Masters in Public Administration Programs in Connecticut

Public administration is in demand in the state of Connecticut because this New England state has an extensive state and local government system that manages public functions. Public administrators are problem-solvers who meet complicated challenges in serving the public good. In Connecticut, some positions available to those with a master’s in public administration include management analyst, human resources manager, finance director, and economic development administrator. With over a dozen state agencies and 169 towns, the job outlook for public administrators is bright in Connecticut. For example, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor, human resources manager jobs should increase by more than 13% by 2030. Thankfully, the state of Connecticut 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 Connecticut

There are 6 master’s in public administration or public policy programs offered by colleges and universities in the state of Connecticut. This includes both online and campus-based programs. In Connecticut, five MPA programs are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), while one is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). 

The NASPAA-accredited MPA programs based in Connecticut will be discussed in the following section of the article, but first, here’s a quick overview of the non-NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of Connecticut.

NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut has one NASPAA-accredited program. 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’s an overview of the University of Connecticut’s MPA program – the only NASPAA-accredited program in the state of Connecticut.

Online Masters in Public Administration Programs in Connecticut

There are four online MPA programs in the state of Connecticut. The 100% online MPA programs include those offered by Albertus Magnus College, Fairfield University, Post University, and the University of New Haven.

Accelerated MPA Programs in Connecticut

For many professionals with big plans, time is of the essence. Luckily, the state of Connecticut has several accelerated MPA programs. These include the Master of Public Administration programs offered by Albertus Magnus College, as well as the Master of Arts in Public Policy program at Trinity College. Students in these accelerated programs can graduate in as little as one to one and a half years.

Affordable Masters in Public Administration Programs in Connecticut

In terms of affordability, the most affordable MPA program in the state of Connecticut is the one offered by Post University at $22,163 for the entire tuition. Other relatively affordable programs include those offered by Trinity College and Franklin College.

No GRE Required Masters in Public Administration Programs in Connecticut

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools across the United States. None of the MPA programs in the state of Connecticut require applicants to take the GRE as a condition for admission. So, applicants to the MPA programs at Albertus Magnus College, Post University, Trinity College, Franklin College, the University of Connecticut, and the University of New Haven do not have to submit GRE scores.

All MPA Programs in Connecticut

School Name	Degree Program Name	State	City	NASPAA Accredited	Online Degree	Program Link
Post University	Master Of Public Administration	Connecticut	Waterbury	No	No	https://post.edu/
University of Connecticut	Master Of Public Administration	Connecticut	Storrs	No	Yes	https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/mpa/
University of Connecticut	Master Of Public Policy	Connecticut	Storrs	No	No	https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/mpp/
University of New Haven	Master Of Public Administration	Connecticut	West Haven	No	No	https://online.newhaven.edu/master-of-public-administration/

What Types of Careers Can I Pursue with an MPA Degree in Connecticut?

With an extensive public administration system and a vast network of thousands of nonprofit organizations, a place like the state of Connecticut needs administrators to help run its burgeoning public and charity sectors. Public administration specialists are integral parts of the human infrastructure that allows Connecticut to 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 Connecticut:

CAREER	MEDIAN SALARY IN CONNECTICUT
Budget Analyst	$69,159
City Manager	$93,475
Healthcare Administrator	$91,826
Policy Analyst	$69,877
Finance Director	$210,252