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
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*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
PREPARING YOUR RESULTS
Time commitment
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Cost analysis
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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. Summer or fall 2025 term only.*
*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 coursework do you need to specialize in public administration?
Your MPA coursework includes guidance on how to manage all aspects of nonprofits, government organizations and publicly engaged organizations. You’ll learn about the issues and limitations faced by those organizations, public budgeting and finance, and policy analysis and program evaluation. View all courses.
Sample courses
Public Administration is primarily involved with public service and policy which may involve managing and securing funds through grants. This course will provide strategies for approaching foundational and governmental grants and guide you through every phase of creating a successful grant, from preparation through post-submittal follow up.
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.
Examine models of leadership and the societal and personal assumptions about them. Discuss elements, factors and processes that give rise to effective executive and managerial leadership and apply these elements to large, complex organizations. Address the theory, concepts, research and practice in conflict analysis and resolution. Explore the roles of private- and public-sector leaders in conceptualizing, planning and managing innovation and change, and in mediating conflicts. Examine the theoretical bases of various decision-making and problem-solving strategies.
Examine the historical developments of community planning. Evaluate aspects of urban planning, including housing, community development, transportation, environmental planning, urban sprawl and growth management. Recommend ways to create more humane, equitable, sustainable and efficient environments to improve cities.
Examine public administration as described within the U.S. constitution and U.S. legal system. Study this foundation for all law in the public, nonprofit and private sectors in a constitutional, regulatory and administrative framework. Use the federal government as the context for analyzing administrative agencies and the public sector administrators' legal responsibility and accountability. Apply the legal principles, concepts and processes needed to address legal subjects most relevant to public administration. Explore how the legal system addresses critical issues faced by public officials and how the law is designed to work. Discuss the relationship between public administrators and lawyers, and the moral dimensions of how the law is upheld in the decision-making process. Complete our 10-course Master of Public Administration degree for $20,000 in tuition.*
*Additional Fees Apply. Eligibility rules and restrictions apply. Connect with us for details.
Analyze basic principles and functions of personnel administration in public service; review personnel functions including management, recruitment, placement, wage and salary management, valuing and managing diversity, training, retirement and more. Get an overview of advanced labor relations and collective bargaining processes and issues, grievance and disciplinary procedures, affirmative action and equal employment issues.
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
Fall classes start on October 6
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 3,000 international students from over 110 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.