Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Online MPA from Rutgers SPAA provides the cutting-edge knowledge and professional skills needed for successful careers in government, the nonprofit sector, international organizations, and even the corporate world.

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Online Master of Public Administration (MPA): Public Management or Nonprofit Management

Learn more about the MPA program from Professor Suzanne Piotrowski.

The MPA curriculum is designed to prepare students to address complex challenges in public sector management. Students become highly competent in leadership and management, the policy process, evidence-based decision-making, public service values, and interacting productively with a diverse workforce and society.

Program Highlights

Flexibility and Accessibility: The 100% online asynchronous format of the program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. With the flexible online hours, students can pursue their MPA degree without sacrificing their careers or personal commitments.
Customizable Track: Choose a foundation in either public management or nonprofit management and enjoy the flexibility to shape your degree around your specialized interests and career goals.
Specialized Certifications: Apply electives toward one or more certificates offered in Budgeting and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Leadership of Public Organizations, Nonprofit Management, and other areas of professional specialization.
Experienced and Renowned Faculty: Rutgers SPAA embodies excellence in research and practical proficiency through its distinguished faculty of accomplished scholars and practitioners who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.
Applied Learning & Research Opportunities: Students have the opportunity for hands-on learning and research through the projects-based capstone course.

Quick Facts

Modality: Online (students participate in classes asynchronously)
Enrollment: Full-time / Part-time
Credits: 42 (21 core credits / 18 elective credits / 3 capstone credits)
Courses: 14 (7 core courses / 6 elective courses / 1 capstone)
Track Options: Public Management or Nonprofit Management
Rolling Admissions: Priority Application Deadlines: Fall: Aug. 25 / Spring: Dec. 1
(applications are still encouraged after the priority deadline and will be reviewed on a rolling basis)
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Interim Program Director: Ricardo Bello-Gomez, PhD

Curriculum

The MPA curriculum at Rutgers SPAA provides a solid foundation in the field’s core knowledge and skills while allowing students a wide range of flexibility to shape the degree to their interests and career goals.

For course descriptions and prerequisites, see Courses.

Students choose a foundation in either public management or nonprofit management.

Required:

Public Management Track:

Managing Public Organizations (3)
Government Budgeting (3)

Nonprofit Management Track:

The MPA allows for six (6) elective courses (18 credits) that students can use to pursue their individual interests and career goals. A variety of elective courses, including special topics courses, are available each semester from SPAA and across Rutgers. Students can fashion their own specialization by choosing from elective courses on topics such as labor relations, leadership and diversity, government technology, administrative law, performance measurement and evaluation, the policy process, and more.

Elective courses can also be applied toward one or more graduate certificates offered in Budgeting and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Leadership of Public Organizations, Nonprofit Management, and other areas of professional specialization.

The capstone serves as a culminating experience in the MPA program and provides students with an opportunity to integrate their learning from coursework with application to real-world issues and career ambitions. Students develop either a research paper (thesis) on a topic of interest or a professional portfolio (often in the form of a website) showcasing their academic work, community engagement, and professional competencies from across the MPA curriculum.

Required:

Capstone Project (3)

To Apply / Admission Requirements

At Rutgers SPAA, we believe that a public service education should be accessible to everyone with a passion for making a difference, regardless of economic or social background. Our admissions team welcomes you as the next generation of leaders, ready to create public value. We are committed to providing a smooth, transparent, and supportive admissions process. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, transfer, or international student, the Rutgers SPAA community will help you grow and thrive, preparing you not only for a successful career but also for making a meaningful impact in the world around you.

How to Apply (MPA) >

Affordability

Rutgers University–Newark is committed to making education affordable. Financial aid can consist of a variety of funds in the form of grants, loans, and possible scholarships and tuition assistance.

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Tuition & Fees >

Financial Assistance, Scholarships & Fellowships >

Questions?

If you have questions about the program or application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.

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Questions? If you have questions about the program or application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.