[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing a master of public administration (MPA) degree can [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/”]launch your career[/hen-ui-link] in public administration and prepare you for leadership or administrative roles. It can also give you the tools and understanding to positively impact society.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re passionate about social services, nonprofit administration, urban development, healthcare, or government, an MPA can be a career launchpad.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]Our methodology[/hen-ui-link] uses a ranking system with multiple data indicators, like affordability and academic quality, to help you select [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/public-administration-degree/”]the best public administration degrees[/hen-ui-link] objectively.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Master’s in Public Administration Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Note:[/hen-ui-text] The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Read About Our Methodology” href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get an MPA Degree Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MPA students build advanced knowledge in administrative and management practices.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online college is often a more affordable option than in-person master’s degree programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MPA applies to a variety of fields like government services, healthcare, and nonprofit management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree can expand your career options and raise your salary potential.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs offer flexible formats that make balancing work, life, and school easier.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do MPA Grads Make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, all public policy and social services professionals earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/public-policy-and-social-services/public-policy-and-social-services-field-of-degree.htm”]median salary of $52,000[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an MPA degree, you could qualify for advanced administrative and management careers. Median salaries for these careers range from $74,000 to $126,230, depending on the career path and your level of experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]7 Popular Public Administration Jobs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm”]Administrative Services and Facilities Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$101,870[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm/”]Human Resources Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$130,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1/”]Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$104,830[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]28%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm/”]Postsecondary Education Administrators[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$99,940[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm/”]Social and Community Service Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$74,240[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]Top Executives[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$98,980[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm#tab-1/”]Urban and Regional Planners[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$79,540[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Courses in Online MPA Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online MPA program builds specialized knowledge in the operation and management of public institutions and organizations. You’ll study topics like organizational behavior, public policy, and finance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some sample classes you might take in an online MPA program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Fundamentals of Public Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In an introductory public administration class, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental practices and theories. You’ll receive a broad overview of the field, including its relationship to legal and political structures.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This class also covers frameworks for understanding public institutes and their relationships with communities and individuals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Organizational Theory and Behavior[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public administration centers on the operation of large, complex institutions. This class examines the organizational dynamics at play in various forms of bureaucracy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll explore topics like organizational behavior styles and managerial processes. The class may also highlight the factors that affect interpersonal and group behavior.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Financial Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This class focuses on the role of finance and budgeting in public organizations. You’ll explore financial practices in government agencies and nonprofits, including how budgets determine organizational priorities and affect public policy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other common class topics may include tax administration, cost-benefit analysis, and debt financing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online MPA Specializations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MPA programs usually offer specializations to help you build advanced knowledge in a specific area of public administration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also known as concentrations or tracks, specializations help you customize your education to fit your professional interests and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nonprofit Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This concentration explores the history and development of the nonprofit sector and its economic, social, and legislative impact. Other common course topics include philanthropy, fundraising, and the effects of public policy on nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Policy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates specializing in public policy focus on the role of policy and legislation in shaping public life and institutions. Classes may cover topics like the legislative process, administrative law, and environmental and climate policy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Global Health[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This specialization highlights the application of public policy to global and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-public-health/”]public healthcare[/hen-ui-link] systems, working toward more equitable outcomes for global populations. Common classes may include global health initiatives, demography and global health, and grant writing and fundraising.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary-700″]How to Choose an Online MPA Program: 4 Tips[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re ready to advance with an online MPA program, consider the following tips to choose the best program for your career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Define Your Goals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To pick the right program, you’ll need to know what you want to do with your degree. For example, if you want to pursue a career in nonprofit management, you’ll want to look for an MPA program that offers that specialization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re not sure what you’d like to do after graduation, research possible career paths, talk to other professionals, or take an internship to clarify your career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Choose Your Specialty[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not all public administration programs offer the same specialties. You’ll want to select a college that offers your target specialization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many specializations could be applied to similar careers, choosing the right specialization that blends your interests, strengths, and future career goals can help set you up for success.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Determine Your Budget[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]Student loans[/hen-ui-link] can be a huge burden after graduation, especially if you’re already paying off your undergraduate education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A college with high tuition doesn’t equate to a better job after graduation. Instead, choose a program that meets your budget or provides scholarship opportunities. Online MPA programs are a great choice as they’re often more affordable.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Compare Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing an online MPA, consider course offerings, alumni networks, graduation rates, professor reviews, and your affinity for the college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should also consider whether you prefer a synchronous or asynchronous program and whether you’d like to attend some classes in a hybrid format or prefer fully online programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online MPA Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a public administration degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes four years of full-time study for a bachelor’s in public administration and 2-3 years for a master’s degree. You may be able to finish faster with a combined bachelor’s and master’s program or an accelerated program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs also offer greater flexibility to earn your degree on a personalized timeline.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying job in public administration?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public administration salaries vary widely by industry and title. For example, according to the BLS, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm/”]social and community services managers[/hen-ui-link] earned a median of $77,030 as of May 2023, whereas [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm/”]public relations and fundraising managers[/hen-ui-link] earned $130,480.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying careers are usually top executives and director-level positions. Earning an MPA degree can lead to promotions and typically increases your salary potential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does a master’s degree increase your salary?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the median annual salary for graduates with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/data-on-display/education-pays.htm”]bachelor’s degree was $74,464 as of 2022[/hen-ui-link]. For master’s degree graduates, the median annual salary was [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/data-on-display/education-pays.htm”]$86,372.[/hen-ui-link] For most careers, a master’s degree can significantly increase your earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MPA grads can expect to earn more with their master’s degree if they advance to leadership roles and executive positions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a MPA degree worth It?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For many professionals, an MPA degree is worth it as it can lead to additional experience, a higher salary, and greater career opportunities. An MPA can qualify you for leadership roles in public administration, human resource management, social services, public relations, or nonprofit management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MPA can also give you a platform to positively impact society, which is priceless.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does a master’s in public administration cost?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average cost of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab”]a two-year master’s degree program[/hen-ui-link] is $73,520. In many cases, tuition for the best online MPA programs is less than for on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]