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MPA Degree

Master of Public Administration

Establish credentials as a public policy leader with a degree from a top institution.

UND’s MPA program will help you become a successful public administrator, policy analyst, or nonprofit executive. We understand the challenges that public leaders face today. That’s why we’ve structured classes to help you face those challenges head-on and arrive at creative solutions. The curriculum includes coursework in ethics, human resources management, public budgeting, public policy, and other subjects needed for a successful career.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2+ years
Credit hours:
36
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Why UND Online?
  • How to Apply
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What is a MPA degree?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1
Summer:
March 15* | May 1

*Priority deadline

Accredited by NASPAA

NASPAA accredited logo

The MPA degree prepares you to address the strategic challenges facing government and non-profit organizations. You'll confront issues such as:

  • Ethics
  • Management
  • Leadership
  • Other topics specific to public policy

UND’s graduate degree is unique among MPA programs because of the option to pursue coursework in health administration. Further credentials may be added through the pursuit of graduate certificates in Policy Analysis, Public Administration and Healthcare Administration.

On-Campus or Online MPA Degree

UND's MPA degree is offered in person or online. Whether you attend on campus or stream your class via the Internet, you'll interact with faculty members and other students. That flexibility means you can earn a top-ranked degree no matter where you live, and pay in-state tuition.

,

UND's MPA Degree

  • Students must complete an internship, a capstone project and an independent study project. Students with at least one year of administrative experience may apply for an internship waiver.

  • Gain access to the tools, resources and people of Pancratz Career Development Center. We will help you pursue career goals.

  • Students in our Public Affairs bachelor's degree program can earn a MPA degree in just one extra year in our five-year combined program.

  • Distance doesn't affect our faculty's care. Students who participate online engage with faculty during class, over the phone and via email.

  • The Bureau of Governmental Affairs serves as the research department for this program.

  • The MPA program is NASPAA Accredited by the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation.

What can you do with a MPA degree?

101K

Average salary for Medical and Health Services Managers in the U.S.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

91%

Number of MPA grads either employed or pursuing further education within 6 months of graduation

UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration

Employers recognize that candidates with an MPA degree understand the leadership and policy challenges facing governments and non-profit organizations and how to achieve greater efficiency. You'll find career options in fields such as:

  • Hospital administration
  • Human resources
  • Nonprofit management
  • City and county administration
  • Management consulting

MPA Degree Jobs

A master's degree in Public Administration gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Event Planning
  • Public Administration
  • Fundraising
  • Project Management
  • Public Relations

UND Public Administration master's graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Sanford Health
  • Aptargroup, Inc.
  • City Governments
  • City Police Departments

MPA Degree Courses

POLS 500. Research Methods. 3 Credits.

A statistics course or consent of instructor. This course will first focus on various approaches to analyzing political phenomena with the goal of developing students' ability to think analytically and to distinguish between empirical and normative analysis. The course will then introduce techniques of empirical research including research design, measurement, data gathering, and data analysis. Prerequisite: A statistics course or consent of instructor.

POLS 533. Administrative Ethics in the Public Sector. 3 Credits.

This course examines the challenges faced by public administrators in establishing personal standards of conduct in the administrative environment. Issues such as moral versus political accountability, social justice and whistle blowing are among the topics that will be explored in this course.

POLS 538. Public Budgeting and Financial Administration. 3 Credits.

This course will encompass the normative and descriptive budgetary questions in public administration. Orthodox, prevailing, and alternative budget theories are presented in generalized and applied settings.

POLS 561. Creation and Management of Social Enterprises. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises, including nonprofit. The course covers methods and techniques of social entrepreneurship, including organizational strategy, design, management, strategic planning, and leadership for social enterprises; legal foundations of social enterprises in the U.S.; and methods of social enterprise program evaluation. F, odd years.

POLS 503. Government and Business. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to make students aware of the interrelationship of business and government in our society and the importance of this interrelationship in an era of globalization. It introduces public and business administration students to the role of government in advancing, as well as regulating, business. Further it discusses ways that business can and does influence government decisions. It also looks at the ethical responsibilities of business and government in our society. A component of the course involves travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with political officials, e.g., the Congressional delegation; Legislative staff; government regulatory agencies, e.g., the Federal Communications Commission; government advocacy agencies, e.g., Department of Commerce; and national and international business representatives, e.g., Cargill.

POLS 536. Public Personnel Administration. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to help managers in all positions of an organization to understand the fundamental nature of public personnel administration, also known as human resource management. Topics to be covered include basic functions such as position classification, wage and salary administration, and performance appraisal. Attention will be given to contemporary issues such as sexual harassment, affirmative action, privacy, and unionization.

Best Online MPA Degree

#8 Best Master’s Degrees
#8 Best Value Schools
#10 Best College Reviews
#13 Great Business Schools
#13 Steps
#16 Learn.org
#17 Great Value Colleges
#18 Value Colleges
#19 BestValueSchools.com
#20 Online U
#22 Best Colleges Online

Several college ranking sites put UND’s MPA in the Top 25 best online programs in nation. We’re well regarded for our educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Leader in Action

Kyle Thorson credits his experience and education at UND with building the skills necessary to lead in the community.

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Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

  • MPA Program
  • Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
  • Joint JD/MPA Program
Department Contact
Kevin Dunn
Graduate Adm Officer & Advisor
P 701.777.2975
kevin.dunn.1@UND.edu
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