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.
Albertus Magnus College
- New Haven, CT
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online or hybrid format at the New Haven campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs $35,208. This does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Albertus Magnus College Master of Public Administration degree program offers flexibility that suits the needs of working professionals seeking careers working for nonprofits and government agencies. Students learn to lead, implement policy, and improve efficiency in public institutions.
Fairfield University
- Fairfield, CT
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: The entire program costs $33,660. This does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
Fairfield University’s MPA program is designed to empower students with the administrative acumen and leadership skills necessary for successful public service careers. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting actual organizations through Fairfield’s Center for Social Impact.
Post University
- Waterbury, CT
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 37 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: Tuition for the entire program is approximately $22,163, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
Students in the MPA program at Post University take coursework that trains them in critical decision-making skills. A unique feature of this program is that students take a combination of public administration and business courses through the MBA program. Students can also choose a concentration, such as Emergency Management.
Trinity College
- Hartford, CT
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Public Policy
10 Course Credits
In-person at the Hartford campus.
Tuition: $3,300/course credit for 10-course credits is approximately $33,000 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Master of Arts in Public Policy program at Trinity College prepares students to analyze important policy issues. The program’s core courses provide a foundation in normative and empirical analysis, while elective courses and a capstone policy practicum focus on applied specialization.
University of New Haven
- West Haven, CT
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: $1,055/credit hour for 36 credit hours is approximately $37,980 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at the University of New Haven is geared towards working professionals with its flexible online format. Students can choose from one of six concentrations: Public Safety, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, General Concentration, Nonprofit Management, Municipal Management, or Public Financial Management.
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.
The University of Connecticut
- Hartford, CT
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 42 Hours
In-person at the Hartford campus.
Tuition:
For Connecticut residents, tuition is about $43,974 for the entire program, and for non-residents, it is $95,088, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The UConn MPA program is highly regarded nationally. Students gain a solid academic foundation through core courses and develop professional expertise in their chosen focus area. The Internship in Professional Practice program at UConn provides students a full-year tuition scholarship and a paid internship with a top Connecticut municipality, state agency, or nonprofit organization.
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 |
