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Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
Ohio University
Building 21, The Ridges
1 Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701 – 2979
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Master of Public Administration Careers

Prepare for Leadership Roles in Your Community

Experiential coursework | Interactive workshops

When you earn a Master of Public Administration degree at Ohio University, you can prepare to lead public sector, nonprofit and governmental organizations. Overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, with about 1.1 million openings each year.1

What Makes Us Unique?

  • 1:1 Faculty Coaching
  • Interactive Workshops
  • Master's-level Leadership Development
  • Award-winning Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

Open Doors to a Range of Career Opportunities

Ohio University's Master of Public Administration degree gives you specialized knowledge and skills in public policy, governance, finance and management so that you can make a significant impact in the public sector. As you pursue advanced roles in government, nonprofits and more, your degree can equip you with the expertise to address complex societal challenges and foster positive change in your community. You can also position yourself for long-term success in a fulfilling career dedicated to public service.

Your MPA degree can offer a distinct advantage in career advancement and earning potential. Top executives typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in an area related to their field of work; top executives of large corporations may require a master’s degree.2 With several potential MPA career paths, one option is emergency management leadership:

  • About 1,000 openings for emergency management directors are projected each year, on average, from 2024–2034.3
  • The top 10% of salaries for emergency management directors exceed $160,420 per year.3

Ohio University Online, Your path to public leadership starts here

Your Path to Public Leadership Starts Here.

Ohio University's MPA program blends real-world experience with flexible learning to prepare you to lead and adapt in today’s evolving public service landscape.

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Top Jobs for MPA Graduates

Unlock limitless potential with a MPA degree. Explore diverse opportunities in analytics, nonprofit management and community services, leveraging your master's level skills for a rewarding career. The salaries listed represent the median annual salaries.

  • City Manager

    $105,350

    per year2

  • Emergency Management Director

    $86,130

    per year3

  • Nonprofit Manager

    $78,240

    per year4

  • Budget Analyst

    $87,930

    per year5

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

What You'll Learn

  • Data analytics and measuring outcomes for strategic purposes
  • The value of implementing public-private partnerships
  • Theory and concepts related to nonprofit management, state and local government management and public leadership and management

Skills You'll Gain

  • 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

Career Services

Ohio University's online students have access to free career support through OHIO Online Career Services. Connect with a personal career coach, access AI-assisted resume and interview tools, explore job search resources, and tap into alumni networking — all designed to support you wherever you are in your career journey.

Learn about Career Services

Personalized Career Coaching

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with the OHIO Online Career Services team for personalized guidance on career goals, job search strategy, and professional development.

Job Search Resources

The OHIO Online Career Hub provides resume templates, interview practice tools, job boards, and professional development webinars.

Professional Development Sessions

OHIO students can also participate in free professional development sessions led by industry experts. These live, virtual sessions cover topics like career self-concept, basic job search skills, and how to qualify for promotions and prepare for leadership opportunities.

Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Management Occupations. Retrieved April 7, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Top Executives. BLS.gov. Retrieved April 16, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm.
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Emergency Management Directors. BLS.gov. Retrieved April 16, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Social and Community Service Managers. BLS.gov. Retrieved April 16, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Budget Analysts. BLS.gov. Retrieved April 16, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm.
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