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Online master’s in public administration (MPA) programs

Discover if an online master’s in public administration is right for you. Research online MPA programs, potential career opportunities, and salary expectations.

Explore online MPA programs

Why earn a master's in public administration degree online?

Work while you study

Online MPA programs can help you gain new, applicable skills without taking time away from work.

Qualify for leadership roles

Earning an MPA degree may qualify you for higher-paying leadership positions.

Create positive change

An MPA degree can help graduates introduce new, impactful policies within their organizations, community, or government.


For those looking to become a leader in their public sector careers, earning an online master of public administration (MPA) degree may be the best first step. These online master's programs focus on providing the necessary skills to thrive in government, nonprofit, or public policy leadership roles.

Learn more about the benefits of online MPA programs and explore job opportunities for MPA graduates in this guide.

What can you do with an MPA degree?

An MPA degree aims to prepare students to lead a public service, government, or nonprofit team. If you have a public-facing undergraduate degree and want to advance your career, getting an MPA can provide the necessary skills to lead a team in your field.

MPA graduates are often responsible for creating policy, logistics, and labor organization solutions.

Salary expectations for online MPA graduates

MPA curricula aim to prepare students for management positions in the public sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for management positions in May 2023 was $116,880, higher than the $48,060 median annual salary for all occupations.

Your earning potential, however, may vary depending on your location, specialization, or experience level. According to BLS data, the 2023 median annual salaries for these common post-MPA jobs were:

  • Administrative services and facilities managers: $104,900
  • Legislators: $47,290
  • Postmasters and mail superintendents: $88,670
  • Social and community service managers: $77,030
  • Education administrators: $88,460

Career outlook for online MPA graduates

BLS data projects that employment in management and community and social services will grow faster between 2023 and 2033 than average employment growth across all fields. But employment growth may depend on your field or external factors like location and economic conditions.

Between 2023 and 2033, BLS data reports that the following employment opportunities for online MPA graduates will grow by:

What do you learn in a master's in public administration program?

MPA programs can help students better understand the inner workings of public, nonprofit, or governmental organizations. These master's degrees concentrate on giving students the skills to manage these institutions and accomplish organizational goals through everyday, individual work.

Students generally must complete 40 to 52 credit hours to complete an MPA, which often takes two to four years. Some MPA programs also include specialization tracks in subjects like urban planning, human resources, and city and county management.

Curriculum for online MPA programs

In an MPA program, you may encounter classes that cover:

  • Public policy creation
  • Public and nonprofit economics and financial management
  • Ethics, regulation, and legal compliance
  • Management and leadership
  • Data and research analytics

Frequently asked questions