If you’re an experienced professional desiring to advance your career in the public, private, or nonprofit sector, then you might consider pursuing an Executive MPA online.
This degree path is designed to produce effective leaders who hold the skills to influence policy at the local, national, and global levels as well as drive change in their communities.
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If you want to affect change through advanced management, much like with an online MBA in Public Administration, an online Executive MPA program could help you maintain your work schedule while you grow your professional skills and qualifications.
Online Executive MPA Programs
Executive masters in public administration programs are designed for working professionals who desire to advance their careers in public affairs.
In an EMPA program, you’ll undergo advanced training in relevant areas like:
- Leadership
- Project management
- Policymaking
- Economic and financial analysis
- Microeconomics
- Sustainable development
- Data management
- Program evaluation
- Strategic planning and management
These skills can be used to develop policy and innovation at the government and nonprofit level as well as within private institutions.
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In this type of program, you can also expect to learn how to:
- Lead and communicate effectively within public, nonprofit, and private sectors
- Apply data and research to policy and real-world problems
- Conduct evaluations on policy and program effectiveness
- Lead innovation and improve policy to tackle community, national, or global problems
- Use strategic planning and analytical skills to address challenges facing organizations
Many graduates of an Executive MPA program pursue careers in international organizations, government, non-profits, and the private sector. They may advocate for public services, affect policies, oversee and manage budgets, or manage employees.
At the international level, graduates may become involved in developing free market economies, strengthening political bonds, and enhancing global security. Typically, professionals wishing to pursue an Executive MPA must have related work experience. The amount of experience required can vary depending on the school.
Public Administration Careers & Salaries
Executive MPA programs are designed to help experienced professionals become effective leaders in various sectors of civil and public service. EMPA graduates may also pursue leadership positions in the nonprofit and private sectors.
Many professionals pursue careers in public policy, where they focus on developing policies that address public needs and community issues. In fact, many aspiring politicians aim to hold an Executive MPA. Other graduates move into civil service careers, where salaries are managed via government funding. They may then transition to the private sector, depending on their goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages for potential career paths related to public administration.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Public Relations Managers | $125,780 |
| Political Scientists | $122,510 |
| Fundraising Managers | $100,810 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $100,170 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,500 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Legislators | $37,270 |
Some areas graduates may work in include non-profit organizations, public agencies, international organizations, military, and local, state, or federal government.
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Private sector organizations and businesses that may desire MPA professionals include pharmaceutical and healthcare agencies as well as educational testing facilities.
Executive Master of Public Administration Curriculum & Courses
While specific course titles can vary depending on your school, the curriculum of executive masters in public service degrees covers similar topics. You may encounter courses like:
- Political Environment of Policymaking: This course is designed to introduce you to the foundational concepts and skills of political theory in policymaking, and it includes topics like strategic political interaction.
- Microeconomics and Policy Analysis: This course overviews the application of microeconomic concepts to public policy, the operation of formal models, and the questioning of vagueness of cliches in policy.
- Global Context of Policymaking: This course focuses on policymaking designed to meet global challenges, and it covers topics such as international institutions, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and sustainable development.
- Quantitative Techniques: This course overviews the use of quantitative research techniques and software in the designing of public policies, along with evaluating governmental programs.
- Open Economy Macroeconomic Analysis: This course overviews foundational issues in open economy macroeconomics, including international money arrangements, foreign exchange markets, exchange rate changes, and more.
- Financial Management: This course outlines the principles and practices of financial management of resources and accounting in local, state, and national government agencies.
- Accounting for Public Affairs: This course overviews the foundational concepts of accounting for external financial reporting and internal decision-making.
- Public Management Innovation: This course focuses on team-based management, engineering, public-private partnership, contracting, strategic planning, and benchmarking.
- Sustainability Management: This course focuses on the theoretical and practical tenets of a sustainable economy, with a focus on connecting environmental protection to organizational management.
- Effective Management in the Public Service: This course provides an introduction to the tools managers may need to influence behavior at organizations as well as the political environment managers may encounter.
An MPA program typically includes a thesis or capstone project. You may also have the opportunity to choose a concentration, such as management and innovation, global policy, international economic policy, urban policy, and more.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements can vary depending on your school, and executive masters programs often have different admissions requirements compared to general graduate programs.
An executive masters in public administration program may require you to submit:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV showing extensive work experience
- Statement of purpose
A growing number of schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions, but it’s helpful to check the specific criteria for your school. Some programs also request an interview as part of the application process.
Accreditation
Discovering whether your college or university is accredited is an essential step to take before applying. Not only can the accreditation status of your school impact your ability to receive financial aid, but it could also influence your future employment or advancement opportunities.
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Regional accreditation is considered the most widely recognized accreditation. There are only a select number of regional accrediting organizations. You can verify your school’s accreditation status through the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many professionals looking to complete an executive masters program in public administration require financial aid.
Federal aid often comes in the form of student loans. Aid programs may also be available at the state level, depending on where you live or where your school is located. To determine your eligibility for federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also see if you’re eligible for private grants and scholarships from various institutions.
Grant and scholarship programs exist for a variety of situations, so it could be beneficial to research your options. Many companies and organizations also offer professional development programs that are designed to fund employee education. You can talk to your HR department to learn more about potential benefits.
What Is an Executive MPA?
An executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is a graduate degree designed for professionals who work in public sector organizations and are interested in advancing their careers.
To pursue this type of degree path, it’s often necessary to have significant professional experience and possess professional achievements. An Executive MPA program allows working professionals to continue on their career paths while also gaining the skills required for advanced administrative leadership.
These skills may be applied to public-sector careers involving governments, international organizations, non-profits, and more.
What Can You Do with an Executive MPA?
Experienced professionals who earn an Executive MPA may have opportunities for advancement in public service careers.
With advanced training in strategic planning, leadership, policy development analysis, and more, graduates may also pursue advanced careers in the private sector. Many graduates work in public agencies for the local, state, or federal government. Others work in social services, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and even private corporations.
Many MPA professionals work as policy analysts, non-profit directors, project managers, staff analysts or managers, human resources managers, or budget coordinators. Some focus on economic development.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Executive MPA Online?
Generally, an online executive MPA can be completed in 1 to 2 years with full-time enrollment. Some programs spread out the coursework to take 3 years for maximum schedule flexibility.
Programs that may be completed in 1 year are ones that consist of around 36 credit hours and do not require a thesis. A thesis requirement will likely add some additional time to completion. Part-time enrollment could also extend your overall timeline.
What’s the Difference Between an EMPA vs. MPA Program?
While EMPA and MPA programs sound similar, they are different in key ways.
- EMPA Program: An Executive Master of Public Administration program is designed for professionals who hold experience in the public, private, or non-profit sector. It provides an in-depth exposure to analytical and leadership skills needed for advanced public sector careers.
- MPA Program: A Master of Public Administration program is designed for students or professionals in their early careers who do yet have significant experience.
Both programs focus on the same field, but the executive track is more advanced and integrated into a professional’s current career experience.
Is an Executive MPA Degree Worth It?
Yes, an Executive MPA degree is worth it for many students. The need for trained leaders in public administration continues to grow as local, national, and global policy becomes increasingly complex in many sectors.
An Executive MPA program is especially beneficial for experienced professionals who are looking to advance into positions of authority in public service. The leadership skill sets you could develop in this program are also applicable, though, to the nonprofit and private sectors.
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Over the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth for management occupations overall, which is faster than the average growth for all occupations.
Universities Offering Online Executive MPA Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Cornell University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration program with coursework completed online but with 1 week residencies held on campus 3 times during the program. The program typically begins in May of each year and is commonly completed in 18 months of part-time attendance. Admission typically requires 8 years of public administration experience.
Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Florida International University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration. The program is typically offered in a hybrid format with online coursework and 3 on-campus residencies of 3 to 4 days each. The program commonly begins in May of each year and is often completed in 12 months within a cohort format. The program requires the completion of 36 credits.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Golden Gate University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration program online or in a hybrid format. Concentrations include Law Enforcement and Security and Urban Innovation.
Courses aim to teach topics such as ethics, organizational leadership, public policy, government-business partnership, and budgeting and financial management. The program requires the completion of 36 credits, and courses are typically 7.5 and 15 weeks long.
GGU is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Marywood University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration program online. Courses may be taken in a fast-track format. The program requires the completion of 18 credits, which may be done in just 1 year. Admission typically requires 5 years of work experience after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
North Carolina Central University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration in a hybrid format. Summer semesters are typically 8 weeks long and are fully online. Fall and spring semesters are usually 16 weeks long and have on-campus requirements. At least 4 years of relevant professional experience are commonly required for admission.
North Carolina Central University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ohio University offers an Executive MPA program in a hybrid format, with some classes offered online and 20 Saturday meetings typically required over 24 months.
The program commonly uses a cohort model. Courses are designed to teach skills needed in nonprofit organizations, the public sector, local, state, or national governments, healthcare, and social services. At least 3 years of work experience are usually required for admission.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rutgers University offers an Executive Master in Public Administration program online but with a required 3 day residency during the summer. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, and courses typically follow a regular semester schedule with start dates offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Southern University offers an online program for an Executive Master of Public Administration program online. The program aims to teach topics such as public health, transportation, poverty, and issues in underdeveloped nations. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours and may be finished in as little as 1 year. GRE scores are typically required for admission.
Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Syracuse University offers an online program for an Executive Master of Public Administration. The program requires the completion of 3 core courses and 7 electives for a total of 30 credit hours. Classes are typically offered in 11 week quarters. U.S. News & World Report ranked Syracuse University as the best school in the nation for public affairs programs.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Texas A&M University offers an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration program with coursework completed online but with 2 required 1 week residencies. Specializations include Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, or Public Management.
Courses typically follow a semester schedule with start dates offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The completion of 39 credit hours, including a capstone project, is required.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Southern University offers an Executive Master of Public Administration program online, but usually has a required on-campus orientation. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours, which may be done in just 18 months, depending on course load. The program typically offers an opportunity to study abroad in Ghana and Nigeria.
Texas Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of New Hampshire offers an Executive Master of Public Administration program online. At least 5 years of related professional work experience is required for admission. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, and classes commonly start in the spring and fall, with 2 terms offered each semester.
The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of North Carolina–Wilmington offers an online program for an Executive Master of Public Administration. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Courses follow a semester schedule and are typically offered during the fall, spring, and summer. GRE scores are not usually required for admission.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Dakota offers an online program for an eMPA. The program is designed for those already working in the field of public administration. The completion of 30 credit hours is required, and courses are typically offered in half or full semesters. GRE scores are usually not required for admission.
The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Washington offers an Executive Master of Public Administration program online. Coursework may be completed in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. Attendance at 2 day sessions on campus is commonly required every quarter. The program may be completed in 18 months.
The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Executive MPA Online
Earning your public administration degree online is a strategic way to advance your career while maintaining your work responsibilities.
An EMPA program is designed to help prepare working professionals move into positions of leadership involving policy direction and advanced management in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. If you possess significant professional experience and desire to make a change locally, nationally, or even at the global level, this degree path can help you further grow your expertise and qualifications.
You can start exploring accredited schools today to find the EMPA program that best aligns with your goals.
