Introduction
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. The State of Louisiana offers several Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs that provide students with opportunities to develop skills in public administration and policy analysis.
Aspiring students exploring MPA programs in Louisiana have several choices. The State of Louisiana hosts Public Administration Masters programs at five different public and private educational institutions.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 5
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 4
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $9,800 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $18,400 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus (evenings and weekends), online
- Average Starting Salary: $45,000 – $60,000
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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:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Louisiana
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, four institutions in Louisiana hold NASPAA accreditation for their MPA programs, demonstrating their commitment to quality education and industry standards. The following is an overview of the four NASPAA-accredited institutions in Louisiana. Tuition estimates are calculated on a per credit hour basis:
Grambling State University
- Grambling, LA.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Grambling State University’s NASPAA-accredited MPA prepares students for leadership across government, nonprofit, and international sectors. The program emphasizes both administrative theory and practical skills like budgeting, HR, and policy analysis, while centering GSU’s historic mission as an HBCU with a strong tradition of producing public-service leaders. Students benefit from small cohorts, faculty mentorship, and a focus on community impact and equity.
Unique Components:
- HBCU leadership tradition: As part of the University of Louisiana System, GSU connects students with a strong alumni base in public service and nonprofit leadership.
- Internship opportunities: Pre-service students can complete internships with Louisiana state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits, while in-service students can waive this requirement with relevant experience.
- Community orientation: Coursework highlights social equity, cultural competency, and community engagement, aligned with GSU’s mission to serve diverse populations.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Contingent on GPA
- Resident Tuition: $5,500 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $11,000 (PYR)
Other Considerations:
- Core courses include Public Administration Theory, Research Methods, Public Budgeting, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Administrative Law, Policy Analysis, and Ethics.
- Affordable tuition compared to national averages makes GSU a strong choice for cost-conscious students seeking a NASPAA-accredited, HBCU experience. Strong placement of graduates in Louisiana state government, city/parish governments, nonprofits, and HBCU higher ed administration.
Louisiana State University
- Baton Rouge, LA.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
LSU’s NASPAA-accredited MPA is a 36-credit, cohort-flexible program housed in the Department of Public Administration. It combines analytical rigor with a focus on practical management skills, preparing graduates for leadership in Louisiana’s state government, nonprofits, and national agencies. Students can complete the degree on campus or fully online through LSU Online, making it one of the most accessible flagship MPAs in the South.
Unique Components:
- Dual modalities: Choose between on-campus MPA (traditional, customizable schedule) and LSU Online MPA (asynchronous, flexible pacing). Both carry NASPAA accreditation.
- Capstone requirement: Students complete PADM 7900: Capstone in Public Administration, producing a professional portfolio that integrates management, policy, and analytical skills.
- Professional network: Located in Louisiana’s capital, LSU students have direct internship access to state agencies, legislative offices, and Baton Rouge-area nonprofits.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus and online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $11,954 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $28,613 (PYR)
Other Considerations:
- LSU is Louisiana’s flagship public university and positions its MPA as both a state-level leadership pipeline and a nationally competitive degree
- LSU Online provides flexibility for working adults or those outside Baton Rouge while keeping the same NASPAA standards.
Southern University and A&M College
- Baton Rouge, LA.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The MPA at Southern University and A&M College (SUBR) is a NASPAA-accredited, 36-credit, evenings-based program delivered through the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences in Baton Rouge. With a strong focus on leadership, social equity, and practical administration, the MPA is structured for working adults with classes typically scheduled from 6 pm to 8:50 pm, Monday through Thursday, plus dedicated time for research.
Unique Components:
- Program Structure & Delivery: The curriculum includes 21 core credits, 9 elective/specialization credits, a 3-credit internship, and a 3-credit capstone research project, all delivered in a traditional, in-person format with online components as needed.
- Concentration Options: Elective spaces allow students to specialize in areas such as Economics, Healthcare, Non-Profit Management, or Public Policy.
- Dual Degree Availability: SUBR offers a J.D./MPA dual degree in partnership with the Southern University Law Center—a total of 120 credit hours (84 in law, 36 in public administration).
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus (evening)
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $1,262 (PCL)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $2,766 (PCL)
Other Considerations:
- As an HBCU, SUBR embeds a tradition of equity-centered leadership, leveraging a historical mission of educating public service professionals for diverse communities.
- The MPA prepares students to address local, state, or global challenges, including public health, transportation, poverty, and social justice—aligned explicitly with the program’s mission.
University of New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus + Online
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UNO’s MPA is a NASPAA-accredited, 36-credit degree housed in the Department of Political Science. It offers flexible, practitioner-friendly learning for working professionals—courses combine evening in-person sessions with online flexibility. With specialties in Nonprofit Leadership, Hazard Policy, and Transportation Administration, the program prepares students for leadership in public service across government and nonprofit sectors, particularly those serving Greater New Orleans.
Unique Components:
- Specializations & Flexibility: Official concentrations include Nonprofit Leadership and Hazard Policy, with options to tailor other specializations through elective courses.
- Hybrid Delivery Model: UNO combines in-person evening sessions with online participation, accommodating working students and fostering peer/network connections.
- Accelerated Pathways: Eligible undergraduates in Political Science or Interdisciplinary Studies can begin MPA coursework early, earning shared credits to expedite graduation.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Hybrid (online, evenings)
- Accreditation: NASPAA, SACS
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $9,108 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $13,678 (PYR)
Other Considerations:
- Instruction is delivered by faculty engaged in public service and partnered with local agencies, emphasizing leadership and real-world practice.
- UNO’s MPA is ranked among top programs by U.S. News & World Report and serves a dynamic, diverse urban setting.
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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:
Non-Accredited Schools
In Louisiana, non-NASPAA master’s programs can still be strong choices if they offer evening/online access, lower cost, and deep ties to coastal resilience, hurricane and flood recovery, ports/logistics, water/wastewater, and public health. Regionally accredited programs with capstones and internships linked to state/parish agencies, levee districts, and port authorities deliver practical value.
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | SACSCC | 36 | Online |
Career Outlook
Graduates with a Master of Public Administration in Louisiana have diverse career opportunities shaped by the state’s unique administrative landscape. Baton Rouge, the capital, is a focal point for state government roles, offering positions such as policy analysts, program managers, and administrative leaders:
- City Manager or Administrator: City managers or administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of a city, ensuring efficient delivery of public services, implementing policies, and managing budgets. Graduates may find opportunities in cities like Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or Lafayette.
- Policy Analyst for State Government: Working in the state government, MPA graduates can analyze and evaluate policies, providing insights to policymakers. Positions may be available within state agencies in Baton Rouge.
- Emergency Management Specialist: Given Louisiana’s vulnerability to natural disasters, graduates may work as emergency management specialists, coordinating disaster response and preparedness efforts at the state or local level.
- Grant Writer for Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits across the state, including those in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Alexandria, often seek skilled grant writers to secure funding for their programs and initiatives.
- Environmental Policy Specialist in State Agencies: Graduates may contribute to environmental conservation and policy development by working for state agencies focusing on environmental protection and management.
- Community Development Specialist: In cities like New Orleans, community development specialists may work on projects related to housing, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization.
- Higher Education Administrator: Louisiana’s universities and colleges, such as LSU and the University of New Orleans, may have administrative positions for MPA graduates, overseeing departments or managing institutional policies.
- Budget Analyst in Government Agencies: Graduates can work as budget analysts, reviewing financial data, preparing budget reports, and assisting in fiscal planning for various government agencies.
- Transportation Planner in Metropolitan Planning Organizations: MPA graduates can contribute to urban planning and transportation development by working in MPOs, such as the Regional Planning Commission in New Orleans.
All MPA Programs in Louisiana
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grambling State University | Master Of Public Administration | Louisiana | Grambling | No | Yes | https://www.gram.edu/academics/majors/arts-and-sciences/poli-sci/mpa/ |
| Louisiana State University | Master Of Public Administration | Louisiana | Baton Rouge | Yes | Yes | https://www.lsu.edu/business/public-administration/master-public-administration.php |
| Southern University and A&M College | Master Of Public Administration | Louisiana | Baton Rouge | No | Yes | https://www.subr.edu/page/masters-of-public-administration |
| University of New Orleans | Master Of Public Administration | Louisiana | New Orleans | No | Yes | https://www.uno.edu/academics/colaehd/la/political-science/mpa |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Master Of Public Administration | Louisiana | Monroe | Yes | No | https://www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/m_pa.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do programs engage the Coastal Master Plan and CPRA—are there capstones on restoration or flood risk?
A: Yes—students model marsh creation or surge risk, build cost-benefit cases, and brief local sponsors on project selection.
Q: What preparation is offered for hurricane/emergency management with GOHSEP, parishes, and levee districts?
A: Expect ICS/NIMS training, tabletop exercises, and recovery finance modules that mirror real activation and reimbursement.
Q: Can I do applied work with CDBG-DR, HMGP/BRIC, or NFIP (Risk Rating 2.0)?
A: Capstones often support grant strategy and compliance for mitigation, buyouts, and elevation projects in vulnerable communities.
Q: How are parish governance structures taught (police juries, home-rule charters)?
A: Management and law courses unpack parish authorities, dedicated revenues, and procurement/audit requirements through case studies.
Q: Are internships available with ports/logistics on the Mississippi river?
A: Yes—students analyze supply-chain resilience, dredging economics, and port security/continuity planning.
