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.

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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.

Early Start MPA
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Program Information

Total
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.

View MPA Curriculum Details

ODU has a signed military pathway agreement for this program. This agreement may grant academic credit to U.S. military service members and veterans for their experience and training.

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.

Total
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.

View MPA Curriculum Details

ODU has a signed military pathway agreement for this program. This agreement may grant academic credit to U.S. military service members and veterans for their experience and training.

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

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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.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Learn more about our scholarships

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 at federal, state, local & nonprofit agencies
  • Consultants
Urban and Regional Planners
Growth
4.3%
Median Salary
$81,800
General and Operations Managers
Growth
5.8%
Median Salary
$101,280
Social and Community Service Managers
Growth
8.2%
Median Salary
$77,030
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Growth
5.7%
Median Salary
$133,560
Emergency Management Directors
Growth
4.0%
Median Salary
$83,960
Medical and Health Services Managers
Growth
28.5%
Median Salary
$110,680

Helpful Resources

Find more helpful resources

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready 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.

Apply Now
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Related Programs

PhD Public Administration and Policy View More
Graduate Certificate Public Administration and Policy View More
Graduate Certificate Public Procurement & Contract Management View More