Online Master of Public Administration
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Why earn a master’s in public administration from Strayer?
Our online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is designed for professionals who want to begin or enhance a career in public service or nonprofit management. You’ll learn how to manage all aspects of nonprofits, government organizations and publicly engaged organizations – from people and assets to funding and public relations.
Master of Public Administration program overview
Get ready to influence people’s lives for the better. Dive in and learn the principles of public administration, public policy management and implementation. Through this program, you’ll learn to ensure that the resources of local, state and federal governments are used efficiently, effectively and strategically.
Is a master’s in public administration good to have? It depends on what you learn.
- Develop qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
- Acquire knowledge of policy analysis and evaluation.
- Develop citizenship skills and an understanding of public administrators in prescribed roles.
- Advance skills critical to success in all aspects of public administration.
Class size varies based on course objectives and the teaching demands of the subject matter.
How long does it take to get a master’s in public administration?
- There are 10 11-week courses in this program.
- How many courses you take at a time will determine how long the overall program will be.
- Strayer University credits are expressed in quarter hours.
- One quarter hour of credit is granted for the successful completion of 10 contact hours per course.
- Spend 10 to 14 hours in weekly work, including in- and out-of-classroom work. Your actual time will depend on your learning traits and abilities. The Strayer course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards.
Accredited online university
Strayer University has distinct accreditations and affiliations that attest to our academic quality. We’re committed to meeting quality standards, so you can earn a diploma you’re proud to display. View the ACBSP student achievement information.
Features
Start-to-finish support
Your admissions officer and student services coach will motivate and support you from enrollment to the day you graduate.
ASPA Membership
Strayer students enrolled in the public administration program may have an opportunity to join or renew their membership with the American Society for Public Administration. Connect with us for details.
A real student community
Experience online and live discussions, receive mentoring, expand your professional networks and create lifelong friendships.
86
of Strayer master's alumni agree that Strayer was the right choice for earning their degree.
Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a master's in public administration cost?
*Additional Fees Apply. Eligibility rules and restrictions apply. Connect with us for details.
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a master's in public administration cost?
*Additional Fees Apply. Eligibility rules and restrictions apply. Connect with us for details.
Expected Graduation
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*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
PREPARING YOUR RESULTS
Time commitment
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Cost analysis
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Program cost breakdown
The MPA program consists of 10 courses, with the price of $2,000 per course. There are additional fees for textbooks and supplies, a $65 technology fee each term and a one-time $150 degree conferral fee.
Transfer credits
Courses from another institution may be eligible for transfer credits to Strayer, which can help reduce the number of courses you need to graduate and your overall tuition. You can transfer up to four classes toward your master’s degree. The Strayer transfer credit page has more information as well as a tool to estimate how many transfer credits you may be able to apply to your Strayer degree program.
Students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration in North Carolina or Pennsylvania may transfer up to four classes
Scholarships and financial aid
There are a number of financial aid options worth exploring on our financial aid page. To apply for federal aid, prospective students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Stafford loans are available for graduate study. These are direct unsubsidized loans, not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, Stafford loan interest will accrue while in the program. Making interest payments while in school will help reduce the amount of principal that would otherwise build up, reducing your end cost.
There are also scholarships and private loans available for Strayer students.
More than 500 organizations invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to tuition savings and other educational benefits. If your employer is a corporate partner, you may qualify for programs that can help you discover career pathways in your field.
Private loans
Non-federal loans may pay the difference between the cost of attendance and the total of loans and grants received from other tuition assistance programs. The terms and conditions of federal loans are often more favorable than private loans and should be considered before exploring private loans.
Military tuition assistance
Scholarships are offered to eligible students currently serving in the military, as well as military spouses. Strayer is also approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Learn more about the Strayer University active military assistance program here.
Veteran benefits
In addition to participating fully in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Strayer is approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Student veterans can receive transfer credit for military training and life experiences.
What coursework do you need to specialize in public administration?
Your MPA coursework includes guidance on how to manage all aspects of nonprofits, government organizations and publicly engaged organizations. You’ll learn about the issues and limitations faced by those organizations, public budgeting and finance, and policy analysis and program evaluation. View all courses.
Sample courses
Public Administration is primarily involved with public service and policy which may involve managing and securing funds through grants. This course will provide strategies for approaching foundational and governmental grants and guide you through every phase of creating a successful grant, from preparation through post-submittal follow up.
Examine key financial institutions, processes and techniques relating to public budgeting, revenue and expenditure. Cover analytical techniques appropriate for the analysis of revenue, spending and debt issuance. Review stages of the budget process and related actors and analytical techniques using the federal budget process as a case study. Discuss performance-laden budget reforms, governmental accounting, debt management and financial reporting. Review principles of taxation and evaluate major sources of revenue and their significance.
Examine models of leadership and the societal and personal assumptions about them. Discuss elements, factors and processes that give rise to effective executive and managerial leadership and apply these elements to large, complex organizations. Address the theory, concepts, research and practice in conflict analysis and resolution. Explore the roles of private- and public-sector leaders in conceptualizing, planning and managing innovation and change, and in mediating conflicts. Examine the theoretical bases of various decision-making and problem-solving strategies.
Examine the historical developments of community planning. Evaluate aspects of urban planning, including housing, community development, transportation, environmental planning, urban sprawl and growth management. Recommend ways to create more humane, equitable, sustainable and efficient environments to improve cities.
Examine public administration as described within the U.S. constitution and U.S. legal system. Study this foundation for all law in the public, nonprofit and private sectors in a constitutional, regulatory and administrative framework. Use the federal government as the context for analyzing administrative agencies and the public sector administrators' legal responsibility and accountability. Apply the legal principles, concepts and processes needed to address legal subjects most relevant to public administration. Explore how the legal system addresses critical issues faced by public officials and how the law is designed to work. Discuss the relationship between public administrators and lawyers, and the moral dimensions of how the law is upheld in the decision-making process. Complete our 10-course Master of Public Administration degree for $20,000 in tuition.*
*Additional Fees Apply. Eligibility rules and restrictions apply. Connect with us for details.
Analyze basic principles and functions of personnel administration in public service; review personnel functions including management, recruitment, placement, wage and salary management, valuing and managing diversity, training, retirement and more. Get an overview of advanced labor relations and collective bargaining processes and issues, grievance and disciplinary procedures, affirmative action and equal employment issues.
What can you do with a Master of Public Administration degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Strayer cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore the potential impact you can have in the education field.
Versatile skills for your future
The Master of Public Administration program can help you understand the principles of public administration, public policy management and implementation so you can ensure that public resources are used efficiently.
In addition, students who complete this concentration will be prepared to:
- Develop government plans that impact land use, zoning, community spaces, housing, transportation and more.
- Obtain and process key information from various sources and share information with the public.
- Create and manage procedures to help achieve objectives set by members of a board or management.
- Contribute to the development of organizational policies around participant eligibility, and program requirements and benefits.
- Manage policy and procedures in public service to ensure they follow all appropriate laws and regulations.
- Meet with civic, community and education groups to plan community programs and events.
- Oversee communication strategies and information programs.
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, government officials and members of the media.
- Prepare budgets and financial reports.
86
of Strayer master's alumni agree that Strayer was the right choice for earning their degree.
Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023
A completed application and enrollment agreement, as applicable
Proof of a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0
Official copies of transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended
A valid, current and legible government-issued photo identification
Learn more about the admission process at Strayer.
Students applying to Washington, D.C., or New Jersey campuses must provide proof of proper immunization.
Transferring to Strayer from another university?
Some or all of the credits you’ve earned may be transferable.
International master’s students
We welcome international students.
MPA admission requirements
Before you can pursue your master’s degree, you’ll need to enroll at Strayer. Here’s what you’ll need to get started for admission to the university.
Campus locations
Come to a campus near you for guidance and support. You’ll have access to helpful resources, a supportive community and plenty of spaces to learn and grow.
Ready to take the next step?
Your admissions officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, from completing your application to choosing your concentration.