Master of Public Administration

  • Master of Public Administration
  • Strome College of Business
  • School of Public Service
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Why ODU for Public Administration?

If you already work in the public sector, ODU's online Master of Public Administration will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advance your career. If you're new to the public sector, you can build a foundation for future success with this MPA.

This program will enhance your knowledge and competencies in five context areas:

  • Public management processes, including public budgeting and personnel systems;
  • Organizational design processes and behavior;
  • Political, legal, and ethical concepts and issues of public administration;
  • Quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques; and
  • Policy analysis and program evaluation.

ODU's Master of Public Administration program is NASPAA accredited by the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

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Bachelor's to MPA

Are you a current ODU undergraduate interested in earning a Master's in Public Administration?

Get a head start! You could earn graduate credits which apply toward your MPA program while you complete your bachelor’s degree with our Early Start program.

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  • Required Courses

    • 39 credit hours

    You will complete a core curriculum of eight courses in this online master's in public administration program, and choose five electives.

    Already have some graduate credits? You may be able to transfer up to 12 graduate credit hours if they are 1) related to public administration, and 2) not part of a completed degree. Transfer credits are determined after admission to ODU's MPA program.

    You can also expand your studies with ODU's five-course graduate certificate in Public Procurement and Contract Management.

  • Online Learning Environment

    Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

  • Calculating Cost

    In-state Virginia Residents
    $620 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $642 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

  • Scholarship & Aid

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Healthcare Heroes: This scholarship lifts students who will support others’ health by entering practitioner-based health care programs or disciplines that promote community and global health practices. Recipients are awarded $1,000 for the first semester of enrollment.
    Learn more about the Healthcare Heroes Scholarship

Careers

Careers in Public Administration

Many of our MPA graduates have continued on to study in Ph.D. programs, and have held leadership and career positions such as:

  • City Managers
  • Program Planners
  • Policy Analysts
  • Managers (federal, state, local & nonprofit agencies)
  • Consultants

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

  • How to Apply

    We offer rolling admission for the MPA program. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

    GRE is not required. However, admission to the MPA program is competitive and is granted only to those who show ability for success in graduate study.

    Please visit the department's website for more information.

  • Want to get started now?

    You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

    Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.