Introduction
Alabama offers a compelling option for prospective Master of Public Administration (MPA) students. Known for its affordable cost of living, historical significance, and strong sense of community, the state combines professional opportunities with cultural richness. Alabama is home to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions that make it an excellent setting for a graduate education in public administration. Students can also enjoy the state’s scenic beauty, from Gulf Coast beaches to forested hiking trails, while participating in Alabama’s vibrant traditions such as college football and civil rights heritage tours.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 9
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 5
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $13,842 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $27,430 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: Online and On-Campus
- Average Starting Salary: $64,230 (PYR)
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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:
MPA Programs in Alabama
MPA students in Alabama benefit from a variety of high-quality programs that emphasize flexibility, affordability, and regional relevance. Whether students prefer a traditional on-campus experience or the convenience of online learning, Alabama offers options that suit diverse educational goals. Many of the state’s programs emphasize practical skills such as policy analysis, public budgeting, and nonprofit management, preparing graduates for careers in local and state government, as well as nonprofit organizations. The inclusion of NASPAA-accredited options further enhances Alabama’s profile as a strong choice for aspiring public administrators.
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL.
- 36-42 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration Program
Program Overview:
Auburn University’s MPA program emphasizes civic agency, global public service, and leadership development. Students can customize their academic path through certificates or dual-degree options with Community Planning.
The program’s mission is to promote effective public service, emphasizing professional skills and adaptability. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in government and nonprofit sectors.
Unique Components:
- Focus Areas: Auburn offers personalization through graduate certificates (e.g., election administration, nonprofit governance). The faculty are actively engaged in research, and students benefit from opportunities to collaborate on community projects and policy analysis.
- Academic Tracks: There are two academic tracks—a pre‑service option for newcomers and an in‑service track for professionals—making it flexible for diverse learners.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCC
- Credit Hours: 36-42
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $5,346 (PSR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $16,038 (PSR)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Enrollment: 100
Other Considerations:
- Auburn offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each fall and spring, which provide tuition remission and practical experience.
- Students engage in a culminating ePortfolio capstone, integrating academic learning with professional and internship experiences—an attractive feature for employers.
- The City of Auburn’s status as a land‑grant research university and vibrant college town ensures strong support systems, including writing centers, career services, and extensive alumni connections.
Auburn University – Montgomery
- Montgomery, AL.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview:
Through the MPA program’s office within the Department of Political Science, students gain access to dual institutional support: Auburn University’s graduate catalog and resources, plus AUM’s career and alumni networks.
Evening class schedules (5:30–8 p.m., once per week) plus summer sessions make this a strong fit for working professionals and military-affiliated students—especially given AUM’s campus.
Unique Components:
- Focus Areas: AUM embeds three optional graduate certificate tracks—Data Analysis & Policy Evaluation, Human Resource Administration, and Nonprofit Administration—that arm students with in‑demand, applied skills in state/local government, HR management, and nonprofit oversight.
- Curriculum: The program’s small, evening-format classes (5–20 students) and hybrid structure foster close mentorship and peer collaboration. This personalized approach helps working professionals balance school, career, and life commitments.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online/Hybrid/On-Campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Required
- Resident Tuition: $421 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $947 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Enrollment: 25 – 35 annually
Other Considerations:
- AUM offers merit-based scholarships, including a Graduate Focus Scholarship that awards about 25% off tuition, as well as departmental awards.
- The program adheres to a rolling admissions cycle with both fall and spring start dates, providing flexibility for perhaps completing the degree in as few as four semesters full‑time or 6–8 semesters part‑time.
- AUM fosters leadership development through its ICMA student chapter, offering networking, professional workshops, and service-learning projects—a student-driven node of peer learning and civic engagement.
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview:
The program features a low student-to-faculty ratio, promoting personalized engagement and mentorship. Students work closely with seasoned professionals and faculty who bring regional expertise into the classroom.
Offering flexible modalities (in-person, hybrid, and 100% online), JSU caters to working professionals and remote learners. This flexibility ensures students can earn timely, quality credentials around their schedules.
Unique Components:
- Focus Areas: JSU’s MPA program offers four NASPAA‑accredited concentrations, Administrative Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Political Science, all fully available online and on campus.
- Internships: JSU’s capstone Public Affairs Internship (3 credits) provides hands-on experience with local, state, or nonprofit agencies, with some concentrations offering fully 36-credit plans if waiving the internship.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online / Hybrid / On-Campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCC
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $410 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $820 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Enrollment: 120
Other Considerations:
- All four concentrations require 12 credit hours of coursework that may include cross-department classes, like business analytics for Administrative Management or GIS for Emergency Management.
- With fall, spring, and summer start dates, JSU supports continuous admission and accelerated degree completion, fitting the schedules of professionals seeking no-gap enrollment.
University of Alabama – Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 39 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview:
The UAB MPA is NASPAA‑accredited and boasts an elite internship program recognized by NASPAA, offering real-world placements in city, county, state, and nonprofit organizations such as the City of Birmingham, United Way, and Jefferson County agencies.
UAB’s location in Alabama’s largest metro area means proximity to a diverse network of government, nonprofit, and research employers—augmented by active involvement from public service professionals as course instructors and guest lecturers.
Unique Components:
- Focus Areas: The program includes interdisciplinary dual degrees, including MPA/MPH and MPA/JD tracks, which integrate complementary fields like public health and law—enhancing career versatility for students seeking cross-sector leadership roles.
- Flexible Curriculum: Embedded graduate certificates (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Public Management) offer layered specialization. Students can stack certificates with their MPA—or pursue them independently—without extending overall degree timelines.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus (evening/hybrid)
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCC
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $368 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $911 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Enrollment: 150
Other Considerations:
- UAB has strong graduate assistantship opportunities, which often include in-state tuition rates, stipends, and professional development—especially through the Coverdell Fellowship.
- The program supports multiple start dates (fall, spring, summer for domestic students) and offers an Early Acceptance and Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) pathway for current UAB undergraduates aiming to jump-start graduate studies.
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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:
Accreditation Details
For an MPA student considering a program in Alabama, NASPAA accreditation holds significant importance. NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence in public administration education. The accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and resources.
Accredited programs must adhere to specific standards, including a focus on ethical behavior, effective governance, and competent leadership in public service. By choosing a NASPAA-accredited program, students can trust that they are receiving a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and prepares them for successful careers in public administration.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) is the recognized regional accrediting body for degree-granting institutions in the Southern United States, including Alabama. Accreditation by SACSCC ensures that a university meets rigorous standards of academic quality, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement. While not specific to a single academic discipline like NASPAA, SACSCC accreditation is critical for confirming a school’s overall credibility, federal financial aid eligibility, and academic transferability.
Non-Accredited Schools
While four of Alabama’s MPA programs are not NASPAA-accredited, they are still regionally accredited by SACSCC and offer valuable, career-relevant training. These programs often provide flexible formats, affordable tuition, and specialized tracks tailored to the needs of working professionals. Prospective students should consider faculty expertise, curriculum focus, and internship opportunities when evaluating overall program quality:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | SACSCC | 36 | Online |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | SACSCC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Alabama A&M University | Huntsville, AL | SACSCC | 36 | On-Campus |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | SACSCC | 36 | On-Campus |
Career Outlook
The employment landscape for MPA graduates in Alabama is promising, particularly within state and local government, nonprofit organizations, and regional planning agencies. There is consistent demand for skilled professionals who can navigate budgeting, policy development, organizational leadership, and program evaluation—especially in the areas of public health, economic development, transportation, and community planning. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and regional labor reports, professionals in public service roles across Alabama command competitive salaries:
- Policy Analyst: $60,000–$85,000
- Budget or Grants Manager: $58,000–$82,000
- City/County Administrators: $70,000–$105,000
- Public Health Program Coordinators: $62,000–$88,000
MPA graduates in Alabama often find unique opportunities tied to the state’s economic and administrative landscape. These include roles in southern urban growth corridors (e.g., Birmingham and Huntsville), as well as leadership in rural development, infrastructure expansion, and nonprofit service delivery. Some notable career pathways include:
- Community Development Director: In fast-growing suburban and rural areas of Alabama, MPA graduates may coordinate zoning, affordable housing initiatives, and grant-funded infrastructure programs to stimulate local economies and improve quality of life.
- Workforce and Economic Development Strategist: Given Alabama’s investment in automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial development, MPA professionals may support interagency efforts to align workforce training programs with economic growth needs.
- Transportation and Mobility Planner: Agencies such as the Alabama Department of Transportation and local MPOs often employ MPA graduates to lead transit planning, ADA compliance, and regional mobility coordination—particularly in underserved areas.
- Nonprofit Executive or Program Director: With a growing nonprofit sector addressing education, healthcare access, and poverty alleviation, MPA grads can assume leadership positions in service delivery, advocacy, or grant administration.
- Environmental Policy Advisor: Alabama’s mix of natural resources and industrial activity creates a need for professionals in state agencies or environmental nonprofits to balance regulatory compliance with conservation and sustainability goals.
All MPA Programs in Alabama
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Auburn | No | Yes | https://cla.auburn.edu/polisci/master-of-public-administration/ |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Montgomery | No | Yes | https://www.aum.edu/degree/public-administration-master/ |
| Jacksonville State University | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Jacksonville | Yes | Yes | https://www.jsu.edu/mpa/ |
| The University of Alabama at Birmingham | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Birmingham | No | Yes | https://www.uab.edu/degrees/graduate/public-administration-mpa |
| The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Tuscaloosa | No | Yes | https://catalog.ua.edu/graduate/arts-sciences/political-science/mpa/ |
| Troy University | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Troy | No | No | https://www.troy.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate/mpa-public-administration.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are GRE scores required for admission to MPA programs in Alabama?
A: Most MPA programs in Alabama do not require GRE scores for admission. However, Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) is a notable exception, where the GRE is required unless waived due to prior graduate study or significant professional experience.
Q: Are there any NASPAA-accredited programs in Alabama?
A: Yes, five MPA programs in Alabama are accredited by NASPAA (the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration). These include Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Other programs are regionally accredited by SACSCC and still provide quality training in public service leadership.
Q: What scholarships or financial aid options are available?
A: Many Alabama universities offer institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and tuition discounts—particularly for in-state students and military-affiliated individuals. Additionally, students may be eligible for federal financial aid, and some employers (especially public agencies) offer tuition reimbursement for staff pursuing an MPA.
Q: Can I complete the MPA program fully online in Alabama?
A: Yes. Columbia Southern University, Troy University, and Jacksonville State University offer fully online MPA programs. These programs are designed for working professionals and remote learners, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace with minimal or no campus requirements.
Q: How long does it typically take to complete an MPA program in Alabama?
A: Most MPA programs in Alabama require between 36 and 42 credit hours. Full-time students can generally complete the degree in 18 to 24 months. Part-time and online formats may take longer depending on course load and flexibility needs.
