Online Master of Public Administration
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Why earn a master’s in public administration from Strayer?
Our online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is designed for professionals who want to begin or enhance a career in public service or nonprofit management. You’ll learn how to manage all aspects of nonprofits, government organizations and publicly engaged organizations – from people and assets to funding and public relations.
Gain the expertise to pursue leadership in nonprofits and government
Serving in government or nonprofits allows you to help make a positive impact on communities. Strayer’s Master of Public Administration examines the principles of public administration, public policy management and implementation. You’ll learn about all aspects of managing these organizations. You’ll also gain an understanding of how to manage local, state and federal funds for efficiency and effectiveness.
Skills you’ll learn in a Strayer Master of Public Administration program
A Strayer degree can help prepare you for career opportunities in public administration while offering support, flexible learning options and career planning every step of the way.Develop qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
- Develop qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
- Acquire knowledge of policy analysis and evaluation.
- Develop citizenship skills and an understanding of public administrators in prescribed roles.
- Advance skills critical to success in all aspects of public administration.
Earn your degree from an accredited university
Strayer University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. Strayer University’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 22, 2017 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.
Master of Public Administration cost breakdown
- 10 courses, $2000 per course
- $65 technology fee each term
- $150 one-time degree conferral fee
- Additional costs for textbooks and supplies
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much can I save on a Master of Public Administration?
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much can I save on a Master of Public Administration?
Expected Graduation
...
Approximate Total
...
*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
PREPARING YOUR RESULTS
Time commitment
Calculate the approximate time commitment of your degree.
| Course load | ... courses/term |
| Classroom time | ... hours/week |
| Terms per year | ... terms |
| Terms to graduation | ... terms |
Cost analysis
Calculate the approximate cost of your degree
| Tuition | ... |
| Books | ... |
| Fees | ... |
| No-cost gen ed | $0 |
| Transfer credits | ... |
| Transfer Credit Scholarship | $0 |
| $4K scholarship | $0 |
| Strayer Learn and Earn Scholarship | $0 |
| Approximate total | ... |
Ways to reduce tuition
$4K Alumni Master’s Scholarship
If you’re a Strayer University Alumni and ready to pursue a master’s degree, our Alumni Scholarship can save you $4,000. All you need to do is register for an eligible Strayer graduate program, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or greater and meet eligibility requirements.
50% off Master’s Scholarship
Enroll in two master’s courses, get 50% off tuition.
*Eligibility rules, restrictions and exclusions apply.
Civic and Community Alliance Scholarship
Ready to earn an affordable Strayer degree? Admitted Strayer or JWMI students who are employed in certain civic roles or volunteer for a nonprofit may be eligible to receive 25% off tuition for the duration of their program.
What you’ll learn in Strayer’s Master of Public Administration program
Are you passionate about serving your community? Discover how you can promote positive change in public and nonprofit sectors in Strayer’s Master of Public Administration (MPA). In this program, you’ll gain expertise in essential areas like state and local government administration, grants and budgeting. You’ll also develop strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, equipping you with the ability to critically analyze and evaluate public policy.
MPA program requirements
- 45 credit hours in major courses
Convenient online learning
At Strayer, our online programs give you the flexibility to earn your degree from just about anywhere there’s reliable internet access – day or night. Through our online portal, you’ll be able to:
- Watch lectures and complete coursework
- Submit assignments and take exams
- Communicate with professors and classmates
- Access student resources and support
How long will it take to earn a Master of Public Administration?
- There are 10 master’s courses, each 11 weeks long.
- How many courses you take per term and eligible transfer credits from an accredited institution (if applicable) will determine how long the overall program will be.
- Strayer University credits are expressed in quarter hours.
- One quarter hour of credit is granted for the successful completion of 10 contact hours per course.
- The standard requirement for one course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work, both in and outside of the classroom. For each week of a quarter, one hour of classroom or online course activity and a minimum of two hours of outside study/preparation time per credit hour are built into the design of each course. Strayer’s course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards. This includes preparation, activities and evaluation over 10 weeks for a total of 135 hours of student work.
What can you do with a Master of Public Administration degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Strayer cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore the potential impact you can have in the education field.
Versatile skills for your future
The Master of Public Administration program can help you understand the principles of public administration, public policy management and implementation so you can ensure that public resources are used efficiently.
In addition, students who complete this concentration will be prepared to:
- Develop government plans that impact land use, zoning, community spaces, housing, transportation and more.
- Obtain and process key information from various sources and share information with the public.
- Create and manage procedures to help achieve objectives set by members of a board or management.
- Contribute to the development of organizational policies around participant eligibility, and program requirements and benefits.
- Manage policy and procedures in public service to ensure they follow all appropriate laws and regulations.
- Meet with civic, community and education groups to plan community programs and events.
- Oversee communication strategies and information programs.
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, government officials and members of the media.
- Prepare budgets and financial reports.
86
of Strayer master's alumni agree that Strayer was the right choice for earning their degree.
Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023
How to apply for a master’s degree at Strayer?
An admissions officer can help you choose the right program, register for classes, transfer credits and find cost-savings opportunities.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
A completed application and enrollment agreement
Proof of a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0
Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
A valid, current and legible government-issued photo ID
Winter classes start on January 5
Learn more about Strayer University’s admissions process.
Transferring to Strayer from another university?
Transfer up to four eligible classes from a prior college or university to your master’s degree, saving time and money.
Strayer welcomes international students
Strayer University is proud to have hosted more than 4,000 international students from over 143 countries. Earn your degree in the U.S. or completely online in your home country – it’s your choice.
MPA admission requirements
Before you can pursue your master’s degree, you’ll need to enroll at Strayer. Here’s what you’ll need to get started for admission to the university.
Campus locations
Come to a campus near you for guidance and support. You’ll have access to helpful resources, a supportive community and plenty of spaces to learn and grow.
Ready to take the next step?
Your admissions officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, from completing your application to choosing your concentration.