Master’s in public administration
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
Key Takeaways
- A master's in public administration can qualify you for high-paying leadership roles in the public sector.
- An online master's in public administration program offers flexibility — you can earn your degree while working and managing other responsibilities.
- Some master's in public administration programs allow you to specialize in areas like urban planning, county management, or human resources so you can build industry-specific skills.
Why earn a master's in public administration degree online?
Work while you study
Online MPA programs can help you develop 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, communities, and government.
For those looking to become leaders in their public sector careers, earning an online master of public administration (MPA) degree may be the best first step. These focus on helping you build the necessary skills to excel in government, nonprofit, or public policy leadership roles.
Learn more about the benefits of online MPA programs and explore job opportunities for MPA graduates.
Browse online MPA programs
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 2024 was $122,090, which is higher than the median annual salary of $49,500 for all occupations.
Your earning potential, however, may vary depending on your location, specialization, or experience level. According to BLS data, the median annual salaries for these common post-MPA jobs were:
| Job | Median annual salary |
|---|---|
| Administrative services and facilities managers (2024) | $106,880 |
| Legislators (2023) | $47,290 |
| Postmasters and mail superintendents (2023) | $88,670 |
| Social and community service managers (2024) | $78,240 |
| Education administrators (2023) | $88,460 |
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 2024 was $122,090, which is higher than the median annual salary of $49,500 for all occupations.
Your earning potential, however, may vary depending on your location, specialization, or experience level. According to BLS data, the median annual salaries for these common post-MPA jobs were:
| Job | Median annual salary |
|---|---|
| Administrative services and facilities managers (2024) | $106,880 |
| Legislators (2023) | $47,290 |
| Postmasters and mail superintendents (2023) | $88,670 |
| Social and community service managers (2024) | $78,240 |
| Education administrators (2023) | $88,460 |
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 40-52 credit hours to earn an MPA, which often takes 2-4 years, depending on whether you study full or part time. 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:
- creation
- Public and nonprofit economics and
- Ethics, regulation, and legal compliance