Jump-start your career online in as few as 15 months!
Master of Public Administration (MPA) offered in Online formats.
Public Administration (MPA)
The award-winning and highly ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is offered in an exclusively online format. Students taking a fulltime course load (6 hours) can complete their degree in as few as 15 months.
An MPA degree from Lindenwood University in St. Louis (St. Charles, MO) can help you kick start a career with local or state governments, the federal government, international agencies, policy think tanks, nonprofit organizations, and more.
“If you have a desire to explore research and gain insight into managing within government or public policy, I would encourage to pursue your MPA with Lindenwood.”
- Julian Sanders
Our graduates work in a variety of fields, such as law enforcement, urban planning, social services, fire and safety, and public health. Graduates have landed jobs in helping advise and lead city and state governments, as well as been accepted into law school and doctoral programs. They are pursuing exciting careers with potential for advancement and an opportunity to help make our communities better places to live.
The future is coming, ready or not! Make yours one you can be proud of!
Quality & Affordability
Lindenwood ranked among the Best Online Master’s Programs in Public Administration in 2023 and since 2019
Lindenwood Ranked #15 in 2020 Best Online Masters in Public Administration
Lindenwood Ranked #20 and Most Diverse MPA Program in 2018
Lindenwood Ranked #19 in 2019 Most Affordable Colleges for MPA Degrees
Lindenwood Ranked in 2019 Best Online Master in Public Administration
Additionally, all class materials in the MPA program are open-source and on the leading edge of policy innovation. That means there are no expensive and quickly-outdated textbooks to buy!
Lead with Purpose in Public and Private Sectors
The MPA at Lindenwood University equips you for impactful, ethical, and meaningful leadership. Prepare to design and implement policies that improve public well-being by developing leadership, budgeting, and policy-making skills essential for all levels of government, nonprofits, and foundations. Or transfer these skills to the private sector in areas like public affairs, business-government relations, corporate social responsibility, compliance, and consulting.
Source: U.S. News 15 Great Companies That Hire MPA Degree Grads
Return on Investment: Strong Job Outlook and Earning Potential
MPA-related careers are growing steadily. For example: management analysts = 11% growth; social and community services manager = 8% growth; data analyst = 36% growth. Do good while doing well with average salaries like these: budget analyst = $84,940; urban planner = $81,800; nonprofit executive director = $95,000.
Testimonials of Student Success
Amanda Greene
"I am currently attending West Virginia University College of Law and will graduate in May of 2020.
The MPA program at Lindenwood University provided me with a deeper understanding of municipal, state, and federal government affairs as well as the principles of policy development and implementation. With the program offered solely online, it provided me the flexibility I needed to work while in school and to keep pursuing my dreams of bowling professionally.
Shortly after returning home, I was hired as an assistant at a law firm. I continued to work there and bowl professionally until August 2017. Over those two years, my supervisor would talk to me about career options and he pushed me towards law school. In short, I began law school in August 2017 at West Virginia University College of Law and now I'm almost halfway finished."
- Amanda Greene
Julian Sanders
"I currently work at Deloitte, one of the largest professional services firms in the world and one the "big four" accounting firms worldwide.
I currently serve in a position much like that of a chief of staff under the leadership of the partners, principals and managing directors of the firm in the areas of consulting, taxation, risk, and financial advisory as well as our government and public sector practices.
I am also beginning my journey in a terminal degree. My master's degree has allotted me many opportunities, including the chance to serve under the Missouri Secretary of State as a communications and publications associate.
If you have a desire to explore research and gain insight into managing within government or public policy, I would encourage to pursue your MPA with Lindenwood."
- Julian Sanders
Alex Reichert
"I received this proclamation from the mayor of St. Charles for the efforts of the Human Relation Commission which I co-chair, and another of me prepping for the ‘Growing Global’ event for multinational investors in which we had over 1,000 people attend with dignitaries from around the world.
From East St. Louis to St. Charles County and everything in between, I have the privilege of serving the community through my appointment on multiple committees and commissions, as well as my role in AmeriCorps. The lessons learned in my MPA program have allowed me to impact my community with sustainable and equitable results. Nothing has better prepared me to address policy change for my community than my MPA program.
- Alex Reichart
Makenzie Fenton
This program allowed me to find my writing style as well as find how I work best. The faculty have been great at emailing back with any questions I have. They gave me feedback and have encouraged improvement without disapproval or dismissal of an idea. I have also had the chance to be academically challenged by peers. We are encouraged to interact, and that allows us to share ideas and opinions on issues or policies. It has opened my eyes to better understand what working with peers of different views and opinions is like. They have challenged my thoughts and helped me research different viewpoints.
- Makenzie Fenton
