Introduction
Being a Public Administration graduate student in the state of Ohio offers a unique blend of academic excellence, diverse institutions, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ohio boasts renowned schools for public administration, such as the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University and the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
In essence, pursuing an MPA degree in Ohio offers a comprehensive and impactful educational journey, combining academic excellence, practical experience, networking opportunities, and a supportive environment for future public administration leaders.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 9
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 5
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $14,544 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $22,068 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: Online, hybrid, on-campus
- Average Starting Salary: $76,000
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- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Ohio
Currently, six educational institutions in Ohio have obtained NASPAA accreditation for their MPA programs, underscoring their firm dedication to maintaining excellence and aligning with industry standards. This accreditation stands as concrete evidence of their commitment to delivering quality education. For prospective students, NASPAA accreditation serves as a dependable indicator of a program’s significance, providing a solid groundwork for a successful career in public administration. Outlined below is an overview of the six NASPAA-accredited institutions in Ohio:
Bowling Green State University
- Bowling Green, OH.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at BGSU is designed to prepare leaders in government, nonprofit, and public sector organizations through a blend of rigorous coursework, community engagement, and applied experience. The program is NASPAA-accredited and emphasizes real-world problem solving: students collaborate with local agencies, nonprofits, or governmental clients on projects that allow them to put theory into practice.
Unique Components:
- Local Partner Engagement: BGSU partners with local governments and nonprofits for student projects and internships (e.g. city of Bowling Green, local agencies) to give hands-on experience.
- Accelerated BA → MPA Pathway: BGSU undergraduates may take graduate courses that count toward the MPA before finishing their bachelor’s degree.
- Evening & Part-Time Flexibility: Many required courses are offered in the evening (typically 6–9 pm) to accommodate working students.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $536 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $868 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Internship Structure: The internship component (for those choosing the capstone route) is required for most students, supervised and coordinated with agencies; agencies serve as coeducators in many cases.
Cleveland State University
- Cleveland, OH.
- 40 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Levin School of Urban Affairs
Program Overview:
Cleveland State University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA), offered through the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, is fully accredited by NASPAA and tailored for leadership in urban, nonprofit, and governmental environments. The program is flexible and designed to serve both early-career and in-service professionals. Most courses are offered in evenings or weekends to accommodate working students.
Unique Components:
- 40-Credit Program: The MPA requires 40 credit hours including core public administration theory, policy, finance, management, and an applied capstone, and is designed to integrate classroom learning with community engagement, internships, and professional practice.
- Evening & Weekend Delivery: Courses are mostly scheduled outside standard business hours to accommodate professionals.
- Dual JD/MPA Option: Students can complete both a law degree and the MPA in an accelerated timeframe.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 40
- GRE: Required
- Resident Tuition: $16,496 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $33,400 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Enrollment: 51 students
Other Considerations:
- Internships/Mentoring Emphasis: The program supports professional development via internships, mentoring, and community-engaged projects.
- Specialization Options: Offers areas of specialization such as nonprofit management, economic development, and public management.
Kent State University
- Kent, OH.
- 45 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Kent State University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) is delivered fully online, making it accessible to working professionals anywhere. The program is NASPAA-accredited and emphasizes key competencies like public financial management, program evaluation, personnel administration, and policy analysis. Kent’s program is structured to be rigorous yet flexible, offering GRE waiver options and multiple start terms (Fall, Spring, Summer), enabling students to balance study with existing professional commitments.
Unique Components:
- Project Structure: The program is described as 45 credit hours: 10 core courses (30 hours), 3 electives (9 hours), and 6 hours for internship/final project.
- Final Project Option: The curricular design includes a required internship or final project component.
- GRE Waiver Available: Applicants may qualify to waive the GRE requirement under certain circumstances.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online only
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 45
- GRE: Required, waiver available
- Resident Tuition: $610 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,033 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Admission criteria flexibility: Minimum GPA requirement is relatively low (2.75) and GRE scores of 450+ were historically accepted, but waiver paths exist.
- Non-degree credit: Up to 12 hours of previous graduate credit may be transferred under department approval.
University of Dayton
- Dayton, OH.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The University of Dayton’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program develops public-servant leaders committed to advancing the common good locally, nationally, and globally. The program is fully accredited by NASPAA and emphasizes affordability, flexibility, and connectivity to public and nonprofit sectors. Typically enrolling around two dozen students each semester (including combined BA/MPA), the program aims to maintain small cohorts to foster close engagement among students, faculty, and practitioner networks.
Unique Components:
- Internship / Public Service Project Options: Students may pursue 33–36 hours of academic coursework plus 3–6 hours of internship (MPA 595) or a public service project (MPA 597) if eligible.
- Accelerated BA + MPA Pathway: UD undergraduates in relevant majors with a GPA ≥ 3.0 may participate in a combined BA/MPA program that allows them to start graduate credit early.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Tuition: $750 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Enrollment: 24 students per semester
Other Considerations:
- Program Costs & Value Framing: UD describes its graduate offerings as relatively affordable compared to peer institutions and emphasizes financial aid, assistantships, and fellowship opportunities.
- Joint JD/MPA Option: UD offers a three-year joint degree combining the Juris Doctor and MPA, allowing shared credit usage and accelerated timeline.
Wright State University
- Dayton, OH.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Wright State’s Master of Public Administration program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience for those aiming to lead in government, nonprofits, or public service settings. It also provides financial incentives for public sector employees: the Public Sector Scholarships cover 50% of tuition for eligible full-time students working in federal, state, or local government roles. The university offers a combined BA/MPA option, allowing undergraduates in political science or crime & justice studies to begin graduate work before finishing their bachelor’s.
Unique Components:
- Internship Waiver / Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Students with sufficient professional experience may waive the internship requirement via portfolio assessment, earning 3–6 credits.
- Public Sector Scholarships: Available to employees of federal, state, or local government to cover 50 % of tuition for the duration of the two-year program.
- 36 Credit Hours Total: The MPA requires 36 semester credit hours — 21 in core, 9–12 electives, a 3-hour internship, plus 3–6 hours of culminating project or thesis.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus only
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $680 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,145 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Tuition Structure: Wright State charges per credit for smaller loads (1–10.5 credits) and flat rates for 11–18 credits, making financial planning important.
- Cohort Completion & Employment Outcomes: The program reports that 70–80 % of students finish within designed time, and 96 % of graduates find employment within six months; 80–90 % stay in Ohio.
ADVERTISEMENT
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
Non-Accredited Schools
Ohio is home to several NASPAA-accredited MPA programs, but non-accredited options can still offer meaningful pathways for students. Schools without NASPAA recognition may provide lower tuition rates, flexible online delivery, or specialized coursework that aligns with local and regional workforce needs. While accreditation is an important quality marker, these non-NASPAA programs can still serve students seeking practical skills and accessible routes into public service careers.
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | NCACSHLC | 52 | On-Campus |
| Franklin University | Columbus, OH | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online |
| Ohio University – Main Campus | Athens, OH | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| University of Toledo | Toledo, OH | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
Career Outlook
Ohio’s mix of major cities (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati), smaller municipalities, and a strong nonprofit sector creates diverse opportunities for MPA graduates. With Columbus serving as the state capital and home to numerous state agencies, and cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati focusing on urban revitalization and social policy, MPA professionals can build careers across government, health, planning, and nonprofit management.
- State Government Roles: In Columbus, MPA graduates can pursue roles such as Policy Analyst or Budget Analyst with the State of Ohio, helping evaluate programs and manage state resources.
- Municipal Administration & Planning: Cities such as Cleveland employ professionals like City Planners and Community Development Specialists to guide urban development, zoning, and neighborhood revitalization.
- Public Health Administration: County health departments, such as Franklin County Public Health, hire positions like Public Health Program Managers to oversee health initiatives, community wellness, and emergency response.
- Transportation & Infrastructure Policy: The Ohio Department of Transportation employs Transportation Planners to develop and manage infrastructure and mobility projects statewide.
- Nonprofit Leadership: Organizations such as the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) connect graduates to careers as Executive Directors, Program Managers, and Development Officers across the state’s robust nonprofit sector.
Public administration careers in Ohio offer a range of opportunities, each shaped by the unique characteristics of the state’s diverse regions. Whether in the state capital, a major city like Cleveland, or a rural community, public administrators play a crucial role in addressing the specific needs of their areas while navigating the dynamics of Ohio’s political landscape.
All MPA Programs in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I complete an MPA program online in Ohio?
A: Yes. Kent State, Ohio University, and Cleveland State offer fully online or hybrid MPA programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals. These programs allow students to access the same curriculum as on-campus learners while providing the flexibility of remote coursework.
Q: Do Ohio MPA programs offer specializations or concentrations?
A: Many Ohio programs allow students to tailor their studies. Options include nonprofit management, urban planning and development, state and local government leadership, healthcare administration, environmental policy, and public finance. Ohio State’s program, in particular, provides customizable tracks in areas such as nonprofit management, urban policy, and economic development.
Q: How long does it typically take to earn an MPA in Ohio?
A: Most full-time students complete their degree in two years, while part-time students—often working professionals—may take three to four years. Executive or accelerated tracks, such as Cleveland State’s Executive MPA, can be completed in as little as 18 months depending on prior experience.
Q: What kinds of experiential learning opportunities are available in Ohio MPA programs?
A: Ohio programs emphasize applied, hands-on learning. Students often engage in internships at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, city governments in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton, or with nonprofits and regional planning agencies. Capstone projects frequently involve consulting for real-world clients, giving students practical experience before graduation.
Q: What is the career outlook for MPA graduates in Ohio?
A: Graduates pursue roles as city managers, policy analysts, nonprofit executives, public finance administrators, and program evaluators. Ohio’s diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities—combined with its central Midwest location—offers opportunities at all levels of government, nonprofits, and federal regional offices.
Q: Are there dual-degree options available for MPA students in Ohio?
A: Yes. Ohio State and other universities offer dual-degree pathways that combine the MPA with degrees such as law, social work, business, or public health. These options provide interdisciplinary training and prepare students for leadership positions at the intersection of public policy and other professional fields.
