Earn a Master of Public Administration Online

Earn a Master of Public Administration Online

Accredited Online Master of Public Administration

MS Public Administration | Program Highlights 

Northern Michigan University offers an MS of Public Administration online for busy professionals. NMU provides support from application to graduation, so you will be able to complete your advanced degree even while you balance your current role and personal responsibilities.   

Flexible, 100% Online Curriculum 

Top Ranked Program

Participate in innovative research

Choose from Thesis or Capstone

Learn More about NMU’s Master of Public Administration

What will you learn in NMU’s public administration graduate program?

Northern Michigan University designed its online public administration master’s degree program with professionals like you in mind. Get ready to increase your value as you develop both methodological and technical focus competencies.  

You’ll dive into research methods, advanced principles of public administration, budget management, theory and more. Students can choose either a capstone or thesis option. In-service students (those with one or more years of prior relevant work experience) may request exemption from the internship requirement. 

What is the cost for NMU’s online MPA program?

The full program costs approximately $24,000. Financial aid may be available in the form of grants and loans, based on eligibility. A financial aid representative can help you make decisions about paying for college. Contact: (906) 277-2327 or fao@nmu.edu

Public Administration Careers

A master’s degree in public administration opens the door to advanced career opportunities. Graduates of the program work as city managers, education administrators, human resource professionals, urban planners, public works professionals, policy administrators, and within political positions.

Projected Job Growth

0%
by 2032

Administrative and Facilities Managers

$0
AVERAGE SALARY

Non-profit/Community Service Managers

$0
AVERAGE SALARY

Online MPA Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to comply with the regular admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, which includes an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Applicant transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Applicants should: 

  • Complete the application for admission
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all completed graduate work.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
  • Submit transcripts
  • Applicants who do not meet the conditions for regular admission may be admitted conditionally upon a review of their credentials.

Master of Science in Public Administration Curriculum

Core Master of Public Administration Courses 22-24 credits

PA 500Research Methods of Public Administration

An examination of quantitative research design methods for students of public administration and public policy. It introduces the scientific method, research design, data measurement and data analysis.

4 credits
PA 507Principles of Public Administration

An introduction to public administration theory and the practice of public affairs management. Particular emphasis is placed on several themes and conceptual problems that consistently appear in the professional literature of public administration (e.g., ecology of administration, bureaucratic efficiency, administrative responsiveness and administrative responsibility). Selected case studies and works of fiction may be used where appropriate.

4 credits
PA 516Organizational Theory

A thorough study of both classical organizational theories and modern organizational theories, as well as an analysis of their contributions to contemporary administrative practice. Emphasis will be on institutions engaged in public service. Case studies, employment experiences of students and works of fiction may be used where appropriate.

4 credits
PA 523Public Budget Management

The major concepts, approaches, techniques and formats of public budgeting in the United States, with a special focus on local government budgeting. The objectives are to delineate and understand the various components and practices of public budget planning, development, execution, auditing and evaluation. Additionally, the course will serve to enhance participant awareness and understanding of management issues and typical problems involved in the budgeting cycle and the methods used to address these.

Note: Students who have taken PA 524 – Politics of Public Budgeting (2 credits) will not be able to apply this course towards their degree

4 credits
PA 526HRM in Public and Nonprofit Management

This course explores knowledge and skills necessary in human resource management for public and nonprofit organizations. Factors examined in human resources for nonprofits and human resources for public agencies include: defining public and nonprofit organizations, human resource management functions and principles, ethics, diversity and cultural competence, HR management applications, current issues and future trends.

Note: Students who have taken PA 528 – Seminar in Public Personnel Administration (2 credits) will not be able to apply this course towards their degree.

4 credits
PA 592Experiential Applications Seminar

This seminar serves as a capstone project experience. Candidates complete a graduate research project report.

2 credits
or
PA 599Thesis in Public Administration

The student develops a thesis with the help of a three-member thesis writing committee (chair and two readers). The student will submit a three- to five-page research proposal which must be approved before registering for credit. Appropriate thesis forms must be completed prior to enrollment. The thesis committee and the Office of Graduate Education must approve the public administration thesis. The student should consult with the department and the Office of Graduate Education for specific requirements.

2-4 credits
PA 591Supervised Internship in Public Administration

This course is designed principally for graduate students in the administrative services program who wish to pursue a government internship or public service internship.

2* credits
(Required for pre-service students)*

PA 501Public Policy Analysis

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic theories and methods of public policy analysis. This objective is accomplished through a series of readings, projects, discussions and lectures on a topic or topics of current political importance, e.g., health, environment, transportation, education or welfare.

4 credits
PA 509Seminar: Intergovernmental Relations

Examination of the intergovernmental relations within the federal system in providing public services. Extensive use of case studies and intensive analysis of selected units of local government.

4 credits
PA 510State and Local Government

This course examines the structure, functions and governance of local governments and state governments. Students learn about the relationships of state and local government legislative, executive and administrative actors; management processes; and key state and local policy areas.

4 credits
PA 517Seminar: American Government

A study of the significant problems of American political institutions with an emphasis on the legislative processes.

4 credits
PA 519Municipal Management

This course focuses on local government dynamics, including the changing relationships between elected officials and appointed officials and city, county and state governments. This course attempts to identify the nature of those changes and the forces that are driving change.

2 credits
PA 520Politics of Higher Education

A study of higher education politics at the federal, state and local levels.

4 credits
PA 521Grant Writing for Public Administration

This course teaches basic proposal writing skills and provides an overall perspective of grantsmanship. Topics covered include the various elements of grant proposal writing, how to research grant funding opportunities and the role of collaboration in proposal development. Students will have an opportunity to prepare an actual grant as a special project.

2 credits
PA 525Public Sector Labor Relations

This course examines the skills and knowledge necessary to manage labor relations in government. Topics include constitutional influences on public employment, public employee rights, management and labor unions, civil service laws and regulations, collective bargaining practices, non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

4 credits
PA 536Classic Readings in Public Administration

This course provides an in-depth investigation of public administration scholarship related to the development of public administration as an academic discipline. The course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding practical and theoretical concepts related to public administration in the United States.

4 credits
PA 545Political and Administrative Aspects of Community Development

This course focuses on the political and administrative dimensions of community development. Students probe the administrative aspects of managing a community development planning process while considering the political realities of implementation.

4 credits
PA 562Program Evaluation for Public and Nonprofit Agencies

This course focuses on contemporary program evaluation and assessment theory and methods. Evaluation and assessments are presented as continuous improvement exercises involving program staff and/or outside reviewers, funders, clients and the general public. Students are trained in goal setting, performance tracking, making midcourse corrections and analyzing program impact.

2 credits
PA 595Special Problems in Public Administration1-4 credits
PA 598Directed Study in Public Administration1-4 credits

In order to complete the MPA degree, students must:

  • Complete the graduate plan of study with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Complete a graduate capstone (PA 592) or thesis (PA 599).
  • Complete the graduate plan of study in accordance with the requirements for a master’s degree in the Academic Standards and Policiessection of the Graduate Bulletin as well as in accordance with the appropriate program description in the School of Education, Leadership and Public Service section of the Bulletin.

Please note that students may be denied admission to courses, or they may be dismissed from a graduate program or internship/practicum if they demonstrate a lack of professional competence and effectiveness as a professional or fail to perform course work effectively. The departmental graduate review committee reviews the qualifications of all questionable students and may require them to undergo further examination to make a final determination regarding program completion.

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