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Online & Hybrid Master of Public Administration Degrees
Graduate Education Building Public Leaders

MPA Suite

GRE/GMAT
Not Required
2-Year
Duration
Scholarships
Available

Become a Strategic Leader with a Master of Public Administration Degree

OHIO's online and Executive Master of Public Administration programs equip you for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. Whether you choose a fully online program or one that combines online learning with face-to-face networking opportunities with peers and faculty members, you will be well-prepared to create significant, positive change while meeting public needs.

  • Ranked #65 in Best Public Affairs Programs in 20241
  • Ranked #13 in the Top 25 Best Value Executive MPA Degrees2
  • Concentrations and Electives to Customize your MPA 
  • Project Management Certificate option

Choose the MPA Option That's Right for You

Choose the level of face-to-face interaction you want in your program with Ohio University. The online MPA includes 100% online courses, while our hybrid Executive MPA offers online coursework, plus the opportunity to attend class one Saturday per month on our Dublin campus.

No matter which program you choose, you will benefit from live engagement opportunities and real-world coursework to prepare you for future success.

Online Master of Public Administration

  • Online with residency
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Credit Hours: 36

Learn how to take policy from planning, to financing, to execution, and then to evaluation as you master the art of organizational excellence and connecting public and private sectors as united partners.

Choose a concentration in Public Leadership and Management, Non-Profit Leadership and Management or State and Local Government Management or complete the online Project Management Certificate. 

Executive Master of Public Administration

  • Online coursework + in-person (once/month)
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Credit Hours: 36

Gain the disciplinary knowledge of public and nonprofit administration to upgrade your skills. Benefit from a blend of online and in-person coursework.

  • Online Learning Experience

    No matter what your career goals are, Ohio University can help you get there. We offer a wide range of online graduate programs specifically for professionals who are ready for their next step. Complete focused courses and maintain your work and personal responsibilities by studying when and where it's convenient for you. As a student, you'll learn alongside fellow leaders and have access to the same expert faculty and leading-edge curriculum as you would on campus.

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  • About the Voinovich School

    Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service is a leader among public service schools, working in public-private partnerships to solve challenges facing communities, the economy and the environment.

    The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service is ranked #65 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Public Affairs Schools list for 20241.

Online MPA Programs Curricula

Ohio University's online and Executive Master of Public Administration programs give you the opportunity to gain the skills required to advance in your chosen field with curricula that allow you to reach your goals and hone vital skills to lead government, nonprofit, public sector and emergency teams.

The online Master's in Public Administration develops your skills through courses that are grounded in real-world application. Choose a concentration in Public Leadership and Management, Non-Profit Leadership and Management or State and Local Government Management.  Online MPA students also have the option to complete the 9-credit, 100% online Project Management Certificate in place of a concentration. PM Certificate courses must be approved by the MPA director and PM program director.  

The hybrid Executive Master of Public Administration allows you to study both online and on campus, plus customize your degree by choosing electives for 6 of the 12 required courses. 

Advance to Leadership with Your MPA Degree

OHIO's Master of Public Administration degrees can help you achieve the next stage of your career. The sector is seeing steady growth, so you can position yourself to seize both challenging and rewarding career opportunities.

Top Jobs for MPA Graduates

  1. City Manager, $103,8403
  2. Nonprofit Manager, $77,0304
  3. Budget Analyst, $84,9405 

The salaries listed represent the average annual salaries for their respective fields.

Woman sitting with interviewers discussing an mpa career

Graduate Testimonial

"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 

peter melan

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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. We offer financial aid to all students who qualify – our FAFSA code is 003100.

In addition, alumni and corporate partners are automatically eligible to receive a scholarship of up to 15% through our incentive program for any of the included online graduate degree or certificate programs. Contact our admissions team for more details.

Support for Military-Affiliated Students

Ohio University is a Military Collegiate Purple Star Award® school and has been named one of the nation’s top Military Friendly® schools for over a decade. Our Veteran and Military Student Services Center provides access to programs and services specifically for military members and their families. In addition, student veterans and active military members are eligible to receive an incentive scholarship of up to 15% for eligible online graduate programs.

As an OHIO online student, you can earn credit for select military experience, training or previous college credit. To learn more about the military benefits available to you, contact us today.

It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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Sources

  1. U.S. News & World Report. Best Public Affairs Schools. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools/public-affairs-rankings
  2. Value Colleges. Top 25 Best Value Executive MPA Degree. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.valuecolleges.com/ranking/executive-mpa-programs/
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Top Executives. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Social and Community Service Managers. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Budget Analysts. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm