Despite being the second smallest US state by land area, public administration is still in demand in the state of Delaware. That is because Delaware has a population of nearly 1 million living across its 57 municipalities – each with its own local government that manages public functions. Public administrators are problem-solvers who meet complicated challenges in serving the public good. In Delaware, some positions available to those with a master’s in public administration include management analyst, city manager, county treasurer, finance director, and economic development administrator. The job outlook for public administrators is bright in Delaware. For example, according to the Delaware Department of Labor, management analyst jobs should increase by more than 12% by 2030. Thankfully, the state of Delaware has several approved master’s in public administration college and university programs that will help prepare future public administrators for a career in the state.
MPA Programs in Delaware
There are 3 master’s in public administration programs offered by universities in the state of Delaware. This includes both online and campus-based programs. In Delaware, one MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), while the other two programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The NASPAA-accredited MPA program based in Delaware will be discussed in the following section of the article, but first, here’s a quick overview of the two non-NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of Delaware.
Strayer University – Delaware
- Wilmington, DE
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
54 Credits
Online only.
Tuition: The entire program costs $20,000, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The online MPA degree at Strayer is designed for professionals seeking to commence or enhance a career in public service. Students learn to manage various aspects of public and nonprofit agencies – from workforce and assets to budget and public relations.
Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 33 – 36 Hours
In-person at the Dover campus.
Tuition: Assuming a 36-credit hour course of study, tuition for in-state residents is about $16,380 for the entire program, and $34,128 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur. In-state tuition is extended to Virginia, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maryland, and New York residents.
Program Overview:
In the Master of Public Administration program at Delaware State, students learn about program evaluation, public and nonprofit budgeting, and strategic planning and management. The program emphasizes civic engagement and community empowerment. To this end, students partake in community-based projects with local nonprofit and governmental organizations.
NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs in Delaware
There is one NASPAA-accredited program in the state of Delaware. NASPAA accreditation acknowledges that a master’s degree program in nonprofit or public administration, policy, or affairs has undertaken a rigorous peer review process conducted by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA). Here is an overview of the University of Delaware’s MPA program – the only NASPAA-accredited program in the state of Delaware.
University of Delaware
- Newark, DE
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 42 Hours
Online only and in-person at the Newark campus.
Tuition:
On-campus: $1,028/credit hour for 36 credit hours is approximately $37,008 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Online: $950/credit hour for 36 credits is about $34,200 for the whole program, excluding other fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The University of Delaware’s MPA program teaches students the leadership and problem-solving skills necessary for competent, values-based decision-making in multi-sectored environments. On-campus MPA students may choose from one of six specializations: Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy Analysis, Emergency Management, Health Systems Management, or a Student-Designed Specialization. The online program offers two specializations: Health Systems Management and General Specialization.
Online Masters in Public Administration Programs in Delaware
There are 2 online MPA programs in the state of Delaware, including one NASPAA-accredited program that was highlighted above. The 100% online MPA programs include those offered by the University of Delaware and Strayer University-Delaware.
Accelerated MPA Programs in Delaware
For many professionals with big plans, time is of the essence. Luckily, Delaware State University’s MPA program offers an accelerated option.
Affordable Masters in Public Administration Programs in Delaware
In terms of affordability, the most affordable MPA program in the state of Delaware is the one offered by Delaware State University at $16,380 for the entire program for students designated as residents. The MPA program at Strayer University-Delaware is also reasonably affordable at $20,000 for the entire program.
No GRE Required Masters in Public Administration Programs in Delaware
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools across the United States. Students might be happy to learn that none of the MPA programs in the state of Delaware require applicants to take the GRE as a condition for admission. So, applicants to the MPA programs at Delaware State University, Strayer University-Delaware, or the University of Delaware do not have to submit GRE scores.
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue with an MPA Degree in Delaware?
Despite its small size, the state of Delaware still needs an extensive network of administrators at the local level to work behind the scenes to help its communities operate. Public administration specialists are integral parts of the human infrastructure that helps Delaware function, from city managers to budget analysts who secure funding for programs.
According to Salary.com, the following are some of the average salaries for careers one can pursue with an MPA in the state of Delaware:
| CAREER | MEDIAN SALARY IN DELAWARE |
|---|---|
| Budget Analyst | $65,697 |
| City Manager | $114,800 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $87,029 |
| Policy Analyst | $66,050 |
| County Administrator | $119,136 |
