Public Administration (MPA)

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.

Degree requirements

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!

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 That means there are no expensive and quickly-outdated textbooks to buy!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.

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.

Source: 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics

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