Master of Public Administration (MPA) Introduction
Hone your public-sector leadership skills with a well-rounded graduate education. Earn a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in as little as two years or a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management in as little as one year. Help build a better tomorrow for everyone.
Unlock Opportunities Across Sectors with an Online GIS Master’s
Kent State’s online MPA program will help you develop the advanced expertise required of senior management in these arenas:
Grow Into the Leader You Know You Can Be
With 100% asynchronous courses, the Kent State online MPA program is designed to be flexible, so coursework fits into the rest of your life, and you can finish what you started, no matter how busy life gets.
Our Program Flexes Around Your Life
Kent State University’s online MPA program gives you the flexibility to learn what you need, when you need it, and still maintain your busy lifestyle. You can start with a graduate certificate, and then transfer 12 credits from the certificate to your MPA when you decide to continue your education.
Focus on What You’re Passionate About
Customize your learning experience in our NASPAA-accredited program to focus on what interests you most and build on the skills you’ve already acquired.
Online and Connected
Build relationships with classmates and professors that will help you throughout your career through the opportunities for networking, discussion and collaboration built into the powerful learning management system.
Make a Real Impact on the World
Whether you are more interested in healthcare and social assistance, educational services, the arts and humanities, or advocacy, the skills and connections you gain in our program can help you advance your career and make a real impact in the world.
The program comprises 36 credit hours,* including:
- Eight core courses
- Three elective courses
- One final capstone project
- Recruiting, selecting, leading and managing people in public organizations
- Developing and managing budgets for nonprofit and public organizations
- Fundraising and resource development for nonprofit organizations
I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in public administration—the instruction and content have been excellent, and the online format makes it very doable with a full-time job and busy schedule.
Move Forward With the Kent State Online MPA Program
Professors for the Kent State online MPA program are connected, engaged practitioners and researchers with expertise in diverse areas. With their varied interests, experiences and connections, our faculty can help you chart your course to a successful nonprofit management career.
- 92% of graduates are satisfied with our programs7
- Benefit from one of the most affordable programs in Ohio8
At just $676 per credit hour for Ohio residents and $686 per credit hour for out-of-state students, Kent State MPA online tuition combines with the caliber of our program to create outstanding educational value.
Online MPA Program Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.750 or higher. Applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may be considered for conditional admission. Contact an Admissions Outreach Advisor for more information about this process. The bachelor’s degree may be in any area of study.
Further admissions requirements include:
- Completed online application
- Three letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers
- Application fee: $45
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal Statement
- Writing sample
- Resume/CV
- No GRE required for admission
Download Application Checklist
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Sources
1. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the Kent State University online MPA from graduating cohorts between 2015 and 2018, including respondents who indicated they expect to change employers within six months from the time of their response.
2. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from bls.gov/emp/tables/employment-by-major-industry-sector.htm
3. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from causeiq.com/insights/how-many-nonprofits-in-the-us/
4. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from glassdoor.com/Salaries/public-policy-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
5. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from glassdoor.com/Salaries/nonprofit-executive-director-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm
6. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
7. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from Kent State alumni from graduating cohorts between 2016-2020.
8. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from bestcollegesonline.org/most-affordable/online-masters-public-administration-mpa/