Masters in Public Administration Programs in the State of Vermont

Introduction

When considering Vermont for pursuing an MPA degree, both Burlington and Northfield offer unique advantages for students. Vermont is a progressive state with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, social justice, and community engagement. MPA students in Vermont have the opportunity to engage with these values and apply them to their studies and future careers. Burlington, in particular, is known for its active community involvement and commitment to sustainability.

Vermont’s economy is diverse, with a focus on industries such as tourism, agriculture, and healthcare. This economic diversity provides MPA students with a range of potential internship and employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Burlington, as the economic hub of Vermont, offers a particularly dynamic job market for MPA graduates.

Vermont’s proximity to major metropolitan areas, such as Boston and New York City, provides students with access to a wide range of cultural and professional opportunities. This makes Vermont an attractive location for students who want to experience the benefits of a rural setting while still having access to urban amenities.

Vermont, including Burlington and Northfield, offers MPA students a combination of natural beauty, progressive values, economic diversity, strong educational institutions, and access to major metropolitan areas. These factors make Vermont an appealing option for students seeking a high-quality graduate education in public administration.

MPA Programs in Vermont

Vermont is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Vermont in Burlington and Norwich University in Northfield. These institutions offer strong MPA programs with dedicated faculty and a supportive learning environment:

NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs

Accreditation by NASPAA is a rigorous process that evaluates the quality of a program’s curriculum, faculty, students, and institutional resources. To become accredited, a program must undergo a comprehensive review that includes self-assessment, peer review, and site visits. Programs are evaluated based on their mission, governance, curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and assessment of student learning outcomes. Vermont has one MPA program accredited by NASPAA, explained here:

Online MPA Programs

Online MPA programs often provide access to a wide range of resources. Students can access online libraries, research databases, and academic journals to support their studies. They can also participate in virtual workshops, guest lectures, and networking events, enhancing their professional development.

Accelerated MPA Programs

Participating in an accelerated MPA program can lead to cost savings. Since the program is shorter in duration, students may pay less in tuition and fees compared to traditional programs. Additionally, students can potentially enter the workforce sooner, allowing them to start earning a full-time salary earlier than if they had pursued a longer program, offsetting some of the costs associated with education.

Norwich University offers an accelerated Master of Public Administration (MPA) program that can be completed in just 18 months. This fast-paced program is designed for students who want to earn their degree quickly and enter the workforce or advance their careers in public administration.

Affordable MPA Programs

In Vermont, the state’s relatively small size and competitive higher education landscape can lead to competitive tuition rates for MPA programs. Scholarships and financial aid options are also available to help students manage tuition costs, making Vermont a viable option for MPA students seeking affordable tuition options. The University of Vermont offers an accredited MPA program for an affordable $678 per credit hour for in-state students.

All MPA Programs in Vermont

School Name	Degree Program Name	State	City	NASPAA Accredited	Online Degree	Program Link
Norwich University	Master Of Public Administration	Vermont	Northfield	Yes	No	https://www.norwich.edu/online/programs-courses/programs/master-of-public-administration
The University of Vermont	Master Of Public Administration	Vermont	Burlington	No	Yes	https://www.uvm.edu/cals/cdae/mpa

What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MPA Degree in Vermont?

Overall, Vermont offers MPA graduates a combination of a high quality of life, progressive values, unique networking opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference in the community. These factors make Vermont an attractive destination for professionals looking to build a rewarding career in public service:

• Sustainability Coordinator: Vermont is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. MPA graduates can work as sustainability coordinators, helping to develop and implement policies and programs that promote sustainable practices in areas such as energy, transportation, and waste management.
• Lake Champlain Basin Program Manager: Vermont is home to Lake Champlain, a large freshwater lake that is an important natural and recreational resource. MPA graduates can work as program managers for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, overseeing efforts to protect and improve the health of the lake and its surrounding watershed.
• Farm to School Coordinator: Vermont has a strong local food movement and is a leader in farm-to-school programs. MPA graduates can work as farm-to-school coordinators, helping to connect local farmers with schools to provide fresh, locally grown food to students and promote food education.
• Healthcare Policy Analyst: Vermont has been a leader in healthcare reform, including the implementation of a universal healthcare system. MPA graduates can work as healthcare policy analysts, researching and analyzing healthcare policies and programs to improve access and affordability for all Vermonters.
• Rural Economic Development Specialist: Vermont has many rural communities that face economic challenges. MPA graduates can work as rural economic development specialists, helping to develop and implement strategies to promote economic growth and job creation in rural areas.
• Nonprofit Capacity Builder: Vermont has a strong nonprofit sector that plays a vital role in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. MPA graduates can work as nonprofit capacity builders, providing support and resources to nonprofit organizations to help them achieve their missions more effectively.