Introduction
Prospective MPA students looking at Mississippi will find a unique blend of draws that make the state an intriguing choice. Mississippi offers a range of Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, each tailored to prepare students for impactful careers in public service. Whether focusing on urban policy, rural development, or public management, these MPA programs in Mississippi offer a strong foundation for students passionate about making a difference in their communities.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 3
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 2
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $9,450 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $19,700 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, hybrid, online
- Average Starting Salary: $50,000
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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 Mississippi
For students, NASPAA accreditation provides assurance that the MPA program meets recognized standards of excellence, enhancing the credibility and value of the degree. Additionally, NASPAA accreditation can facilitate transferability of credits between institutions and increase opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.
Overall, NASPAA accreditation is crucial for MPA programs in Mississippi and nationwide, as it ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address complex challenges in public administration and make a positive impact in their communities. In Mississippi, there are two NASPAA-accredited institutions offering MPA degrees. An overview of these degree programs can be found here:
Jackson State University
- Jackson, MS.
- 39-45 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)
Program Overview:
JSU’s MPPA is a NASPAA-accredited professional degree built to prepare analysts and managers for public and nonprofit leadership in Mississippi and beyond. With thesis (39 credits) and non-thesis (45 credits) pathways, a required capstone course, and concentration choices that map to state and local needs, it’s a strong fit if you want applied training with an HBCU’s community focus and direct access to Jackson-area agencies.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: Choose from Public Finance; State & Local Government; Judicial Administration; Environmental Management/Policy/Planning; Healthcare Administration; Human Resource Management; Community & Economic Development; General Management.
- Curriculum: Core (18 credits): PPAD 505, 548, 549, 551, 576, 596. Plus 12 credits in a concentration, electives, and the MPPA Capstone (PPAD 595). Thesis option totals 39 credits; non-thesis totals 45 credits with additional research hours.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus (evenings)
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 39-45
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $483 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $770 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Enrollment: 1,795 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- An Internship is required for pre-service students (typically 3 hours in the thesis path or 6 hours non-thesis; in-service students may substitute designated coursework/projects).
- The department emphasizes NASPAA competencies and community service, with small-cohort mentoring and an HBCU network in the capital region. Review the current catalog/fee sheet when budgeting and confirm whether you’ll pursue the thesis or non-thesis path.
Mississippi State University
- Starkville, MS.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)
Program Overview:
MSU’s NASPAA-accredited MPPA is a 42-credit professional degree you can complete either in person or entirely online in live evening sessions—built for working professionals across Mississippi and beyond. With a skills-forward core, an applied integrative capstone, and an internship (waivable with relevant experience), it’s a pragmatic, flexible option if you want a program with small cohorts, no GRE, and pipelines into state/local and nonprofit leadership.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: No rigid concentrations are offered as tracks. Instead, students assemble a 12-credit elective focus area to match career goals; an Accelerated MPPA (BA/MPPA) pathway lets high-achieving undergrads double-count up to 9 credits. The class format is chosen at the time of admission (on-campus vs. online) and cannot be switched later. Online sections typically meet Mon–Thu, 6:00–8:50 p.m. CT via Zoom/WebEx.
- Curriculum: 42 credits = 27-credit core (PPA 8103 Seminar; 8703 Org/Admin Theory; 8713 HR; 8723 Budget/Finance; 8733 Program Evaluation; 8743 Administrative Law; 8803 Research Methods; 8903 Public Policy; 8983 Integrative Capstone) + 12 elective + 3-credit internship (waiver available with ≥1 year relevant experience).
- Real-World Experience: Internship in a public/nonprofit agency for pre-service students; capstone synthesizes analysis, budgeting/finance, law/ethics, and management to address a client or organizational problem.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus and online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $606 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $870 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Enrollment: 35-50 student (program)
Other Considerations:
- Deadlines for admission are Aug 1 (Fall), Dec 1 (Spring), May 15 (Summer) for the online cohort (Grad School dates apply campus-wide). Small faculty-to-student ratios; no format switching once admitted.
- Online delivery is designed for working adults statewide (and beyond) who want live interaction without relocating. Review the program’s employment & graduation statistics and internship requirements when planning your path.
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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:
Non-Accredited Schools
Mississippi’s non-NASPAA public-service master’s programs can still be smart choices—especially if you need online/hybrid flexibility, lower total cost, evening pacing, or a tight connection to local employers. Most are regionally accredited, stress applied learning (capstones, client projects, internships), and plug directly into Mississippi’s real project pipeline:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belhaven University | Jackson, MI | SACSCC | 36 | Online |
Career Outlook
Mississippi’s outlook for MPA grads is steady-to-strong, driven by multi-year funding in water/wastewater, broadband build-out, transportation, public health, coastal resources, and emergency management. State hiring runs through the Mississippi State Personnel Board and agency portals, while major initiatives like the Clean Water SRF/WPCRLF and BEAM broadband office create ongoing demand for grants, compliance, and project delivery talent—especially in Jackson, the Gulf Coast, and the Delta:
- Emergency Management Officer I (MEMA): Supports planning, logistics, and disaster programs; frequent entry postings.
- Public Health Program Specialist I (MSDH): Assists with grants, program implementation, and reporting in statewide health initiatives.
- Transportation Planning (entry level) / Engineer-in-Training (MDOT): Traffic studies, data analysis, and project coordination.
- Broadband Grants/Program Specialist (BEAM): Manages provider grants, milestones, and compliance for statewide broadband expansion.
- Economic Development Specialist I (MDA): Supports business recruitment, community development projects, and stakeholder outreach.
- Environmental/Natural Resources Specialist (MDMR): Entry roles in fisheries/coastal programs, including oyster/aquaculture management.
These roles align well with MPA skills (budgeting/finance, grants & compliance, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and analytics) and provide fast on-the-job growth as you take ownership of projects and funding streams tied to Mississippi’s current priorities.
All MPA Programs in Mississippi
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University | Master of Public Policy and Administration | Mississippi | Jackson | No | Yes | https://www.jsums.edu/publicpolicy/ |
| Mississippi State University | Master of Public Policy and Administration | Mississippi | Starkville | Yes | Yes | https://www.pspa.msstate.edu/academic-programs/mppa |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Master of Arts in Rural Public Policy and Planning | Mississippi | Itta Bena | No | No | https://www.mvsu.edu/academics/academic-programs/social-sciences/ma-rural-public-policy-planning |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which universities in Mississippi offer an MPA/MPPA?
A: Mississippi State University (MPPA) and Jackson State University (MPPA) are the primary options.
Q: Are there online formats?
A: Yes—MSU offers a fully online, live-evening option; JSU primarily runs on campus with evening/weekend-friendly scheduling.
Q: Are these programs NASPAA-accredited?
A: Yes—both MSU and JSU hold NASPAA accreditation.
Q: What policy areas are “hot” in Mississippi right now?
A: Infrastructure and water/wastewater, disaster resilience, public health, housing, and regional economic development.
Q: Where do students typically intern and work?
A: State agencies in Jackson, cities and counties, regional development authorities/COGs, nonprofits, and health systems.
