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Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Advance your impact in government, nonprofit, or public service leadership with KU’s online Master of Public Administration. This flexible, accredited MPA online program is designed for working professionals ready to lead, manage, and serve their communities.

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KU's Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)

KU's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to lead in government, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Kansas, this master of public administration online is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work. The fully online format offers flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor, so you can apply what you learn directly to your current role.

Through a focus on public policy, management, and leadership, this online public administration degree helps you build the skills to manage programs, inform decision-making, and lead organizations that serve communities.

About KU’s Master of Public Administration online

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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.

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Program Snapshot

#1
local government management program‡
$79K
est. annual alumni salary*
#26
public affairs program‡

Graduate certificates

Graduate certificates are also available and taught by the same award-winning faculty as the MPA program. These certificates allow students to broaden their knowledge in a specific area of their choice to learn the most up-to-date theory and techniques used in practice. These certificate programs are a great way for public administration professionals to enhance their skills on their way to earning a full MPA degree. Graduate certificate options include:

Contact your graduate program coordinator to learn more about course details, tuition, and the application process.

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.

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Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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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.

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Take the next step

Want to learn more about how a Master of Public Administration degree from KU can help you reach your career goals?
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Program details

Ready to explore the details? Learn more about KU’s Master of Public Administration online.

Costs

Tuition for fully online students (U.S. and international) is $595 per credit hour. This price is a flat rate and is pending approval by the Kansas Board of Regents. Click below to learn more.
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Admission

Degree-seeking students must follow the admission process of their program. For details and steps to apply, click below.
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Curriculum

Click below for a full list of courses for this online program.
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FAQ: Master of Public Administration online

Application deadlines :

  • Spring 2026 Term:
    • Dec. 3
  • Summer 2026 Term
    • Final Deadline: Feb. 3
  • Fall 2026 Term
    • Priority Deadline: July 1
    • Final Deadline: Aug. 1

Students typically complete this degree in two years of full-time study or three and a half years of part-time study.

Yes, the online master’s is offered fully remote.

  1. * Labor market source: Lightcast - publicaffairs.ku.edu/about-lightcast
  2. ‡ Data source: U.S. News & World Report