Online Master of Public Administration

Program overview: Master of Public Administration online

Pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) online at KU is a great way to enhance your career and earning potential. Our MPA program instills in students the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to lead public and nonprofit organizations. Students study contemporary social issues while learning to foster and model public service values — including social equity, sustainability, transparency, accountability, and respect for democracy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for social and community service managers is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032. Our program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The curriculum allows students to specialize in city and county management and public/nonprofit management. By the end of your coursework, you will learn to lead and manage in public governance; participate in and contribute to the public policy process; analyze, synthesize, think creatively, and make decisions; articulate and apply public service perspectives; and communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

100% online | 2-3.5 years to complete a full degree

Applications are open.

What careers are possible with a Master of Public Administration?

Our award-winning faculty equips you with a variety of public administration experiences. Our graduates have served the community in positions that include:

• City and county managers.
• Foundation CEOs.
• Budget and data analysts.
• White House fellows.
• State department diplomats.
• Law enforcement and military officers.

KU’s MPA is specifically designed with working professionals in mind. Coursework is a combination of asynchronous (available at any time) and synchronous (available in real time) learning and can be outlined by your graduate program coordinator.

How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors and consist of the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs.

Why get a Master of Public Administration degree online from KU?

This program offers unmatched opportunities and flexibility. In an average of two years (full-time) to three and a half years (part-time), you could earn an online MPA designed for working professionals who seek to advance their careers and develop specialized skills focusing on a commitment to public service. The coursework emphasizes real-world application, earning you practical experience that won’t just add to your resume, but strengthen it.

KU is a globally recognized institution and one of just 38 public universities in the Association of American Universities, a group of America’s leading research universities. An online master’s in public administration from KU signals prestige, quality, and career readiness.