Master of Public Administration
Pursue Your Online Master of Public AdministrationProgram Overview
Do you want to make a difference for your community and your future? Gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to provide leadership in different settings of public service—public sector, nonprofit sector, or even private sector—with an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Post University. Our 100% online MPA program offers a unique combination of graduate-level public administration and business courses designed to offer the learning experiences you could use to enhance your executive administration skills.
Coursework for your online MPA explores how to implement effective leadership in government and public-minded organizations. It covers public policy—its formulation, interactions, implications, and avenues of impact—ethical leadership and management practices, and more. It includes research- and data-based applied policy plan capstone courses to help you apply classroom learnings to real-world situations. The program also offers a concentration option in Emergency Management and Homeland Security for the skills and insights that could help you explore opportunities to prepare and lead response plans in times of emergency.
Curriculum
Program Requirements – 37 Total Credits
Master of Public Administration Core Courses: 21 Required Credits
Master of Public Administration Core Business Courses*: 12 Required Credits
Master of Public Administration Capstone Courses: 4 Required Credits
*Students may choose to fulfill a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security by substituting three business courses for concentration courses.
Optional Concentrations
Criminal Justice Concentration: 9 Required Credits
Emergency Management and Homeland Security Concentration: 9 Required Credits
Industry-Focused Curriculum for Professional Skills
Coursework for your program is designed to help you build the foundation of insights and practical skills necessary to:
- Analyze public policy and how it could impact people and services
- Develop and demonstrate ethical leadership principles
- Evaluate research-based public administration practices
- Apply principles of finance to nonprofit management and public operations
- Implement new or expanded government/nonprofit services
- Consolidate or eliminate under-performing or obsolete programs
- And more!
Concentrations
Master of Public Administration Concentrations
Post’s Master of Public Administration program also offers the option to customize your education to your goals with two concentration options:
Criminal Justice
Curriculum for this concentration covers the challenges and complexities associated with leading, managing, and administering criminal justice organizations. With coursework in leading change, ethics, the law, community engagement, and communication, students will be given the opportunity to explore the principles, theories, and practices involved in managing law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities.
Emergency Management and Homeland Security
This concentration addresses the policy, planning, security, organizational, and management decisions involved in emergency preparedness by using and evaluating data to assess hazards and threats. Coursework covers how emergency management and security have changed since 9/11, examines related cybersecurity issues, and analyzes how agencies and organizations work together to save lives, protect property, and defend our nation.
Note: This concentration is not designed to fulfill educational requirements for any professional credential. Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding relevant licensures, but it is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order to obtain licensure.
Sample Courses
Public Administration Foundations to Frontiers
This course provides foundational knowledge of public administration by tracing its development from the 1880s to the present, including current public sector management practices. Students will examine the constitutional basis of the U.S. government alongside classic and contemporary works that illuminate the field’s evolution. By exploring major historical developments, influential theorists, and emerging challenges, students gain a critical framework for addressing today’s complex governance issues.
Public Policy
This course provides an in-depth examination of the models, processes, and decision-making practices used in the development of public policy. Policy analysis, formulation, implementation, and evaluation techniques will be studied. Students will also examine the role of various stakeholders and special interest groups and the influence they exert on all aspects of public policy.
Risk Management for Public Administrators
This course is an in-depth examination of risk and crisis management issues faced by public and nonprofit sector employees, managers, and organizations. Key concepts covered include assessing, evaluating, and communicating risks, contingency planning, crisis preparedness, strategies for mitigating risk, and post-crisis management. Risk and crisis management issues are examined from a global perspective.
Research Methods for Public and Nonprofit Administrators
This course could equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to design, conduct, analyze, and evaluate research relevant to the field of public administration and nonprofit management. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications, students will develop the research proficiency necessary to address complex challenges and inform evidence-based decision-making in the public and nonprofit sectors.
The sample courses listed are intended to illustrate the types of coursework included in this program. Course offerings and requirements may change. Please consult the official University Catalog for current and complete program information.
Visit the University Catalog >> for Curriculum, Course Descriptions, and Program Outcomes.
“What makes students in the public administration program different from others is that they are all very focused on improving the lives of people in their communities. The faculty is committed to helping students develop critical thinking skills so that they can lead change.”
Ready to Apply?
The admissions team is available to walk you through each step of the application process and clarify any remaining questions.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
College (University) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: [email protected]
For more information on Post University's state licensure or accreditation, please visit the Accreditation page.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Post University maintains consistent graduate admissions standards for students enrolling online or on campus. While individual programs may include additional criteria, all applicants are evaluated using foundational requirements that support academic readiness and program alignment.
Common graduate admissions requirements include:
- Completion of a graduate admissions application
- Submission of official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
- Documentation of a conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an approved equivalent
- Participation in an admissions interview or advisory session, if recommended
- Submission of a personal statement, when requested, which may be required for applicants below a specified cumulative grade point average threshold
- Verification of all admissions materials
Graduate admissions requirements may vary by program and learning format. For complete and program-specific requirements, please review:
Why Students Choose Post University
“A few times, I was on multi-week overseas trips, and it was sometimes difficult for me to get online. They were very understanding and very flexible in allowing me to be able to do some work in advance or, in some cases, do some work afterwards to stay on track.”
Tuition & Ways to Save
An education at Post University is designed to provide long-term value. Tuition is competitively structured, and financial aid opportunities are available for those who qualify. Admissions and financial aid teams work with you to review available options and explain each step of the process clearly.
With multiple funding opportunities available, you may qualify for more than you expect.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Ready to take the next steps?
Admissions advisors are available to answer your questions, explain the application process, and help you explore which program aligns with your interests and experience.
If you are considering Post University, we invite you to begin the conversation.
Why Post University?
At Post University, you are not an anonymous face in a crowded lecture hall. You are known and supported from your first conversation through program completion. That is the meaning behind Post Makes It Personal®.
Our approach is grounded in three commitments: career focus, value, and personalization. Whether you are beginning your undergraduate journey, returning to continue your education, or pursuing a graduate degree, Post University offers programs developed with professional practice in mind, led by industry-experienced faculty, and delivered in formats designed to fit into your life.
Post people come from many different backgrounds and life stages. Some are stepping onto campus for the first time, while others are learning online while balancing work, family, military service, or community commitments. Across every format, students are part of a community built on connection, structure, and shared purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Public Administration (MPA)?
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate-level degree focused on the management and administration of public organizations and programs. The curriculum typically explores topics such as public policy, budgeting, organizational leadership, and program evaluation within government and nonprofit settings. An MPA is often compared to a Master of Business Administration (MBA), but with an emphasis on public service, governance, and the management of public resources.
What Could I Do Wwith a Master of Public Administration?
A Master of Public Administration program from Post University focuses on public sector management, policy analysis, and organizational leadership. Coursework may explore how public programs are developed, administered, and evaluated within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and related institutions. Graduates may apply these academic experiences across a range of public service environments where administrative, analytical, or policy-focused knowledge is relevant.
Is an Online MPA Respected by Employers?
Many universities offer Master of Public Administration programs in both online and on-campus formats. In many cases, the curriculum, faculty, and degree requirements are similar regardless of delivery format. Online programs may provide an option for students who prefer a format that is flexible for their schedule while pursuing graduate education.
How Does an Online MPA Program Work?
Online Master of Public Administration programs typically deliver coursework through a digital learning platform where students review lectures, readings, and assignments. Depending on the program structure, courses may include discussion boards, group projects, and scheduled virtual sessions. This format allows students to participate in graduate coursework from a location that works for them while engaging with instructors and classmates in an online environment.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MPA?
The time required to complete a Master of Public Administration program varies by institution and enrollment status. Many programs may be completed in about two years of full-time study, while part-time enrollment options may extend the timeline to three or four years.
Do I Need Work Experience to Apply?
Applicants to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Post University are evaluated based on several factors, which may include academic history, professional experience, and materials submitted with the application. The online MPA program typically requires at least three years of professional work experience in addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
To learn more about admission requirements for online graduate programs, visit the online graduate admissions page at post.edu/admissions/online-students/graduate.
Who Should Consider a Master of Public Administration?
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in public service, nonprofit administration, or leadership within civic organizations may consider the MPA program.
Related Articles
MPA vs. MBA: Which Program is Best for You?
What's the difference between MPA and MBA? Learn the defining characteristics that make these programs similar in some ways and very different in others.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Committing to an MPA Program
Considering an Masters in Public Administration? Check out this list of pros and cons of committing to an MPA program.
Why Public Administration Matters in Crisis Management
Crisis management may be a necessary skill for anyone working in public administration, whether you are already in the field or looking to enter it. The ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from crises may be essential to safeguarding public safety and...
MPA vs. MBA: Which Program is Best for You?
What's the difference between MPA and MBA? Learn the defining characteristics that make these programs similar in some ways and very different in others.