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Master of Business Administration Public Administration

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

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12 master's courses
11 weeks long
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$ 2985
Cost per course
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Online program
Earn your degree on your terms.

Advance your public administration career

A public administration MBA from Strayer can help you prepare for a leadership role in the executive branches of local, state and federal governments or the nonprofit sector. If you have a background in public policy, management or political science, this program may be the next step toward the advanced public policy position in your sights.

Winter classes start January 6
Program details

Public administration MBA program details

Develop the skills to help you use the resources of local, state and federal governments efficiently, effectively and strategically. Study the principles of public administration to do your part in shaping the field.

Is an MBA in Public Administration good to have? It depends on what you learn.

  • Apply organizational and management practices to ensure efficiency and accountability within public and nonprofit organizations.
  • Apply financial tools and techniques to the development and management of public budgeting.
  • Evaluate public policies and programs using quantitative analysis skills.

Class size varies based on course objectives and the teaching demands of the subject matter. In general, Strayer University aims to keep the student-to-instructor ratio low.

How long does it take to get an MBA in Public Administration?

  • There are 10 11-week courses in this program.
  • How many courses you take at a time 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 10 to 14 hours in weekly work, including in- and out-of-classroom work, for a total of 135 hours by the end of the course. Strayer’s course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards.

Accredited online university

Strayer University has distinct accreditations and affiliations that attest to our academic quality. We're committed to meeting quality standards, so you can earn a diploma you're proud to display. View the ACBSP student achievement information.

91

of Master of Business Administration alumni agree that their Strayer degree was a worthwhile investment.

Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023 *Excludes Strayer’s Jack Welch Management Institute MBA.

Estimate the cost of your degree

How much does an MBA in Public Administration cost?

The cost of an MBA depends on a number of factors, including the price per course, the purchase of textbooks, and the scholarships and financial aid available to you. Read on for a breakdown of the costs, as well as money-saving opportunities associated with the program.

Estimate the cost of your degree

How much does an MBA in Public Administration cost?

The cost of an MBA depends on a number of factors, including the price per course, the purchase of textbooks, and the scholarships and financial aid available to you. Read on for a breakdown of the costs, as well as money-saving opportunities associated with the program.

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Are you a Strayer graduate?
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How much does an MBA in Public Administration cost?
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Program cost breakdown

This MBA program consists of 12 courses, with the price of $2,985 per course. There are additional fees for textbooks and supplies, a $65 technology fee each term and a one-time $150 degree conferral fee.

Transfer credits

Courses from another institution may be eligible for transfer credits to Strayer, which can help reduce the number of courses you need to graduate and your overall tuition. You can transfer up to four classes toward your master’s degree. The Strayer transfer credit page has more information as well as a tool to estimate how many transfer credits you may be able to apply to your Strayer degree program. 

*Students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration in North Carolina or Pennsylvania may transfer up to four classes.

Scholarships and financial aid

There are a number of financial aid options worth exploring on our financial aid page. To apply for federal aid, prospective students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Stafford loans are available for graduate study. These are direct unsubsidized loans, not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, Stafford loan interest will accrue while in the program. Making interest payments while in school will help reduce the amount of principal that would otherwise build up, reducing your end cost.

There are also scholarships and private loans available for Strayer students.

More than 500 organizations – including corporations and community colleges – invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to discounted education programs. If your employer is a Corporate Alliance Partner, you may qualify for programs that can help you discover career pathways in your field.

Private loans

Nonfederal loans can help pay the difference between the cost of attendance and the total of loans and grants received from other tuition assistance programs.

Military tuition assistance

Scholarships are offered to eligible students currently serving in the military, as well as military spouses. Strayer is also approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Learn more about the Strayer University active military assistance program here.

Veteran benefits

In addition to participating fully in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Strayer is approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Student veterans can receive transfer credit for military training and life experiences.

Develop skills for government and nonprofit sectors

This program blends business savvy and leadership skills with courses on policy analysis, budgeting and finance, personnel management and other relevant topics that you can apply in a government or nonprofit setting. View all courses.

Sample courses

Online
BUS 520 - Leadership and Organizational Behavior

Analyzes the interaction of individual, group, and organizational dynamics that influence human behavior in organizations and determine appropriate management approaches to foster a productive work environment. Examines a variety of theories, models and strategies used to understand motivation and individual behavior, decision making, the dynamics of groups, work teams, communication, leadership, power and politics, conflict resolution, work design, organizational structure and culture, and managing change. Provides a conceptual base for managers to interpret, assess and influence human behavior in an organization. 

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COM 510 - Business Communications

The ability to communicate with clarity, confidence, persuasion and passion is an increasingly vital skill in business. This course focuses on tailoring your communication style to your audience. You will learn about communication strategies, effective business writing, and improving interpersonal communications and understand why communication is one of the most important skills in business.

Online
BUS 599 - Strategic Management

Examines the strategic management process and implementation of successful business strategies in the highly competitive and dynamic global environment. Analyzes the impact of technology, government policy, and world economic and political forces on strategy formulation and execution. Analytic, integrative, and decision-making skills will be exercised through the use of case analysis and decision-making that will involve the core business functions, leadership challenges and global operations. A grade of B or higher is required for satisfactory course completion. Course residency requirement: This course must be taken as last or next-to-last class; it is not eligible for transfer credit and must be taken at Strayer University.

Online
PAD 500 - Modern Public Administration: Managing Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Examine the structure, functions and processes of the executive branch agencies of national, state and local governments, and of the nonprofit sector. Discuss the historical development of the field of public administration and the social/political context of its formation. Survey organizational and management practice, and apply efficiency and accountability concepts to public and nonprofit administration. Analyze the size and scope of the nonprofit sector, and explore the similarities and differences between the nonprofit and public sectors.

Online
PAD 505 - Public Budgeting and Finance

Examine key financial institutions, processes and techniques relating to public budgeting, revenue and expenditure. Cover analytical techniques appropriate for the analysis of revenue, spending and debt issuance. Review stages of the budget process and related actors and analytical techniques using the federal budget process as a case study. Discuss performance-laden budget reforms, governmental accounting, debt management and financial reporting. Review principles of taxation and evaluate major sources of revenue and their significance.

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PAD 520 - Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation

Review the political, social and economic factors influencing policy analysis. Analyze and resolve practical problems within policy issues facing the federal, state, local and nonprofit sectors. Examine quantitative and qualitative methods, processes and concepts of public policy analysis and develop skills in applying critical thinking, analytical techniques and various forms of structured analytical writing and communications. Discuss the role and ethical dimensions of policy analysis in the policy-making process.

What can you do with an MBA in Public Administration?

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 public administration field.

Versatile skills for your future

The public administration concentration provides opportunities for students to evaluate public policies and programs using quantitative analysis skills. Topics covered include modern public administration, public budgeting and finance, policy analysis and program evaluation, and public personnel management. Students will be prepared to apply organizational and management practices to ensure efficiency and accountability within public and nonprofit organizations.

In addition, students who complete this concentration will be prepared to:

  • Create and implement public policies.
  • Develop long-term fiscal plans and strategies.
  • Examine current programs and recommend ways to improve them.
  • Grow connections with government agencies and contractors.
  • Help ensure organizations comply with federal and state laws and regulations.
  • Manage and oversee staff members.
  • Manage budgets for the government.
  • Record, monitor and study public financial data.
  • Supervise programs that provide benefits to the public.
  • Write and review reports for elected officials.

Master of Business Administration 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. 

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A completed application and enrollment agreement, as applicable

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Proof of a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0

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Official copies of transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended

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A valid, current and legible government-issued photo identification

Learn more about the admissions process at Strayer.

Students applying to Washington, D.C., or New Jersey campuses must provide proof of proper immunization.

Transferring to Strayer from another university?

Some or all of the credits you’ve earned may be transferable.

International MBA students

We welcome international students.

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.