Public Administration
Kent State’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for leadership roles in public and nonprofit sectors. This online program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering public policy, financial management, and organizational leadership, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in civic and community organizations. Ideal for aspiring public service leaders, the MPA program empowers students to drive meaningful change.
Master of Public Administration Program Overview
The Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration is designed for students wishing to become policy analysts, managers and executives within public and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in public and nonprofit management, including the scope and history of public administration, administrative theory, ethical behavior in public management, public financial management, program evaluation, methods, personnel management and information technology management.
The M.P.A. degree can be completed in two years by taking two courses each term, including summers. Courses are offered in an asynchronous online format in back-to-back seven-week sessions. Courses utilize a mix of web-based instruction supported by audio and video technologies direct to the respective student’s home.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate ability to lead and manage in public governance.
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process.
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective.
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Master of Public Administration Degree Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale1
- Official transcript(s)
- Current résumé
- Goal statement
- Writing sample (single-authored paper or manuscript completed during undergraduate or graduate school that exemplifies the applicant’s critical thinking skills)
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or individuals familiar with the applicant’s ability to do graduate-level work
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
1In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 2.750 may be admitted to the program conditionally provided other supporting materials are strong.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Move Your Career Forward With Kent State
NASPAA accreditation assures employers that your degree meets the standards of the public service education field, helping you move forward in your public leadership career.
A Degree Program That Fits Your Life
Here’s another compelling reason to earn your master’s in public administration online: Our program is designed for busy working professionals who want to gain the knowledge, skills and credibility necessary to advance a career in the public sector.
Using learning techniques that help you apply what you learn in real time, this program positions you for senior management positions in local, state and regional governments, as well as in nonprofit organizations, the military and the private sector.
What is an Online Master of Public Administration?
Kent State’s online MPA will help you develop the advanced expertise required of senior management in nonprofit organizations and local, state and regional governments. Our expertise in online learning is evident in the convenience and relevance of the coursework design.
- Three start dates: January, May, August
- No GRE requirement
- 100% online coursework
- 36 credits total* (12 three-credit courses)
- Courses last seven weeks each, with two courses taken sequentially each semester
- Graduate in as little as two years
The best online MPA programs give students the opportunity to put their learning into practice. The Capstone Seminar that you will take during your final semester allows you to integrate everything you’ve learned in a comprehensive project that reflects current public administration best practices.
*Students without substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization (as assessed by the MPA program coordinator) must complete at least three credit hours of an internship in addition to the required 36 credit hours of coursework.
A Rewarding Career In a Large, Stable Field
Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the public service field accounts for about 30% of the jobs in this country, with steady growth for all but the federal sector through 2031.4
Percentages of workers employed in individual sectors within the category are:
- Educational services, 2.3%4
- Healthcare and social assistance, 12.7%4
- Federal government, 1.8%4
- State and local government, 12.1%4
Job titles are diverse across public service segments and Kent State’s online master of public administration helps you prepare for a personally fulfilling and financially rewarding career in this robust segment of the economy. Nationally and across fields, workers with a master’s earn an average of 18% more than those whose highest degree is a bachelor’s.5
The Private Sector Value of an MPA
There are many ways your online MPA degree is similar to an MBA, and one key difference that sets you apart and adds to your value in the job market. Like an MBA, your coursework will give you skills in leadership, along with knowledge of finance, management and strategic planning. The added value lies in your knowledge of public policy formulation and program management practices. These insights can make all the difference in business success for companies that interface with government agencies, whether it’s in the context of a regulated industry or a government supplier. Read more about employment opportunities for online MPA graduates.
What is public administration?
National, state, and local legislatures pass laws that allocate money for public services or set priorities for public health, safety, and well-being. Public administration professionals are the managers, supervisors, analysts, planners, and other on-the-ground workers tasked with translating these priorities into reality. The academic field of public administration trains students in policy implementation, project and program management, human resources, public finance management, communications, and strategic planning to help them better perform their roles.
What is the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Kent State University?
The MPA program at Kent State is a 100% online, NASPAA-accredited graduate degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for leadership roles in public service. The program focuses on areas such as public financial management, program evaluation, personnel administration, and policy analysis to prepare graduates for careers in government, nonprofits, and the private sector.
What skills do I need to succeed in this program?
Students will need to be strong writers, researchers, and critical thinkers. They will also benefit from an interest in government, politics, and social welfare.
What are the differences between those working in the public and private sectors?
Public sector jobs are more stable and offer excellent benefits; however, public sector employees often earn less than their private sector counterparts and must navigate more bureaucracy. Because of the latter, public sector jobs are also often slower paced: a project may take months or years to complete instead of weeks or months in the private sector.
What is the difference between an MPA and an MBA?
The contrast between an MBA and an MPA is usually framed as that between profit-driven, private-sector employment (MBA) and mission-driven, public-sector employment (MPA). Read more.
Who is the MPA program for?
Mid-career administrative professionals (like project managers or assistant directors) looking to gain the skills and experience to advance their careers, career-changers or recent college graduates who want the experience and credentials to be able to apply for administrative positions, anyone working in the nonprofit sector.
What types of career opportunities are available after completing the MPA?
- Government (local, state, and federal)
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public policy research and advocacy
- Healthcare administration
- Public safety and emergency management
- Corporate social responsibility and consulting
- Human Resources management
What will I learn in Kent State Online’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration?
Courses include personnel administration, public budgeting and financial management, program evaluation, project management, electronic governance, strategic planning, personal accountability in public service, labor management, nonprofit advocacy, and nonprofit law.
Is the MPA program accredited?
Yes, Kent State’s MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), ensuring the program meets high standards for public service education and professional excellence.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program can typically be completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time options are available, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace based on their personal and professional commitments.
Are there any prerequisites for the program?
No specific prerequisites are required, but applicants should have an interest in public administration, policy analysis, or related fields. Relevant work experience in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector is beneficial but not mandatory.
What courses are included in the curriculum?
The curriculum covers a range of topics designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public service, including:
- Public Personnel Administration
- Public Budgeting and Financial Management
- Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation
- Administrative Theory and Behavior
- Policy Analysis and Public Service Ethics
- Information Technology Management in Public Service
How flexible is the online format?
The program is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. This flexible format is ideal for working professionals balancing their careers, family responsibilities, and education.
Can I apply what I learn immediately to my current job?
Yes, the curriculum is designed to be practical and applicable, allowing students to immediately implement public administration theories and techniques in their current professional roles.
When can I start the program?
The MPA program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, including Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, providing flexibility for students to begin their studies at a time that works best for them.
Who teaches the courses in the MPA program?
Courses are taught by experienced faculty who bring both academic and real-world expertise in public administration, policy analysis, and organizational leadership.
Faculty interests and experience include policymaking and policy implementation, political systems and public management, city planning, professional ethics, nonprofit governance and advocacy, quantitative research methods, international business, and public sector IT management.
With their varied interests, experiences and connections, our faculty can help you chart your course to a successful public administration career.
Master of Public Administration Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Financial Aid
| Ohio Residents | Out of State | |
| Per Credit Hour | $676 | $686 |
| Approximate Program Cost | $24,336-26,364 | $24,696-26,754 |
- An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
- Actual tuition costs will vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. The full cost of attendance consists of tuition and fees, and when applicable, food, housing, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation and personal expenses for the enrolled terms. Other expenses not included in tuition and fees totals can be found on the Kent State University cost of attendance web page.
- For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| PADM 60371 | GRADUATE INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| PADM 60375 | PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| PADM 60377 | PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| PADM 60379 | PROGRAM EVALUATION I | 3 |
| PADM 60381 | METHODS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| PADM 60392 | INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 1 | 0-3 |
| PADM 60470 | PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE | 3 |
| Major Electives, choose from the following: | 15 | |
| Other elective courses with advisor approval2 | ||
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| PADM 60499 | PORTFOLIO AND CAPSTONE | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 36-39 | |
1Students without substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization (\"pre-service students\") must complete minimum 3 credit hours of internship; they will earn the M.P.A. degree with a total 39 credit hours. Students with substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization (\"in-service students\") may be waived from the internship requirement with the approval of the M.P.A. coordinator. Pre-service students or students wishing to gain experience in a new area will also be placed in an agency for at least 300 hours of experience.
2Elective coursework outside of the program may be selective based upon the student’s needs and advisor approval.
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Careers
- 4.3% about as fast as the average
- 309,400 number of jobs
- $206,420 potential earnings
- 4.4% about as fast as the average
- 3,712,900 number of jobs
- $102,950 potential earnings
- 3.4% about as fast as the average
- 27,700 number of jobs
- $44,810 potential earnings
- -3.5% decline
- 13,100 number of jobs
- $92,730 potential earnings
- 6.4% faster than the average
- 219,800 number of jobs
- $78,240 potential earnings
- 6.1% faster than the average
- 216,700 number of jobs
- $102,010 potential earnings
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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