Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Enrich your Public Administration Career and Help your Community
Top-Ranked MPA in 2021, U.S. News & World Report
Accredited Curriculum
Optional Health Systems Management Specialization
Get More Information
We’re here to answer your questions about admissions, financial aid, transfer credits and more. Fill out the form below to get in touch with a helpful admissions counselor.
- Duration 30 months
- Cost per Credit $950
- Credit Hours 36
Program Benefits
- Ranked in the 2021 Best Public Affairs Programs by U.S. News & World Report
- 7-week online courses
- No GRE/GMAT required
Train to Lead and Manage Diverse Public and Nonprofit Organizations
Delivered by the prestigious Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, our online MPA program allows you to practice leading-edge management and problem-solving skills as you enhance your knowledge of the field. Plus, you’ll gain the professional experience you need to make values-based decisions in your ideal public administration career.
What You’ll Learn
UD’s MPA online program teaches you to contribute solutions to the public challenges of our times through research and public service projects that involve you in experiential learning.
Serve Your Community in Rewarding Public Administration Careers
With your master’s degree in public administration from UD, you’ll be ready to advance in positions that help shape policy and implement effective solutions in the government, nonprofit and private sectors.
- 100% of Biden School graduates are employed or pursuing further education.
- Mayors, city managers, county administrators and governors earned over $100,000, on average, in 2020.1
Optional Specialization
Learn to Address Complex Administrative Challenges
7-week Courses
Focus on Emergent Needs
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the University of Delaware’s online MPA features an instructional approach that combines theory, research and application-based solutions.
In 36 credit hours of public administration courses, you’ll study topics including:
- Contemporary Issues in a Global Society
- Leading Organizations in Public & Nonprofit Sectors
- Values and Ethics for Leadership and Management
Application Requirements
Fully Online Application
No GRE/GMAT required
Our graduate application system is designed to put you in control of not only the application but all documents associated with it. We have designated areas within the application where each required document should be uploaded. You’ll need:
| A completed online application |
| A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university |
| A current résumé |
| Unofficial copies of your transcripts (we’ll need official versions once you’re admitted) |
| Letters of recommendation |
| A personal statement |
We’re Committed to Affordability
$950 Per Credit Hour
Scholarships Available
We work hard to keep our tuition affordable while maintaining the highest academic standards.
Financial Aid
In addition to a variety of scholarships, you could fund your program by receiving a grant, qualifying for federal or private loans, utilizing military benefits or pursuing employer tuition reimbursement. Our dedicated admissions and financial personnel will help you through the process, including enrolling in a payment plan if applicable.
Learn MoreProgram Outcomes
- 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.
Faculty Are Readily Available to You
Our faculty are highly qualified and highly engaged citizens of the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration. Committed to the practice of Public Administration, they are deeply engaged in work with governments and nonprofits, bringing those experiences to their courses.
What it’s Like to Study Online
We pride ourselves on teaching and innovation, so you’ll encounter an advanced digital curriculum delivered by experts. Knowledgeable staff members are available to answer questions by phone, chat and email, and you can access technical support 24/7.
UD Online Student ExperienceAnswers to Common Questions
We’ve provided answers to the most commonly asked questions about UD’s online programs. If we missed anything, you can get in touch with a knowledgeable admissions counselor by phone at (844) 237-1338.
You can earn your degree in as few as 30 months full-time or complete the program part-time at your convenience.
Yes, UD’s MPA is ranked in 2021 Best Public Affairs Programs by U.S. News & World Report, including their lists of Best Nonprofit Management, Public Finance/Budgeting, and Public Management/Leadership programs.
The first step toward applying for this program is to complete your online application through the graduate student Application Management System.
Yes, this program accepts up to nine transfer credits with the approval of the program director.
You may start this program in the fall, summer or spring semesters. Applications are accepted at any time up until a week before classes begin. Applicants are considered for admission on a rolling basis, which makes now the perfect time to apply.
Yes, the online MPA degree offers an optional specialization in Health Systems Management. The nine-credit, three-course specialization teaches you to:
- Understand the U.S. healthcare system
- Analyze how health policy and reform affect the U.S. economy
- Evaluate, design and implement e-services in the healthcare industry
- Use healthcare information technology and public health data to manage and improve population health
- Understand legal, regulatory and ethical concerns in population health management