Introduction
Obtaining an MPA degree in Missouri can be a rewarding experience, given the state’s diverse political landscape and the range of job opportunities available in public administration at the state and local levels. Missouri is home to several universities offering Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, providing a range of options for students interested in pursuing careers in public service.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 9
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $8,486 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $24,000 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online, hybrid
- Average Starting Salary: $50,612
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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 Missouri
NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) accreditation is a prestigious designation for MPA programs, indicating that the program meets high standards of quality and has undergone rigorous evaluation.
NASPAA accreditation or affiliation can enhance the reputation and credibility of an MPA program, as it signifies that the program meets or exceeds established standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and program effectiveness. In Missouri, several MPA programs are NASPAA-accredited or have NASPAA-affiliated status, including the following three institutions:
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Columbia, MO.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
Truman School of Government & Public Affairs
Program Overview:
The University of Missouri’s online MPA is offered through Mizzou Online in the Truman School of Government & Public Affairs. It is a NASPAA-accredited program. The online MPA is designed for working professionals, allowing students to complete the degree fully online ‒ no campus visits required. The program uses 8-week courses, with students taking typically one course per session. The average online student completes the program in about two years.
Unique Components:
- Capstone & internship experience opportunity: Students with significant career experience may have the internship and/or capstone requirements mitigated or replaced (giving credit towards those) to reduce required coursework. This can lower cost and time.
- Accelerated & Modular Format: Courses are 8-weeks long, allowing more flexible pacing. Taking one class per 8-week session is common.
- Dual-master’s pairings: Mizzou offers dual degree options to combine the MPA with other degrees (e.g. MLIS; MPH with policy emphasis) using shared graduate credit.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Online Tuition: $551 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- The pricing is the same for all students regardless of residency (online tuition applies across the board) so out-of-state students have no extra surcharge for tuition.
- Students with substantial relevant experience could reduce the number of credits needed via credit toward internship or capstone, possibly lowering cost/time. Because of online delivery and modular (8-week) terms, this program is well suited for working professionals who need scheduling flexibility.
University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Kansas City, MO.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Program Overview:
The UMKC MPA is offered through the Henry W. Bloch School of Management in Kansas City, Missouri. It is the only NASPAA-accredited MPA in Kansas City and is oriented toward both early-career and working professionals. The program emphasizes experiential learning, policy analysis, public/nonprofit leadership, financial accountability, data analytics, and electives/specializations tailored to health leadership, nonprofit management & innovation, or urban policy & management. Students can take classes in-person or via online modalities.
Unique Components:
- Specialization / Certificate Tracks: Students can specialize in Health Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Innovation, or Urban Policy & Management, and/or earn graduate certificates aligned with those areas.
- Professional Competency Requirement: In addition to coursework, students must complete either an internship, a consulting project (PUB-ADM 5596), or approved study-abroad to fulfill a professional competency component.
- Flexible Admission & Joint Degree Options: UMKC offers joint degree options (e.g. J.D./MPA), and early admission paths for UMKC undergraduates (BBA/MPA; B.A./MPA) for students who begin MPA courses during their senior undergraduate year.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $538 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $946 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Experiential Learning / Real-World Engagement: Many courses include experiential components; strong local ties allow students to engage with the public / nonprofit sector in Kansas City through internships, consulting, or service learning.
- Workshop Series: non-credit workshops are required (e.g. writing, career development, public service trends) to deepen skills outside regular coursework.
University of Missouri – St. Louis
- St. Louis, MO.
- 40 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Administration and Public Policy
Program Overview:
The MPPA at UMSL (Master of Public Policy Administration) is a 40-credit hour graduate program delivered primarily in person, designed to develop managerial, analytic, and leadership skills for non-profit, governmental, and public policy sectors. The program blends core coursework in public administration and policy analysis with electives, emphasizing quantitative methods, policy research, and hands-on/internship experience. The program is NASPAA-accredited and is ranked in the top third of public affairs programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report, being the highest ranked in the St. Louis region.
Unique Components:
- Emphasis / Concentration Areas: Students may concentrate in Policy Research & Analysis, Local Government Management, or Nonprofit Organization Management & Leadership. There is also flexibility for individualized emphasis with faculty/advisor approval.
- Internship Requirement with Waiver Option: An internship is required. But students with significant public or nonprofit sector experience may request a waiver of the internship, replacing it with an elective (3 credit hours).
- Core Curriculum & Data / Analytical Emphasis: Includes coursework in policy analysis, economics for public policy, research/design methods, and governmental budgeting & financial control.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 40
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $614 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,460 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- UMSL’s MPPA has a strong regional reputation in St. Louis and engages with local governmental and nonprofit sectors, which may benefit those seeking local public service leadership roles.
- The program is relatively large in faculty: about 20 core faculty and adjunct instructors, providing both scholarly and practitioner perspectives.
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:
Non-Accredited Schools
Non-accredited MPA programs can also meet the needs of many students. Schools such as Missouri State University and Park University offer flexible formats, including online study, and emphasize applied learning through internships and community partnerships:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online |
| Missouri State University – Springfield | Springfield, MO | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online |
| Park University | Parkville, MO | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | NCACSHLC | 30 | On-Campus |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
Career Outlook
Job opportunities for MPA graduates in Missouri are plentiful, particularly in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms. With its diverse local governments and state agencies, Missouri offers a range of positions in public administration, including city managers, policy analysts, program managers, and budget analysts.
- Urban & Local Government Roles: The City of Kansas City employs Urban Planners to coordinate land use and community development initiatives.
- State Government Opportunities: In Jefferson City, graduates can serve as Legislative Research Analysts for the Missouri House of Representatives, assisting with bill analysis and policy evaluation.
- Public Health Administration: Jackson County hires professionals like Public Health Program Specialists to manage and evaluate health initiatives at the county level.
- Transportation & Infrastructure Policy: The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) employs Transportation Planners to work on long-term planning, policy, and environmental compliance.
- Nonprofit Management: Nonprofits throughout Missouri frequently seek leaders such as Program Managers and Grant Writers, with openings posted on sector-specific boards.
All MPA Programs in Missouri
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | Master Of Public Administration | Missouri | Springfield | No | No | https://www.missouristate.edu/PSP/MPA/default.htm |
| Park University | Master Of Public Administration | Missouri | Kansas City | Yes | No | https://www.park.edu/ |
| Saint Louis University | Master Of Public Administration | Missouri | St. Louis | No | No | https://www.slu.edu/arts-and-sciences/public-social-policy/index.php |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | Master Of Public Affairs | Missouri | Columbia | Yes | Yes | https://catalog.missouri.edu/collegeofartsandscience/publicaffairs/ |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Master Of Public Administration | Missouri | Kansas City | No | Yes | https://bloch.umkc.edu/graduate/mpa.html |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | Master Of Public Policy Administration | Missouri | St. Louis | No | Yes | https://www.umsl.edu/gradschool/ppa/index.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there online or hybrid MPA programs available in Missouri?
A: Yes. The University of Missouri–Columbia (Mizzou) offers a fully online MPA program, and other institutions provide hybrid formats. These flexible programs allow working professionals, including those in rural parts of Missouri, to pursue advanced training without relocating.
Q: How do Missouri MPA programs connect with state and local government?
A: With the state capital in Jefferson City and major metropolitan areas in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri programs offer diverse opportunities for applied learning. Students often engage in internships or capstone projects with state agencies, city governments, regional councils, and nonprofits throughout the state.
Q: Do MPA programs in Missouri have special strengths or focus areas?
A: Yes. The University of Missouri–St. Louis emphasizes metropolitan policy and urban governance, while UMKC focuses on nonprofit management and local government. Missouri State University also highlights public safety and emergency management as part of its curriculum.
Q: How do Missouri MPA programs support students interested in nonprofit leadership?
A: Nonprofit management is a major focus across the state, with St. Louis and Kansas City serving as nonprofit hubs. Courses in fundraising, program evaluation, and board governance prepare graduates to step into leadership roles in Missouri’s large and diverse nonprofit sector.
Q: What is the career outlook for MPA graduates in Missouri?
A: Graduates often find careers in city management, state policy, nonprofit leadership, and regional planning. Missouri’s central U.S. location also makes it a strong base for federal regional offices and national nonprofits, expanding employment opportunities.
Q: Are accelerated or dual-degree pathways available for Missouri students?
A: Yes. Several institutions, including Mizzou and UMKC, offer “4+1” tracks that let undergraduates complete both a bachelor’s degree and an MPA in about five years. Dual-degree options also exist, pairing the MPA with law, public health, or social work to broaden career pathways.