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Indiana University Online

Public Affairs, M.P.A.

Be prepared to serve your community with IU Online’s Master of Public Affairs. This flexible, completely online degree program empowers you with knowledge in nonprofit management, public financial administration, statistical analysis, and budgeting. 

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 48

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $715.41

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1460.16

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

The Master of Public Affairs prepares you to take on a leadership role in your community and influence the policy that shapes our neighborhoods, cities, and country. Courses address universal topics of social equity, climate change, ethical responsibilities, racial injustice, and diversity. Through these courses, you’ll learn leadership-focused, applicable skills needed to put knowledge into action.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their certificate.

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

Your IU Online M.P.A. 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

To graduate with the M.P.A., you must complete 48 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • M.P.A. core courses (18 credit hours) 
  • Advanced elective courses (18 credit hours) 
  • Experiential component (3-6 credit hours) 
  • Elective courses (6-9 credit hours)

Core Classes for the M.P.A.
Course Number Course Name Credits
SPCN-F 560 Public Finance and Budgeting 3 Credits
SPCN-V 502 Public Management 3 Credits
SPCN-V 506 Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making 3 Credits
SPCN-V 517 Public Management Economics 3 Credits
SPCN-V 540 Law and Public Affairs 3 Credits
SPCN-V 600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs 3 Credits

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

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