Online: Master of Public Administration

Degree: MPA Mode of study: Online Location: Online
Degree Type
Master's Degree
Program Type
Graduate
Location
Online
College
Humanities & Social Sciences
Department
Political Science, Philosophy & Religion
Careers
<p><span>Prepare for a career in government, policy, communications, international affairs, and nonprofit management.</span><br/><br/></p>
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Take the next step in service with your master of public administration.

You have a deep commitment to public service and your community and are ready to step into a role where you can make an impact. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree that prepares you for a career in management of government and nonprofit organizations to do just that.  

Students have the option to complete a thesis or an internship within a non-profit or government setting to complete their capstone course, letting you customize the degree to your needs and interests. 

What You'll Do

You’ll develop skills to be a responsible and ethical leader, with the ability to make decisions strategically. More specifically, you’ll have the opportunity to: 

  • Engage in the development of leadership skills to successfully communicate with a range of individuals, communities and organizations. 
  • Develop the ability to organize information and ideas and to communicate them effectively, both in written reports and oral presentations. 
  • Analyze the ethical considerations confronting public and nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities in an evolving world. 

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration?

Graduates of the Master of Public Administration program can look forward to rewarding careers in a wide variety of governmental and nonprofit organizations. Although an MPA is often considered a practitioner degree for those who will be doing public or nonprofit administration, a number of graduates go on to pursue doctorates to become college or university faculty. 

Career Opportunities 

  • Emergency Management Director 
  • Operations Research Analyst 
  • Human Resources Manager 
  • Postsecondary Education Administrator 

Online: Public Administration Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

View the Degree Map

Public Administration by the Numbers

  • $96K

    Operations Research Analyst

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary of operations research analysts is $95,820.

  • $89K

    Emergency Management Director

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the mean annual salary for emergency management directors is $88,890.

  • $146K

    Human Resources Managers

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the mean annual salary for human resource managers is $145,750.

Public Administration Curriculum

Degree Map

The Master of Public Administration degree requires the completion of 36 hours of coursework, consisting of 21 hours of core courses, 12 hours of elective courses, and a 3-credit-hour capstone, internship or thesis. A full-time student can often complete the program in two years, subject to appropriate planning for the internship.

Class of ‘18, Master of Public Administration

"I am learning about being a government employee and how to manage and work in a non-profit organization. I get excited when I think of the policies that need to be fixed to help more people and how I can change them with my education and experience. "

Amanda Rogers

Headshot of Amanda Rogers

College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

This degree is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The College prepares students for lifelong careers. We boast programs that train students in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, and adaptability. Skills employers value, so we prepare you for basically any career field.

Explore the College

Online Learning at Southeast

When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at Southeast takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.

How Online Learning Works

Earn Your Degree on Your Schedule.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

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Shaping Government and Policy

  • Students engaged in a lively discussion as they collaborate on their public administration degree studies.
  • Southeast Missouri State University's black and white police car patrolling the campus.
  • Public administration professor writing on a whiteboard, explaining key concepts to students.
  • Front view of the Public Safety Office building at Southeast Missouri State University, with a prominent sign displayed.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Career Services

Accelerated MPA

You can take courses for your MPA as an undergraduate saving you time and money. The courses can count towards both your bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Accelerated Master’s Degrees

Additional Resources

Related Programs

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Mailing Address
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