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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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Online Master of Public Administration Courses

Curriculum Details

36 total credits required

The curriculum for the online Master of Public Administration degree covers key areas, including organizational leadership, public budgeting, research methods, policy analysis, strategic leadership, outcome measurement, program evaluation, public-private partnerships, human resource management and more.  

In this program, you'll take six core courses, three concentration courses and three approved MPA elective courses. Choose from three unique concentrations that tailor your education to your professional aspirations. Online MPA students also have the option to complete the Project Management Certificate or Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate in place of a concentration.  

The online Project Management Certificate prepares you to manage risk, create timelines and work cross-functionally with diverse teams. The online Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate gives you the tools to manage teams effectively in the nonprofit sector while strategically promoting mission-related goals.  

Regardless of the concentration or certificate you choose, you'll create a portfolio that captures your learning experiences through select research and professional papers and present the portfolio to a faculty committee.

Upon graduation, you will emerge well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the public sector, nonprofit organizations and crisis situations. 

View full curriculum details in the Academic Catalog

Core Courses

All students in the Online MPA are required to take the 15 credit hour core, plus the 3 credit hour MPA 5590:

  • MPA 5140 Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
  • MPA 5860 Public Budgeting (3 credits)
  • MPA 6010 Research Methods in Leadership and Public Affairs (3 credits)
  • MPA 6200 Foundations of Public Administration (3 credits)
  • MPA 6800 Strategic Leadership and Public Value (3 credits)
  • MPA 5590 Measuring Outcomes in Public and Non-Profit Organizations (3 credits)

Plus complete ONE of the 9-credit hour concentration options or the online Project Management Certificate. 

Concentration Courses

Public Leadership and Management Courses

  • MPA 5120 Public Human Resource Management (3 credits)
  • MPA 5830 Data Analytics for Public and Non-profit Managers (3 credits)
  • MPA 5870 Financial Management in Government (3 credits)

Nonprofit Leadership and Management Courses

  • MPA 5660 Strategic Communication and Outreach for Non-Profit Management (3 credits)
  • MPA 5680 Nonprofit Financial Management and Resource Development (3 credits)
  • MPA 5890 Non-profit Leadership and Governance (3 credits)

State and Local Government Management Courses

  • MPA 5870 Financial Management in Government (3 credits)
  • MPA 5900 Special Topics: Civic Innovation and Citizen Engagement (3 credits)
  • MPA 5900 Special Topics: Public Sector Innovation in State and Local Government (3 credits)

Project Management Certificate Courses

  • PM 6100 Project Management I
  • PM 6200 Project Management II
  • PM 6500 Change and Risk Management

Note: PM Certificate courses must be approved by the MPA director and PM program director. 

Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate Courses

  • MPA 5660 – Strategic Communication and Outreach for Nonprofit Management
  • MPA 5680 – Nonprofit Financial Management and Resource Development
  • MPA 5890 – Nonprofit Leadership and Governance 

Elective Courses

Complete these additional nine hours of approved MPA elective courses.

  • MPA 5580 Public Sector Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • MPA 5810 Public Private Partnerships (3 credits)
  • MPA 5850 Policy Analysis for Public Affairs and Leadership (3 credits)

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