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Master of Public Administration
MPA
Online Master of Public Administration degree
Considering advancing your career with a Master of Public Administration (MPA)? If you want to excel in government and nonprofit roles, an MPA provides a comprehensive understanding of public policy, administration, budgeting and human resources, alongside a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making and social responsibility.
Our graduates are prepared for leadership positions in federal, state and local government agencies, as well as management roles in non-profit organizations. Our NASPAA-accredited MPA program, offered entirely online, builds valuable networking opportunities within the public sector, connecting you with alumni in influential positions.
The MPA equips you with the skills and connections to become a city manager, policy analyst, executive director, consultant or even start your own nonprofit.
AT A GLANCE
Degree Type
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Format
Online
Credit Hours
37 Credit Hours
Why choose our online Master of Public Administration program
Our MPA program prepares you to take the next step toward innovative, public-service leadership. Unlike the MBA that concentrates on for-profit businesses, the MPA focuses specifically on ethical decision-making in the public sector and non-profit management.
The courses range from nonprofit administration and strategic leadership to public policy analysis and program evaluation. Graduates of our MPA program have gone on to become directors and managers for local, state and federal government and leaders in the nonprofit sector.
Our accessible online format fits your life:
- Complete the program in 2-3 years: The 37-hour program can be completed in roughly 2-3 years, even if you're working full-time.
- Part-time or full-time: Our program offers flexibility and innovation in curriculum design to meet your educational needs as either a part-time or full-time student. Our evening and weekend courses are designed to address the needs of current public service professionals.
- Hands-on learning: Classes are led by CMU faculty and contain self-paced coursework and hands-on learning. Students with less than 26 months of full-time work experience in the public sector must complete an internship to ensure they have the experience required to succeed.
The CMU MPA Program is housed in the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Review our Data Reporting website for more information about the Master of Public Administration program and our NASPAA Accreditation.
We welcome applications throughout the year on a space available basis.
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
Highlights of our MPA program
- Internships: Students with less than 26 months of full-time experience in the public sector must complete an internship. Previous MPA students have interned for U.S. Representative Moolenaar's D.C. Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigations; the City of Flint, Michigan; the Jimmy Carter Foundation; the Michigan Women's Commission and the Isabella County Office of Emergency Management.
- Professional networks: You can also expand your network of professional contacts by joining the Central Michigan University Student Chapter of the International City/County Management Association or the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance of Central Michigan University.
- Pi Alpha Alpha: Students who exhibit academic excellence and achievement and /or distinguished public service should consider membership in our chapter of Pi Alpha. This is the premier academic distinction available to students of public administration or public policy and identifies you both nationally and internationally.
- Save time and money: MPA students with public sector experience may be able to substitute up to six hours of academic credit with Prior Learning Credit, saving time and money on their MPA program.
- Special tuition rates: CMU partners with several nonprofit groups to offer a reduced tuition rate. If you are active-duty military or work for the Federal Government, United States Postal Service, State of Michigan or several other public service groups in Michigan, be sure to check out this list of partners to see if you qualify.
Accelerated MPA program
Earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees faster with an accelerated master’s program. You may be able to double-count 12 credits.
By double-counting all 12 credits, domestic students save up to $3,324 and international students save up to $1,248.
Careers with a Master of Public Administration degree
Your MPA prepares you to be a leader in a public-serving role or organization. You can go on to work in local government, as a city manager or program director. Or consider moving to state or federal government or agencies. You can become an executive director of a nonprofit whose work you're passionate about — or maybe you'll start your own! You can also decide to pursue a Ph.D.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Policy Analyst | $80,060 |
| Administrative Manager | $106,880 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 |
| Local Government Manager |
$115,640 |
The MPA is the gold standard degree for anyone working in government or nonprofit organizations. In recognition of CMU’s dedication to the success of our graduates and the continuous improvement of our online MPA program, the Network of Schools of Public, Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) has reaccredited our MPA program for another seven years.
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