Introduction
Minnesota has a strong tradition of civic engagement and a well-established public sector, providing ample opportunities for MPA graduates to contribute to policy-making and public administration. The state is known for its progressive policies and active government involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental conservation, offering a dynamic environment for MPA graduates to make a difference.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 5
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 2
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $13,000 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $22,000 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online, hybrid, accelerated
- Average Starting Salary: $62,000
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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 Minnesota
Overall, obtaining an MPA degree in Minnesota can provide a rich and fulfilling experience, both professionally and personally, with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society and enjoy a high quality of life. There are five institutions that offer MPA degrees, while two are NASPAA-accredited. An overview of the two accredited MPA programs in Minnesota can be found here:
Minnesota State University – Mankato
- Mankato, MN.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Public Administration and Community Management (MPACM)
Program Overview:
The MPACM program at Minnesota State University, Mankato takes a multidisciplinary, values-driven approach to public service education, melding theory and applied skills across urban and regional contexts. It is NASPAA-accredited, ensuring compliance with national standards in public administration education, ethics, equity, and leadership.
Located within the Urban & Regional Studies Institute, the program equips graduates for leadership in local governance, nonprofits, or candidacy for Ph.D. study—all within a highly supportive, medium-sized university environment.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum blends foundational public administration theory with a local/regional lens, integrating internship experiences (minimum 300 hours) unless waived for those already in relevant full-time roles.
- Student Resources: It’s housed in a right-sized university setting, offering the advantages of close faculty interaction and flexibility in coursework, while drawing on cutting-edge urban and regional research through university-wide institutes such as the Urban & Regional Studies Institute.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $510 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $765 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: 31 students
Other Considerations:
- Students can enhance their credentials with a Graduate Certificate in Public Management, ideal for those focusing on local government leadership or seeking stackable credentials.
- University-wide, MSU’s focus on urban and regional development, evidenced through interdisciplinary centers and applied research, underscores MPACM’s emphasis on practical, community-responsive public administration.
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN.
- 30 Credit Hours
- Workshop + Online
Program:
Master of Public Affairs (Mid-Career)
Program Overview:
The Humphrey School’s Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program is nationally recognized—cited among the top professional public policy and planning schools in the U.S. Designed for seasoned professionals, the program offers a cohort-based, mid-career format focused on leadership development, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving through a unique blended model with intensive on-campus workshops and online coursework.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: The program includes a 30-credit curriculum, composed of 12 common core credits, 14 self-designed elective credits tailored with faculty advising, and a 4-credit capstone workshop that emphasizes applied teamwork and strategic policymaking.
- Class Formatting: Students benefit from a blended delivery format- intensive in-person sessions (e.g., three-day August initiation, followed by monthly Friday/Saturday sessions) combined with online coursework, fostering high-touch peer and faculty engagement.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Blended (workshop/online)
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 30
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $1,601 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $2,539 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Enrollment: 177 students per year
Other Considerations:
- The program welcomes experienced professionals with at least 10 years of post-baccalaureate experience, enabling them to build on practical insights and drive impact-focused learning.
- The program enrolls a diverse cohort: 53% female, 72% Minnesota residents, 11% international students, with an average age of 31, reflecting a matured professional student body.
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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:
Accreditation Details
NASPAA accreditation ensures that the MPA program meets high standards of quality in curriculum, faculty expertise, student services, and administrative support. Accredited programs undergo rigorous review processes to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in public affairs education.
Non-Accredited Schools
While NASPAA accreditation is the gold standard for MPA programs across the United States, other programs still offer a high quality education and often follow NASPAA requirements and standards.
In addition, accreditation by NCACSHLC is a requirement for eligibility to participate in federal programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the Federal Student Aid program. Students enrolled in accredited programs may have access to federal financial aid and scholarship opportunities. An overview of the remaining non-accredited MPA programs in Minnesota can be found here:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN | NCACSHLC | 40 | Online/On- Campus |
| St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud, MN | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | NCACSHLC | 48 | Online |
Career Outlook
With an MPA degree in Minnesota, you can pursue various unique career paths tailored to the state’s needs and characteristics. Minnesota boasts various opportunities, especially in the environmental, parks, and local government sectors. Here are some options:
- Policy Analyst for Rural Development:Minnesota has a significant rural population, and policy analysts focused on rural development can work to improve infrastructure, healthcare access, and economic opportunities in rural areas.
- Environmental Policy Specialist: Given Minnesota’s commitment to environmental conservation, specialists in this field can work on developing and implementing policies related to clean energy, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
- Tribal Affairs Liaison: Minnesota is home to several Native American tribes. A liaison role involves working with tribal governments on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development, respecting tribal sovereignty.
- Community Health Planner: With a focus on public health, these professionals work to develop and implement health programs tailored to the diverse communities in Minnesota, addressing issues like healthcare access and health disparities.
- Civic Engagement Coordinator: Minnesota has a strong tradition of civic engagement. Coordinators can work to increase voter participation, community involvement, and public awareness of government initiatives.
- Land Use Planner: Given Minnesota’s vast natural resources and urban areas, land use planners play a crucial role in developing sustainable land use policies that balance economic development with environmental conservation.
All MPA Programs in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are GRE scores required for MPA admission in Minnesota?
A: No, most programs- including those at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University, Mankato- do not require the GRE.
Q: What makes Minnesota’s MPA programs unique?
A: Minnesota’s programs emphasize equity, community engagement, and progressive public policy, often offering dual degrees in urban planning, social work, or public health.
Q: Are there NASPAA-accredited options?
A: Yes. The Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota and MSU Mankato both hold NASPAA accreditation.
Q: Can I work while enrolled?
A: Absolutely. Most Minnesota programs offer evening, hybrid, or fully online options to support working professionals in the Twin Cities metro and across the state.
