Introduction
Pursuing a Public Administration graduate degree in the State of Colorado offers a unique and enriching experience, with several institutions providing specialized programs. Attaining an MPA degree opens doors to fulfilling managerial careers within the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and private entities engaged in partnerships with government officials. MPA students have the opportunity to tailor their studies by specializing in diverse areas such as human resources management, criminal justice, environmental planning, and nonprofit management.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 5
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 2
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $11,025 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $22,383 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-Campus, Hybrid, and Fully Online
- Average Starting Salary: $65,400 (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 Colorado
Students exploring MPA programs in Colorado have several choices. The State of Colorado hosts Public Administration Masters programs at five different public and private educational institutions. Details of the NASPAA-accredited programs, including costs, credits, and mode, can be found here:
University of Colorado – Denver
- Denver, CO.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
School of Public Affairs (MPA)
Program Overview:
CU Denver’s MPA is one of the oldest and most respected programs in the Rocky Mountain region, offering customizable delivery formats (online, on-campus, or hybrid) to meet the needs of both pre-service and mid-career professionals. The program is housed within the School of Public Affairs—ranked among the top 25 nationally for public affairs education by U.S. News & World Report.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Students can pursue specialized concentration areas such as Local Government, Environmental Policy, Nonprofit Management, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Education Policy. CU Denver offers a fully online MPA identical in curriculum and faculty to its on-campus counterpart, designed for flexibility.
- Experiential Learning: Students have access to the Denver Policy Lab, the Center for Local Government Research and Training, and other research institutes that provide hands-on public policy experiences.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online/On-Campus/Hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $10,530/year
- Non-Resident Tuition: $22,050/year
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Enrollment: 250–300 students
Other Considerations:
- The school provides numerous fellowships, assistantships, and internships, and partners with organizations such as the City and County of Denver, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and statewide nonprofits.
A dual-degree option (e.g., MPA/MPH or MPA/Criminal Justice) is available for students interested in cross-sector or interdisciplinary careers. The program’s faculty includes nationally recognized scholars and former practitioners in local government, budgeting, policy analysis, and nonprofit management.
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs, CO.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
College of Public Service (MPA)
Program Overview:
UCCS’s Master of Public Administration program is the only NASPAA-accredited MPA in the Pikes Peak region and prepares students to lead public and nonprofit organizations. Small class sizes (approximately 20 students) provide personalized instruction and close faculty engagement.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: The 39-credit curriculum can be completed on-campus in the evening, online, or as a hybrid and allows students to concentrate in areas like nonprofit management, local government, public management, homeland security/emergency management, or education policy.
- Local Partnerships: Strong partnerships with local governments and nonprofits in the Pikes Peak region provide abundant internship and service-learning opportunities.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online/On-Campus/Hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $595 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,400 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: ~80%
- Enrollment: About 200 students
Other Considerations:
- Pre-service students must complete a 3-credit internship; mid-career professionals may waive this requirement.
- Students can earn graduate certificates in Nonprofit Management, Local Government Management, Public Management, or Homeland Security/Emergency Management while completing the MPA.
- Flexible scheduling with evening, online, and hybrid courses accommodates working professionals, and students can choose between a capstone project or thesis for their culminating experience.
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
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), a leading global accrediting body for graduate educational institutions, plays a crucial role in evaluating and accrediting programs like Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) to ensure the highest standards in public administration education. Accreditation involves a thorough assessment of curriculum, faculty qualifications, and program outcomes.
Currently, two Colorado institutions hold NASPAA accreditation for their MPA programs, demonstrating their commitment to quality education and industry standards. This accreditation serves as a reliable indicator for prospective students, affirming program relevance and providing a strong foundation for a career in public administration.
Non-Accredited Schools
The remaining MPA programs in Colorado are accredited by the NCACSHLC, the regional accrediting body for postsecondary institutions in the western United States. While not program-specific like NASPAA, NCACSHLC accreditation ensures institutional quality and eligibility for federal financial aid:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams State University | Alamosa, CO | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | NCACSHLC | 39 | Online/On- Campus |
| Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO | NCACSHLC | 30 | Online |
Career Outlook
Graduates of Colorado’s MPA programs enjoy a diverse range of career opportunities across all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and private consultancies. The state’s growing population and evolving policy landscape create sustained demand for professionals trained in public administration and policy analysis:
- City and County Management: Manage municipal departments, budgets, and strategic plans; salaries vary widely by jurisdiction and responsibility but often range from around $70,000 to over $120,000.
- Policy and Budget Analyst: Analyze budgets, draft ordinances, and evaluate program effectiveness within state agencies, legislative offices, school districts, and research institutes; average salaries in Colorado are around $53,000.
- Nonprofit Executive Director: Lead mission‑driven organizations that deliver public services or community development initiatives; compensation varies by organization size but leadership roles commonly exceed $60,000 and may include additional benefits.
- Emergency Management & Public Safety: Coordinate disaster preparedness, homeland security, and emergency response efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
- Specialized Roles: Graduate‑level expertise also opens pathways in areas such as human resources management, environmental policy, transportation planning, healthcare administration, and higher education administration.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in public administration and related roles could grow by as much as 17% through the mid‑2020s. Key Colorado employers of MPA graduates include Front Range Community College, Denver Public Schools, the University of Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there NASPAA-accredited MPA programs in Colorado?
A: Yes. The University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs are accredited by NASPAA and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring their programs meet rigorous standards for public service education.
Q: What funding opportunities are available?
A: Students can apply for state and university scholarships, graduate assistantships, and public service fellowships. Many government agencies and nonprofits also provide tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing graduate degrees.
Q: Can I complete an MPA online?
A: Yes. CU Denver and UCCS offer fully online and hybrid options. Courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing students to complete the program from anywhere in Colorado.
Q: How long does it take to finish an MPA degree?
A: Each program requires 39 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the degree in about two years, while part-time students may take three to four years. Pre-service students must also complete a three-credit internship unless they have significant professional experience.
