Program Overview

Gain the skills you need to succeed in public service or advance your career in nonprofit administration with the online Master of Public Administration degree from Aurora University. Through a broad-based management curriculum with specialized electives, you’ll build on previous academic and field experience as you learn to apply public administration theories to real-world situations. Because this program was developed in partnership with community leaders and public service professionals, you can be confident you’re getting the right education for your career goals. Become a leader in your community with Aurora University Online’s graduate public administration degree.

Our faculty on average have over 10 years of experience in higher education and have held positions such as Chief of Strategic Planning, Organizational Development Consultant, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Director of Community Engagement, and Government Relations Manager.

Curriculum Overview

AU’s online MPA features coursework in community relations, budgeting, public policy and nonprofit management. All courses are taught by expert instructors with extensive experience in their fields. The MPA features no textbook costs, as it uses the Open Educational Resources library and network.

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Program Details

  • Next Start Date:May 6, 2024
  • Est. Program Length:1-2 years
  • Credit Hours:36
  • Course Length:8 Weeks
  • Cost Per Credit:$580

Core Courses: 21 hours

  • MBA6130 Economics – 3 hours
  • MPA6110 Administration of Public Institutions – 3 hours
  • MPA6120 Public Policy and Analysis – 3 hours
  • MPA6130 Government and Community Relations – 3 hours
  • MPA6140 Public Finance and Budgeting – 3 hours
  • MBA6170 Applied Research, Insights, and Evaluation – 3 hours
  • MPA6200 Advanced Seminar in Applied Public Administration – 3 hours

Elective Courses: 15 hours*

  • MPA6350 Nonprofit Management and Leadership – 3 hours
  • MPA6360 Grant Writing, Philanthropy and Advancement – 3 hours
  • MPA6450 Public Safety Administration – 3 hours
  • MPA6460 Public Sector Law and Civil Liability – 3 hours
  • MPA6640 Principles of Community and Economic Development – 3 hours

*Up to 6 hours may be taken in MBA courses

Leadership Series Option Courses

  • MBA6100 Strategic Management
  • MBA6610 Leading Organizational Development
  • MBA6620 Leading Strategically
  • MBA6630 Leading Teams

Student Internship Information

Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board and other rates.

  • A completed admissions application
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college and/or university (minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale*)
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts (official, sealed) for all prior colleges/universities.

*Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must submit a personal statement. Additional letters of recommendation and/or an interview with the program director may be required.

All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Moodle to host its online classes.

Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster than ever. Graduate-level credit earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education graded “B” or better may be transferred to Aurora University and applied toward a master’s or other post-baccalaureate programs prior to enrollment into Aurora University.

Check your credits with our Transfer Evaluation System.

Learn more about Transfer Credits

Online MPA Career Outcomes

Boost your earnings, job security and career opportunities by earning an online MPA. You can take advantage of a number of career outcomes, including the following:

  • Executive Director - Nonprofit
  • Grant Writer
  • Budget Analyst
  • City Manager
  • Management Analyst
  • Public Administration Consultant

Next Steps

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