Introduction
In terms of educational and professional opportunities, Montana boasts a thriving academic scene, with institutions like the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman offering a range of graduate programs and research opportunities. Overall, Montana offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities, educational and professional resources, and cultural experiences, making it an appealing destination for prospective MPA students looking for a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 2
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 1
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $12,000 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $16,000 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: Online campus, online
- Average Starting Salary: $58,000
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Montana
Montana’s scenic living environments and attractive recreational opportunities make the state a great place to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. The state has two educational institutions that offer MPA degrees, one of which is accredited by NASPAA. An overview of these two programs can be found here:
University of Montana
- Missoula, MT.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Situated within the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, the University of Montana’s MPA is the only NASPAA-accredited program in the state and one of very few housed in a law school nationwide.
This unique structure enhances interdisciplinary understanding of public law, ethics, and governance, equipping students for roles in diverse public and nonprofit sectors. The program is consistently recognized for its affordability, personalized mentorship, and applied learning model, offering both in-person and online formats to serve both pre‑service and mid‑career professionals effectively.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Students complete a 36‑credit curriculum culminating in a portfolio project with oral exit review, showcasing competency in policy analysis, ethics, management, and leadership.
- Experience: A culture of diversity and inclusion is emphasized through recruitment and community engagement; the program serves multiple Tribal nations and supports flexible online/in-person access across Montana.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NWCCU
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $10,032 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $37,588 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A (10,000 total)
Other Considerations:
- Content-extensive yet affordable: UM’s online MPA ranked among the top 20 most affordable in the nation in prior rankings, while maintaining personalized faculty-student engagement.
- The school fosters applied learning via initiatives like the Big Sky and Social Science Research Lab, integrating MPA and business analytics students in public policy simulations.
- Its location in Missoula, home to the state’s flagship research university, offers access to rich resources such as the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library and the broader UM faculty network, enhancing academic support and community collaboration.
Montana State University
- Bozeman, MT.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Hosted in MSU’s Department of Political Science, the MPA program is known for its emphasis on small, in-person classes that allow for deeper interaction between faculty and students, setting it apart from larger programs. Its close-knit learning community, practical curriculum, and location in a research-intensive, land-grant university contribute to strong graduate outcomes.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Offers a 36-credit curriculum structured to prepare pre-service and mid-career professionals for supervisory, analytical, and policymaking roles across public and nonprofit organizations.
- Research: Benefits from MSU’s R1 research status and institutional support—a significant advantage for public administration students. Emphasizes hands-on learning and engagement with local and state organizations for professional readiness.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus (evening)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $20,840 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $45,419 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 82% – 87%
- Enrollment: N/A (2,091 total)
Other Considerations:
- Rolling admissions with fall and spring start dates; applicants seeking assistantships should apply by respective deadlines.
- Students are supported through MSU’s Graduate School, writing center, and access to rich research resources and labs.
Accreditation Details
NASPAA, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, is a global accrediting body for MPA programs. For MPA students, NASPAA accreditation signifies that their program meets high standards of quality and rigor, ensuring that they receive a comprehensive and valuable education. The University of Montana’s MPA program is accredited by NASPAA.
Career Outlook
Graduates in Montana have the chance to work in roles that are specific to the state’s characteristics and needs. These jobs often involve managing the state’s natural resources, addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas, and working closely with tribal communities. Here are some unique job opportunities that MPA graduates should consider in Montana:
- State Park Manager: Montana’s vast and diverse landscapes, including numerous state parks, offer a unique opportunity for MPA graduates to manage and oversee these natural treasures. State park managers are responsible for the daily operations of the parks, including maintenance, visitor services, and conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Biologist: With its rich wildlife and conservation efforts, Montana provides a unique setting for MPA graduates interested in wildlife biology. Wildlife biologists in Montana work to conserve and manage the state’s diverse wildlife populations, conducting research, implementing conservation programs, and monitoring wildlife habitats.
- Tribal Affairs Coordinator: Montana is home to several Native American tribes, each with its own unique culture and governance structure. MPA graduates can work as tribal affairs coordinators, serving as a liaison between tribal governments and state or federal agencies, advocating for tribal rights, and promoting tribal sovereignty.
- Rural Health Administrator: Montana’s rural communities face unique healthcare challenges, including access to healthcare services and healthcare workforce shortages. MPA graduates can work as rural health administrators, overseeing healthcare facilities, implementing public health programs, and addressing the healthcare needs of rural populations.
- Natural Resource Policy Analyst: Given Montana’s abundance of natural resources, including forests, minerals, and waterways, there is a need for policy analysts who can develop and implement sustainable natural resource management policies. MPA graduates in this role would analyze and evaluate policies, collaborate with stakeholders, and recommend strategies for natural resource conservation and management.
All MPA Programs in Montana
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Montana | Master Of Public Administration | Montana | Missoula | Yes | Yes | https://www.umt.edu/law/mpa/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there a NASPAA-accredited MPA program in Montana?
A: Yes. The University of Montana offers the state’s only NASPAA-accredited MPA program.
Q: Can I earn the degree online?
A: Yes. The University of Montana offers a fully online MPA program with asynchronous flexibility, ideal for rural students and working adults.
Q: Are there concentrations or certificates available?
A: Students can specialize in public health, nonprofit administration, or natural resource policy through elective options or graduate certificates.
Q: What types of roles do graduates pursue?
A: MPA graduates often work in environmental policy, tribal government administration, rural development, and emergency management across Montana’s state and local agencies.
