• Course Delivery
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    48
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit
    $661.44
  • Out of State Tuition Per Credit
    $1350.00

Public Affairs, MPA

Master of Public Affairs

The field of public affairs is changing rapidly. Now more than ever, ethical and globally-aware leadership is needed at the federal, state, and local levels. Prepare yourself for a leadership position with a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from the Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. 

The IU Online Master of Public Affairs is one of the most versatile and valuable degrees available--a blend of a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Public Policy. You have the ability focus your coursework in one of four advanced curriculum areas, including nonprofit management, policy analysis, public financial administration, or public management.

As a student in the program, you take courses in public management, statistical analysis, public management economics, law and public affairs, and public finance and budgeting. You also complete a capstone course that allows you to synthesize what you have learned throughout the program. In addition, you gain relevant experience through an internship or research project, or you can demonstrate ways you have already gained experience through employment or volunteer service. Students can also receive credit for their prior professional experiences in addition to a waiver of the experiential component of the degree program. 

Your IU Online MPA prepares you to work in the public, private, or nonprofit sector in such careers as:

  • Public policy director 
  • Public policy researcher
  • Community service manager
  • Public relations specialist
  • Civil service administrator
  • Local government officer
  • City manager
  • Housing specialist

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the MPA, you must complete 48 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • MPA core courses (18 credit hours) 
  • Advanced elective courses (18 credit hours) 
  • Experiential component (3-6 credit hours) 
  • Elective courses (6-9 credit hours)

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. A bachelor's degree

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • Personal statement 
  • Additional writing samples
  • GRE or GMAT scores (optional)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only) 

Courses

Core
SPCN-F 560Public Finance and Budgeting3 Credits
SPCN-V 502Public Management3 Credits
SPCN-V 506Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making3 Credits
SPCN-V 517Public Management Economics3 Credits
SPCN-V 540Law and Public Affairs3 Credits
SPCN-V 600Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $661.44
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1984.32
Note:  Additional fees will apply.
Cost for Out of State Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $1350.00
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $4050.00
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