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.
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.
Accelerated admission to the Master of Public Administration
If you're a CMU undergraduate student and want to earn your MPA in addition to your undergraduate degree, accelerated admission to the MPA program can save you time and money. If accepted to the accelerated program, you can earn up to 12 hours of graduate credit toward your MPA degree for courses taken during the senior year of your undergraduate degree. Plus, you'll take these MPA courses at the undergraduate tuition rate.
These courses count toward both your undergraduate degree and your MPA degree. You must talk with your academic advisor, be admitted to the accelerated program and have an approved plan of study before registering for these courses. Generally, you'll apply to the accelerated program during your junior year for admission beginning in the fall semester of your senior year.
Accelerated admission requirements include all existing MPA admission requirements, with the addition of the following:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Grade of B+ or higher in an undergraduate research methods course.
Plan of study
Courses in the MPA program are online. You will be taking your accelerated MPA courses online as part of your course sequence. A plan of study for this coursework must be approved by the MPA Director and include the following:
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 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.