Graduate Testimonials: Online MPA

"While there are many highlights of my experience at Ohio University, one that stands out is the development of the final paper for my portfolio. I was able to choose a topic that was centered on my professional work and take the time to research an area that I found to be incredibly interesting.

If you plan to work in government or have a government-adjacent role, contracting with the public sector or advocating for public policy reform, this program will bring much clarity and understanding to your work. While individuals can attend training and learn through experience, my opinion is that nothing prepares public servants for their role in the same way as an MPA. The online program at Ohio University is a step above.

The MPA program was the perfect complement to my work. At the time, I was positive my role would not intersect with finance, and my career goals could not have been further from a CFO role. As my career has transformed, I work with budgets on a daily basis as a department director. From writing state and federal grants to ensuring my organization’s grantees are on track to meet their goals, public budgeting is an integral competency."

"When I decided to further my career, Ohio University was one of the first places I considered because of their reputation for excellence. Since I reside out of state, online learning made access to Ohio University's resources and its professors possible. The online MPA courses were structured in a way that I could immediately apply new skills in the workplace and provided opportunities for growth, enabling me to expand my career scope.

I wish I’d taken the leap earlier in my career. I’m also an ordained pastor, and there are many aspects of building community and program efficiency that are useful in parish ministry as well.

Learning about public-private partnerships and examining these partnerships through case studies in the online MPA program has been incredibly beneficial in my current role. I serve at a human services relief organization that regularly participates in the execution of public-private partnership grants and programs. Having had the opportunity to examine these types of partnerships, I feel I am more effective at ensuring the success and delivery of services.

The depth and breadth of the online MPA program are widely applicable to many fields. Take the leap!"

“As someone who came into the online MPA program with almost a decade of existing public service work, the aspect that helped me most was adding the scientific/technical knowledge to my existing practical knowledge. Often, I felt like I knew how to do what I was attempting, but not why. Learning the theory behind practically applied principles has given me a far more thorough and in-depth understanding of my work.

The skills developed in the program related to data analysis (specifically related to budgeting and project management) have been the most helpful to me in my work. I work with clients from the public sector every day, and the ability to view and interpret complex data and budgets has become invaluable to me.

Dr. Jolley and Dr. Michaud were, by far, the two most helpful and supportive faculty members for me during my time in the program. Their teaching style, hands-on approach and willingness to communicate with students made the program not just more enjoyable, but more valuable as well! The support staff in the academic offices was incredible. I never felt "left behind" or like I was trying to navigate complex situations by myself. They were with me every step of the way.

Obtaining my MPA from Ohio University has been the single most beneficial and impactful career step I have taken. The depth of the program, the focus on the value of public service, and the incredible faculty all work together to make this the best program I could have been a part of. Having my MPA from the Voinovich School has opened countless doors for me, both personally and professionally, and I will be forever grateful for such an amazing experience. Truly, I believe that the things I learned in the program have made me a better public servant, professional and member of my community. I can't speak highly enough of the program!”

“The Online MPA program helped me build greater confidence in my leadership abilities. Additionally, the coursework in policy analysis, public budgeting, and crisis management has directly benefitted my current role. Since graduation I have led the development of an emergency action plan for my company, worked on fee proposals for public agency clients, and worked on internal manuals.

Every faculty member was responsive and supportive throughout the program. Even though the program I took was online, they went above and beyond to create a classroom-like experience which I appreciated.

I’m honored to join the Steering Committee for Columbus' first public participatory budgeting initiative. Participatory budgeting gives citizens a say in how public funds are used, and I’m excited to support its design, engagement, and evaluation. My online MPA strengthened my understanding of public administration and community-centered governance, and I’m grateful for the chance to apply that knowledge in this process. 

You truly can't go wrong choosing Ohio University. The quality of the coursework, the supportive and dedicated faculty, and the networking opportunities will help you maximize your return on investment.”

“The curriculum in the online MPA connects theory to practice in a way that directly applied to my work. Courses such as Leadership and Public Value and Public Human Resource Management helped me refine my leadership style and approach to team development, while Policy Analysis for Public Affairs and Leadership and Public Budgeting enhanced my ability to make data-driven, ethical, and financially sound decisions. I regularly find myself using the tools I gained in my daily work leading community and business engagement initiatives. The online MPA program also gave me something less tangible but equally important: confidence. Through every assignment and discussion, I grew more assured in my ability to make meaningful contributions to the public sector. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance coursework, full-time work, and family life, which was incredibly valuable as a working mother.

As Chamber Manager for the Seneca Regional Chamber & Development division of the Seneca County Collaborative, I apply the lessons from the MPA program every day, whether it’s fostering collaboration among local organizations, developing outreach strategies, or guiding initiatives that strengthen our community. Ohio University’s MPA program did not just prepare me for leadership; it helped shape the kind of leader I aspire to be, one grounded in service, accountability and impact.

One of the most valuable aspects of the MPA program at Ohio University was the level of support I received throughout the entire experience. The faculty were incredibly responsive, approachable and genuinely invested in student success. They created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and encouraged me to think critically about the work I was doing. The structure of the program also offered consistent academic and career support, with resources designed to help students stay organized, balance responsibilities, and apply lessons directly to their professional lives. Even though the program was online, I always felt connected to the university community and supported in achieving my goals.

My advice to anyone considering Ohio University’s Online Master of Public Administration program is to take the leap. The program is designed in a way that truly supports working professionals, making it possible to balance coursework with career and family responsibilities. Every assignment and discussion has real-world application, and you will find yourself using what you learn right away in your professional life. I would also encourage future students to fully engage with the material and connect with classmates and professors. The more you put into the program, the more you will gain from it. It is not just about earning a degree, it is about growing as a leader, building confidence, and gaining the tools to make a meaningful impact in your community. You will finish the program not only with new skills but with a deeper sense of purpose in your public service journey.”

“This program gave me the skills to navigate high-stakes public-private partnerships in a way that is meaningful and impactful. It gave me a unique perspective as a for-profit leader to be able to manage partnerships with nonprofits and drive a successful bottom line for my business, while filling critical gaps for the nonprofit partners that we work with every day.

During this program I was an active-duty Army officer, and the instructors worked with me every step of the way to ensure that I was able to meet deadlines and requirements, even when my job made it hard for me to access [the] internet or complete coursework early. They made it incredibly easy for me to navigate course materials while  working full time. Since graduation five years ago, I have remained in contact with my professors, and they have offered mentorship and guidance as needed.” 

“The aspects of the online MPA program that had the most value to me were the professor office hours, the iterative writing process (namely when writing the problem statement), and reading and learning about public-private partnerships.

The faculty's support in this program was unparalleled. The professors dedicated their time to set students up for success. We used platforms like Blackboard and Canvas that offered robust and effective solutions.

My best advice for those thinking about applying is to do it. While I work for a for-profit business, I work largely within a P3 between the Veteran's Administration, mental health providers, insurance payors, and driving solutions. It is amazing how the tenets of the program translate into my role. I feel empowered in my current career and my future in the field."

“The focus on strategic planning that the Ohio University MPA program taught me has been very valuable for my professional development and success. I began implementing these planning techniques while I was still in the MPA program. I also found the human resource development particularly valuable as I have been able to recruit, hire, and retain the best talent available in all of the positions I have held since graduating from the program. The workplace and culture I have developed values every employee and our team members look forward to coming to work, knowing our purpose, and having ownership of their roles.

Strategic planning, the focus on benevolent service, and human resource management are all skills I learned and applied to my career because of the Ohio University online MPA program. I found the professors in the MPA program at Ohio University not only approachable but helpful. They had as much of a desire to see me and my classmates succeed as we did.

I have encouraged many people to advance their careers through continuing education. Many people find reasons why the ‘time just isn't right.’ I went through the program with two young boys, a full-time job, a side consulting hustle, and I was serving on the board of my kids' school. It was the busiest time of my life to then take on a full master’s program. I dove in, applied myself, earned my degree with a 4.0 GPA, and I have never regretted it. I was recruited into a new position, with substantially higher pay and responsibility, within a year of graduation.”

“Having worked in the public sector for my entire career, I found that OHIO's online MPA program broadened my strategic perspective, expanded my leadership skill set and refreshed my ability to systematically research and communicate outcomes.

I had the opportunity to complete work on higher-level evaluation, data analytics and program assessment in a manner that helped me integrate rigorous, data-driven decision making — something that can get lost in the day-to-day public sector workload.

The faculty and staff were excellent and responsive to students' needs, their intentions and interests. Dr. Ruhil especially was a great resource with data analytics and Dr. Jolley in the policy arena. Other MPA students were supportive and provided insight into their piece of the public administration world.

The online MPA program is worth the time and effort. You will gain access to skills, tools and perspectives that will guide you through the complexities of policy shifts, program assessment, budgeting, inclusive governance and collaboration. As a tenured public employee, I found the program complemented my experience and added to my toolkit and professional evolution. I would recommend this program to anyone seeking a high-level, comprehensive education in public administration.”

“OHIO’s online MPA program gave me valuable skills that I've been able to apply in my career in disaster response and recovery. I learned how to evaluate and analyze public policies, which has been crucial in assessing disaster response strategies and identifying areas for improvement. For example, I’ve applied policy analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster recovery efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that recovery initiatives meet the needs of affected communities.”

"The online MPA program gave me an invaluable foundation in public management for my career in local government. I gained transferable skills such as KPI measurement and reporting, public engagement strategies and partnership applications.

Whether it's designing inclusive public forums or developing measurable service outcomes, the tools I gained in the online MPA continue to shape my leadership approach and enhance the effectiveness of the organizations I serve.  

One of the most impactful skills I acquired through the online MPA program at Ohio University is the ability to lead and manage with intention. The program also emphasized personal leadership development, which has been transformative in my career.

The online MPA helped me not only lead more effectively but also support and empower my team in ways that align with their own strengths and motivations. These insights have been especially valuable in my transition to City Manager.

The MPA program is a great program for anyone who wants to grow as a public leader and make a real impact in their community.

If you’re working in public service or have real-world experience, you can use those experiences in your projects and assignments. I also appreciated that the curriculum struck the right balance between academic foundations and hands-on, applicable skills. I walked away with tools I could use immediately in my role."