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MPA
Master of Public Administration
Advance your expertise as a public administration professional and make a positive impact on communities. The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Capella uses a scholar-practitioner model that helps you take what you learn in the coursework and apply it directly to the real world. As part of the interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll develop skills to collaborate with diverse populations, including techniques for managing people, technology, finances, and other resources to improve well-being on a societal level. This program is designed to help you prepare for a wide range of public administration career paths.
Classes start February 7
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online
- 7 Core courses
- 4 Elective courses
- 2 Concentrations
- 1 Integrative project
- 48 Total quarter credits
- 12 Max transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Master of Public Administration program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$19,440–$25,380*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$540 per credit, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020–2021
“The MPA was a great experience and equipped me with critical-thinking methods.”
Mike Horgen* – MPA student
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
This specialization is designed for working public administration professionals who want to advance their careers with additional leadership responsibilities. The scholar-practitioner model helps you develop practical knowledge and skills to effectively manage human, technological, information, financial, political, and networking resources. You’ll also develop the ability to analyze and respond to key issues in public administration, public health, and public safety.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Manage public administration resources effectively
- Develop solutions based on citizen involvement, informed decision-making, and leadership
- Develop and implement public administration policies and administrative processes
- Maintain professional ethics and integrity
- Implement equitable solutions for diverse populations in the global community
- Communicate clearly and effectively across the public administration discipline
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MPA.
Job titles to explore
- Management analyst
- Executive director
- Director of human resources
- Budget analyst
- Director of finance
- Human resources specialist
- Program manager
- Policy analyst
- City manager
- Adjunct or part-time public administration faculty
Employment settings to explore
- College or university
- Community or technical college
- Nonprofit organization
- Government – local, state, federal
- Hospital
- Insurance carrier
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Exploring Five Careers in Public Administration
MPA graduates can pursue a variety of professional paths in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Is a Master’s Degree Right for Me?
In addition to your interests and career goals, there are a number of important factors to consider.
8 Reasons to Choose Online Education
Changes to the way people live and work have made online degree programs more practical than ever.