis, urban planning, public finance, and human resources. Some graduates pursue further education such as doctoral studies or specialized certifications. The MPA also facilitates transfer to related professional degrees or credentials, depending on career goals. Its recognition by employers in the public sector supports strong career prospects in diverse administrative and policy roles.
- Prepares for government and nonprofit careers
- Leads to management and leadership roles
- Supports further doctoral or professional studies
- Enables transfer to related degrees
- Widely recognized by public sector employers
- Opportunities in policy, planning, finance
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an MPA and an MBA?
The MPA focuses on public sector management and policy, while the MBA emphasizes business and private sector leadership. Both are graduate-level degrees but serve different career paths.
Can I apply to an MPA program without work experience?
Yes, many programs accept recent graduates without prior work experience, though some may prefer or require relevant public service experience.
Are GRE scores always required for MPA admission?
Not always. Some programs require GRE scores, while others waive them, especially for applicants with significant work experience.
Is the MPA degree recognized nationwide in the US?
Recognition depends on the accreditation of the institution awarding the degree. Regional accreditation ensures broad acceptance across the US.
Can I study for an MPA online?
Many institutions offer online or hybrid MPA programs to accommodate working students and provide flexible scheduling.
What careers can I pursue with an MPA?
Graduates often work in government agencies, nonprofits, policy analysis, urban planning, and public management roles.
Does the MPA prepare me for any licensing exams?
The MPA typically does not lead to professional licensing exams but may prepare students for leadership roles requiring specific certifications.
How competitive is admission to MPA programs?
Competitiveness varies by institution; some programs are highly selective, while others offer open enrollment or part-time options.