Introduction
Arizona is an ideal destination for students looking to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. With its reputable universities, such as Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University, Arizona offers top-notch MPA programs that are designed to prepare students for successful careers in public service. These programs provide a comprehensive education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills development to ensure graduates are well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing today’s public administrators.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 3
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $11,621 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $22,765 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-Campus, Hybrid, and 100% Online
- Average Starting Salary: $62,350 (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 Arizona
Arizona has something enjoyable for everyone, whether it’s adventure, culture, or relaxation.
Arizona’s MPA programs often emphasize hands-on learning and practical skills development, preparing students for successful careers in public service. The state’s vibrant communities and diverse population offer ample opportunities for MPA graduates to apply their skills and make a meaningful impact.
Arizona State University
- Phoenix, AZ.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Program Overview:
ASU’s MPA program is nationally ranked (Top 10 by U.S. News & World Report) and emphasizes evidence-based governance, innovation, and policy leadership. It prepares students to lead in local, state, tribal, and federal government settings through rigorous coursework and applied practice.
ASU is home to the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, one of the largest and most interdisciplinary public service schools in the U.S., with robust employer connections and extensive alumni networks.
Unique Components:
- Focus Areas: The program offers six concentration areas, including Urban Management, Emergency Management, Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Public Finance, Public Policy, and Individualized Study. This allows students to tailor their MPA experience to specific career interests and sectoral needs.
- More Curriculum: All students complete a capstone applied project (PAF 509), working in teams to address real problems faced by public or nonprofit agencies in the Phoenix metro area. Many students are also eligible for internships, assistantships, and policy fellowships with regional partners.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-Campus / Hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $12,014 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $24,524 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Enrollment: 250+ annually
Other Considerations:
- The program offers a 4+1 accelerated MPA option for eligible ASU undergraduates. ASU provides graduate assistantships and fellowships, such as the Marvin Andrews Fellowship in Urban Management and the Spirit of Service Scholars program.
- Students have access to the Center for Urban Innovation and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Fellowship, enhancing research and networking.
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview:
The MPA program at NAU is designed to prepare both pre-service and mid-career professionals for leadership and management roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program focuses on serving the Northern Arizona region, including county, municipal, state, tribal, and federal levels, while also welcoming students from across the state, nation, and internationally.
It includes a 36‑credit curriculum integrating core public administration theory, methods, ethics, and financial management, plus electives and a capstone project tailored to student interests.
Unique Components:
- Available fully online (asynchronous) and via regional cohorts—including in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and China—the program flexibly serves both pre‑service and mid‑career professionals.
- NAU’s MPA is rooted in a faculty of both scholars and practitioners, with coursework covering human resources, public budgeting, collaborative governance, and program evaluation.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online / Hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $11,846 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $29,338 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Enrollment: 150-200 annually
Other Considerations:
- NAU hosts the 2025 NASPAA Global Conference in Flagstaff, showcasing its engagement in national public administration discourse.
- Students benefit from information sessions, mentorship programs, and stackable 12‑credit certificates, such as public administration or election administration, transferable into the MPA.
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview:
The UA MPA emphasizes flexible delivery combined with real-world training, offering evening in-person classes in Tucson as well as asynchronous 7.5-week online sessions—all built around community-centered public service theory and practice.
The curriculum blends four core components—policy and organization theory, quantitative methods, budgeting and finance, ethics and leadership—with electives, ensuring students develop broad administrative competencies.
Unique Components:
- Faculty expertise spans environmental policy, collaborative governance, public budgeting, nonprofits, and HR management, fostering a rich academic-practitioner environment.
- Students complete a 3-credit, 135-hour internship, working in government, nonprofit, or international agencies, and a capstone project that integrates their academic, analytical, and leadership skills developed throughout the program.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online / On-Campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $8,901 (PSR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $18,817 (PSR)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Enrollment: 150+ annually
Other Considerations:
- Offers an Accelerated 4+1 program for UA undergrads that applies six graduate units toward both degrees. Multiple start dates each spring and fall; main campus applicants are eligible for departmental funding and tuition waivers.
- Career support is robust, with a focus on internships, public service partnerships, mentorship, and involvement in student organizations and policy workshops. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of roles—from city managers and budget analysts to nonprofit leaders.
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:
NASPAA Accreditation Details
Arizona boasts a strong academic reputation, with universities such as Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University offering reputable MPA programs that are accredited by NASPAA.
NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) accreditation is crucial for MPA programs in Arizona as it signifies a commitment to meeting high standards of excellence in public service education. NASPAA accreditation ensures that MPA programs in Arizona adhere to rigorous criteria related to curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes.
Non-Accredited Schools
In addition to the three NASPAA-accredited universities, other institutions in Arizona offer MPA or closely related public service programs that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). While these programs may not carry NASPAA’s specialized accreditation, they still provide foundational public administration training and are often designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | NCACSHLC | 38 | Online |
| University of Phoenix – Arizona | Tempe, AZ | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online |
Career Outlook
With a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Arizona, you can pursue a variety of rewarding careers in public service, particularly focusing on the unique needs and challenges of the state. Some unique career opportunities in Arizona for MPA graduates include:
- Tribal Government Administrator: Given Arizona’s large Native American population and numerous tribal governments, there are opportunities to work as an administrator or manager within tribal communities, overseeing programs and services that meet the needs of tribal members.
- Border Affairs Specialist: With Arizona sharing a border with Mexico, there are specialized roles focused on border affairs, including managing cross-border initiatives, immigration issues, and border security programs.
- Water Policy Analyst: Arizona’s arid climate and water scarcity issues make water policy a critical area of focus. MPA graduates can work in roles that involve analyzing and developing policies related to water conservation, allocation, and management.
- Environmental Compliance Officer: Arizona’s diverse ecosystems and natural resources require careful management and protection. MPA graduates can work in environmental agencies or organizations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainability.
- Community Development Manager: With a focus on urban planning and community development, MPA graduates can work to improve the quality of life in Arizona’s communities through initiatives such as affordable housing, infrastructure development, and economic revitalization.
- Crisis Management Coordinator: Given Arizona’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as wildfires and floods, there are opportunities for MPA graduates to work in emergency management and disaster response roles, coordinating efforts to mitigate and respond to crises.
Famous individuals with MPA degrees in Arizona include Janet Napolitano, who served as the Governor of Arizona and later as the Secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama administration. Napolitano earned her MPA from the University of Virginia before embarking on her successful career in public service.
All MPA Programs in Arizona
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master Of Public Policy | Arizona | Tempe | No | No | https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/masters-phd/major/ASU00/PPPUBPMPP/public-policy-mpp |
| Arizona State University | Master Of Public Administration | Arizona | Phoenix | No | Yes | https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/masters-phd/major/ASU00/PPPADTMPA/public-administration-mpa |
| Northern Arizona University | Master Of Public Administration | Arizona | Flagstaff | Yes | Yes | https://nau.edu/mpa/master-of-public-administration-degree-2/ |
| The University of Arizona | Master Of Public Administration | Arizona | Tucson | No | Yes | https://grad.arizona.edu/catalog/programinfo/PADMMPA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are GRE scores required for admission to MPA programs in Arizona?
A: No. None of Arizona’s three NASPAA-accredited programs require GRE scores. Admissions decisions typically focus on GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest.
Q: What types of financial aid or scholarships are available?
A: Each school offers a mix of tuition waivers, graduate assistantships, fellowships, and donor-funded scholarships. Online students may also qualify for employer tuition assistance or service-based awards.
Q: Can I earn an MPA degree online in Arizona?
A: Yes. All three institutions (ASU, NAU, and UA) offer fully online MPA options. These are particularly useful for mid-career professionals or those living outside urban centers.
Q: How long does it take to complete an MPA in Arizona?
A: Most students finish in 2 years of full-time study. Accelerated 4+1 programs and part-time online formats may shorten or extend the timeline depending on credit load.
Q: Are Arizona MPA programs good for careers in tribal, nonprofit, or environmental sectors?
A: Yes. Arizona’s geography and demographics make it a prime location for MPA graduates in areas like tribal administration, nonprofit leadership, water and land policy, and urban development.
