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

PA 500Research Methods of Public Administration4 credits
PA 507Principles of Public Administration4 credits
PA 516Organizational Theory4 credits
PA 523Public Budget Management4 credits
PA 526HRM in Public and Nonprofit Management4 credits
PA 592Public Administration Capstone2 credits
or
PA 599Thesis2-4 credits
PA 591Internship2* credits
(Required for pre-service students)*
PA 501Public Policy Analysis4 credits
PA 509Seminar: Intergovernmental Relations4 credits
PA 510State and Local Government4 credits
PA 517Seminar: American Government4 credits
PA 519Municipal Management2 credits
PA 520Politics of Higher Education4 credits
PA 521Grant Writing for Public Administration2 credits
PA 525Public Sector Labor Relations4 credits
PA 536Classic Readings in Public Administration4 credits
PA 545Political and Administrative Aspects of Community Development4 credits
PA 562Program Evaluation for Public and Nonprofit Agencies2 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.

Get the support you need. Connect with an enrollment counselor.