walking in front of Nislter CoBPA

Master's in Public Administration

MPA

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

Why earn a master's in public administration?

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

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

 

UND's master's in Public Administration prepares you to address the strategic challenges facing government and non-profit organizations. You'll confront issues such as:

  • Ethics
  • Management
  • Leadership
  • 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.

NASPAA Accredidation Logo

Accredited by NASPAA

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

On-Campus or Online MPA Degree

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

  • Learn in the new Nistler CoBPA. It’s a modern and inviting building for UND's business and public administration students.

  • Students in our Political Science or 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 Institute of Policy and Business Analytics serves as the research department for this program.

  • Receive personalized career support through the Pancratz Career Development Center. The Center is dedicated exclusively to career development for online and on-campus business and public administration students.

What can you do with a master's in public administration?

74K

Average salary for City Administrators in the U.S.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

100%

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:

  • Hospitals
  • Government Agencies
  • Police Departments

Master's in Public Administration 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 537. Program Evaluation. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the theories and concepts of program evaluation used to analyze the effectiveness of public programs and enhance decision-making. Students will be introduced to the principal theories and techniques in the field and develop understanding of the benefits and trade-offs of each. In addition, students will develop practical skills through the development of a detailed evaluation design and plan for implementation. S.

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 Master's in Public Administration

#6 Online College Plan
#8 BestValueSchools.org
#10 Best Accredited Colleges
#10 Best College Reviews
#16 Learn.org
#17 Great Value Colleges
#18 Value Colleges
#19 BestValueSchools.com
#26 Intelligent

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

Master's in Public Administration Online

9#

best online university in the nation

EDsmart

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

UND's master's in Public Administration online program is fully online. You never have to come to campus. Plus, UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this MPA program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Online Master's in Public Administration Courses

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Top-Tier Master's in Public Administration Online

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on-campus student.

  • Same degree. All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes. You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction. You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor. As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring. We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching. Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access. Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support. UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.

Best Online College

Reportedly high alumni salaries and job placement rates, coupled with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other non-profit universities in the upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Paysacle.com)

Leader in Action

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

Explore More Options

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

Department Contact
Kevin Dunn
Graduate Adm Officer & Advisor
P 701.777.2975
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