Man getting his masters online witih Ashford University

Master of Public Administration

Fulfill your passion for public service. By earning your Master of Public Administration degree from Ashford University, you will master the complexities of promoting civil society and social justice, while studying urban planning, decision making, policy implementation, and managing personnel in ways that embrace quality and diversity.

Degree Focus

The Master of Public Administration at Ashford University is designed for graduate students who seek careers in federal, state, or local government management as well as the nonprofit sector. As a graduate, you will gain a wide range of proficiencies in financial management, budgeting, quantitative methods, urban planning, redevelopment, and personnel management.

Career Opportunities

You will access greater opportunities for career advancement with a degree in public administration at the Master's level. While many entry-level positions in government only require a Bachelor's degree, the Master of Public Administration is required to advance to senior management positions. Among the many public-sector careers available to graduates there are:

  • Urban planner
  • Non-profit and NGO director
  • Civil engineer
  • Personnel manager
  • Policy analyst
  • Legislative advisor

Admission Requirements

  • Must have a regionally or approved nationally accredited Bachelor's degree with minimum 2.0 GPA.
  • English Language Requirement
  • Technology capabilities (minimally, students must have a computer with the following features and system configurations: Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or greater or Windows 2000, NT, or XP or greater; Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat; Web Browser: Firefox, Netscape 6 or greater, Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater or Safari; Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or cable modem; and Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail).

Transferability

Transfer up to 9 semester credits from a regionally or approved nationally accredited college/university.* Call now for more information at 866-711-1700.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Graduation Requirements

33 total semester credits (36 credits if you do not have transferable undergraduate coursework in Economics, Finance and Accounting that meets Ashford University's criteria.)

Online format

You'll take your classes one at a time for 6 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost**

You'll appreciate that Ashford offers one of the lowest tuition rates available online. Your tuition is $515 per credit. Call today to learn more at 866-711-1700.

Payment Options

  • Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid prior to each course start date.
  • Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
  • Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an enrollment advisor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
  • Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
  • Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active duty service and Veteran's Administration Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab if you qualify. Click here for more information on military benefits.

If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.

** Tuition costs subject to change without notice.