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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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State and Local Government Concentration

Customize Your MPA for a Career in Government Management

Ohio University's 100% online MPA with a concentration in State and Local Government Management allows you to tailor your education to become an outstanding, qualified leader. With this program, you'll complete 9 concentration credits as part of the 36 total credits required for the master's degree.

  • Learn to address the dynamic needs of constituents and expertly respond to nuances of state and local governments.
  • Our specialized curriculum focuses on leadership ethics, management strategy, and innovation in the public sector.
  • Coursework leverages case studies and current best practices to deliver competencies you can immediately apply in your career.

What Makes Us Unique

  • 100% online
  • Learn from outstanding faculty
  • No GRE/GMAT required

Make an Impact as a Leader in Your State or Local Government

In the online MPA with a concentration in State and Local Government Management program, you'll build the skills to spark positive change in your community and make a difference in the lives of your fellow citizens. State and local government courses for this degree are taught by our full-time faculty and industry professionals, exploring what it takes to help communities flourish through effective leadership, communication and strategy.

In the first half of 2023, state and local governments in the United States added 379,000 new jobs to the public sector.1 By graduation, you'll be equipped with the competitive edge to pursue diverse careers in government and contribute to your community as an impactful leader.

State and Local Government Management Courses

3 Concentration Courses | 9 Concentration Credits
State and Local Government Management courses examine the field through the perspective of civic innovation. Each course can be completed 100% online.

  • MPA 5870 Financial Management in Government

    The purpose of this course is to survey the principles, issues and skills of financial management in the public sector. The focus is upon applications in the public sector and not-for-profit environment. The objectives of the course are to provide students with both theoretical understanding of the topic and to develop some of the fundamental skills necessary to work competently in the field. The focus will be on preparing students to be skilled consumers of financial information who possess the ability to analyze it and make sound decisions based on their analysis.

  • MPA 5900 Special Topics: Civic Innovation and Citizen Engagement

    This course will focus on the role of citizen engagement in policy making and implementation at the state and local government level. Students will learn effective and innovative citizen engagement strategies that move beyond basic legal requirements for citizen input, such as public hearings. Through case studies, students will explore innovative practices that engage citizens, including historically marginalized groups, in public problem identification, problem-solving and program implementation.

  • MPA 5900 Special Topics: Public Sector Innovation in State and Local Government

    This course will provide an understanding of the structure and responsibility of state and local governments, including municipalities, counties and special districts. Students will gain a better understanding of the policy and management responsibilities of state and local governments in areas such as public safety, health and welfare, education and economic development. Through case studies of best practices, students will explore innovative public sector strategies utilized by state and local governments to accomplish their respective missions.

Career Outlook

This online MPA concentration will prepare you for success in diverse management roles within this field.

  • Assistant City Manager

    $98,447

    median annual salary2

  • Nonprofit Manager

    $74,240

    median annual salary3

Additional Online MPA Concentrations

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.

Get More Answers

How fast can I complete the online or hybrid MPA program?

You can complete the program in just two years. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

Does the online or hybrid MPA program have a full-time option?

The online programs are designed for full-time professionals and are only offered part-time, with one to two classes every 15 weeks. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

Does the online or hybrid MPA program have a part-time option?

The online programs are designed for full-time professionals and are offered part-time, with one to two classes every 15 weeks. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

What is the total tuition for the MPA program?

Executive MPA

Tuition for the online Executive MPA program is $21,168 for Ohio residents and $21,852 for non-residents. You need to complete 36 credits at $588 per credit hour for Ohio residents and $607 per credit hour for non-residents. You can review all tuition costs here.

Online MPA

Tuition for the online Executive MPA program is $28,944 for Ohio residents and $29,628 for non-residents. You need to complete 36 credits at $804 per credit hour for Ohio residents and $823 per credit hour for non-residents. You can review all tuition costs here.

Do the online or hybrid MPA programs require an entrance exam like the GMAT or GRE?

No, there are no entrance exams required. You can learn more about our admissions requirements here.

Sources

  1. USA Today. "Why has hiring stayed strong? States, cities are finally boosting pay and adding workers." (August 3, 2024). Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/08/03/hiring-solid-states-cities-workers/70514164007/.
  2. Payscale.com. Assistant City Manager Salary. Retrieved April 11, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Assistant_City_Manager/Salary.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social and Community Service Managers. Retrieved April 12, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.