Become a public service leader with an online M.P.A.
Master of Public Administration
Program quick facts
- Learn to drive meaningful change related to your specific area of interest
- Connect with classmates and public sector leaders in two on-campus immersions and live virtual classes
- Choose from three start times each year: fall, spring and summer
- Earn your degree in two years, part time
- Apply for our program without submitting GRE scores
Upcoming term
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2026 | February 1, 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
Leaders in the public sector are tasked with handling a wide array of local and global issues, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and social welfare. They also face the unique challenge of serving a public that may be skeptical of their efforts.
To be successful and fulfill the needs of the populations they serve, public sector leaders must understand the inner workings of their organization, manage complex day-to-day operations and understand how to implement impactful policies. The Master of Public Administration online program from SMU’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies equips aspiring leaders with the essential tools and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field.
Eva Chiang, Ph.D., Public Policy and Administration (P.P.A.) Faculty Lead and Program Director
Collaborate and connect through interactive courses and immersions
The Master of Public Administration combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework so that working individuals can connect with their classmates and build a valuable network of public administration professionals. Through a mix of virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and individual and group work, students gain hands-on experience with collaborative problem-solving, planning and management.
Master of Public Administration students also have the chance to meet public sector leaders during the two on-campus immersion experiences that bookend the program. The first introduces students to the foundations of public administration, while the second provides an opportunity for students to present their capstone projects to classmates and policy leaders from around the country. Visit the curriculum page to learn more.
Who can benefit from an online Master of Public Administration?
Individuals who want to lead in the public sector will benefit from an online Master of Public Administration program. This program is a great fit for:
- Early to mid-career individuals who currently work in the public or nonprofit sector and want to move up to a management position
- Public sector leaders or aspiring leaders who are interested in learning more about the practical aspects of running public sector organizations
- Professionals from a wide array of backgrounds — including political science, business, social work and public health — who want to gain policy knowledge or administration skills.
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Budget Analysts
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Clinical Research Coordinators
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Fundraising Managers
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Legislators
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Public Relations Specialists
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Medical and Health Services Managers
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Operations Research Analysts
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Project Management Specialists
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Social and Community Service Managers
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Urban and Regional Planners
Our students can go into these careers:
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Budget Analysts
$ 79k per year
Median Salary
368
Job Openings
4,230
Currently Employed
10.5%
Projected outlook
$ 88k per year
Median Salary
4,037
Job Openings
52,105
Currently Employed
5.3%
Projected outlook
Clinical Research Coordinators
Fundraising Managers
Legislators
Public Relations Specialists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Operations Research Analysts
Project Management Specialists
Urban and Regional Planners
M.P.P. vs. M.P.A.: which is right for you?
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is ideal for those interested in the administrative, operational, and leadership aspects of public policy. With coursework in management, organizational development, and public finance, the MPA prepares graduates to lead and manage public sector organizations. If your goal is to build advanced analytical skills for policy design, research, and evaluation, the Master of Public Policy (MPP) may be a better fit. Learn more in our MPP vs. MPA guide.
| M.P.A. | M.P.P. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Focus on implementation of policies and the day-to-day operations of public organizations. | Focus on research, data analysis and evaluation skills. |
| Skill Development | Develop skills in management and administration of public sector organizations. | Develop technical skills in policy analysis, creation, evaluation and implementation. |
| Coursework | Coursework in biostatistics and epidemiology, health economics and leadership in healthcare. | Coursework in public policy, research methods and statistics. |
| Job Roles | The management, administration or implementation of policy. | The analyzing of data, producing written reports and understanding policy areas or processes deeply. |
Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission and FAQ pages.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Public Administration offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.
Frequently asked questions
A Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in public service, government, nonprofits and related sectors. These degrees often include coursework in public policy implementation, management, budgeting and organizational leadership.
M.P.A. programs typically blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications, teaching students how to implement effective public policy and manage the day-to-day operations of public and nonprofit organizations. Students take courses in public finance, public administration, ethics and leadership, all of which are crucial for navigating the complexities of the public sector.
If you strive to make a difference in the public sector, then a Master of Public Administration is an excellent way to move your career forward. In addition to making a difference in the world, those who possess an M.P.A. can also earn a comfortable wage. Labor market analytics data from Lightcast shows that the median salary for professionals with an M.P.A. is $93,600 per year.
The M.P.A. is ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers in public or nonprofit management, as well as those interested in leadership or management roles in international organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). According to the career website Indeed, some of the top roles you can pursue with an M.P.A. include development coordinator, financial analyst and public affairs specialist.
An M.P.A. degree is beneficial for individuals who work in or want to work in public service, policymaking and leadership in government or nonprofit sectors. The degree provides specialized skills that can open doors to advanced career opportunities. If you are looking to move up in your company or change careers, an M.P.A. provides the necessary training and credentials.
The SMU Master of Public Administration is flexible enough for students to complete while they work. It also offers a variety of opportunities to form deeper professional connections, including two immersive experiences.
Visit our FAQ page for more answers to your questions.
Social and Community Service Managers