Introduction
Living in Nebraska while obtaining an MPA degree offers several positives for both entry-level and mid-career students. Nebraska boasts a lower cost of living compared to many other states, making it an affordable option for students. This is particularly beneficial for entry-level students who may be managing student loans or other financial obligations. Additionally, Nebraska is known for its friendly communities and welcoming atmosphere, providing a comfortable and supportive environment for students to live and study.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 2
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 1
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $7,600 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $15,300 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online, hybrid
- Average Starting Salary: $55,000 – $60,000
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Nebraska
Overall, NASPAA accreditation is highly beneficial to MPA students, as it enhances the value and recognition of their degree, providing them with a strong foundation for successful careers in public administration. The State of Nebraska has one institution with NASPAA accreditation for their MPA program:
University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Omaha, NE.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
College of Public Affairs & Community Service
Program Overview:
UNO’s NASPAA-accredited MPA sits in the College of Public Affairs & Community Service (CPACS), long recognized for top-tier public affairs education and practitioner ties in the region. The 39-credit curriculum blends a rigorous management core with flexible focus areas and a required applied capstone—designed for working professionals and pre-service students alike.
Why consider UNO? You get one of the nation’s earliest NASPAA-accredited MPAs (and the first NASPAA-accredited fully online MPA) taught by the same faculty on campus and online, plus strong pipelines to city/county governments, nonprofits, and state agencies across Nebraska and the Midwest.
Unique Components:
- Concentrations: Official concentrations in Public Management, Nonprofit Management, and Public & Social Policy; additional focus paths such as Local Government and Emergency Management are available through designated coursework.
- Internship pathway: PA 8030 Internship is strongly recommended for pre-service or career-changing students and counts as a 3-credit elective.
- Applied research ecosystem: Access to SPA hubs like the Digital Governance & Analytics Lab and the Nebraska State & Local Government Finance Lab for projects and data-driven learning.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus and online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Contingent on GPA
- Resident Tuition: $421 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $890 (PCH)
Other Considerations:
- Career building: SPA facilitates internships and networking across Nebraska municipalities, nonprofits, and state agencies; internships are integrated as elective credit.
- Professional development: Nebraska Certified Public Manager® program (CPM) runs through UNO SPA and can complement the MPA.
Non-Accredited Schools
While the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) offers the state’s only NASPAA-accredited MPA, other Nebraska schools are still worth a look. For students prioritizing cost, accessibility, or flexible pacing, non-NASPAA programs can provide the essential competencies in management, budgeting, HR, and policy analysis needed for local government, nonprofit, or administrative careers.
Wayne State College
- Wayne, NE.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Wayne State College offers a fully online, 36-credit MPA designed for working professionals seeking accessible, affordable preparation for leadership in public and nonprofit administration. The program emphasizes practical management, policy analysis, and budgeting/finance, while maintaining an open-access ethos—no GRE required, affordable tuition, and asynchronous course delivery. For students seeking a flexible, low-cost online MPA in the Midwest (with regional accreditation through HLC), WSC is an appealing option, especially for those balancing career and graduate study.
Unique Components:
- Fully online, open-access design: “No entrance exams,” “100% online,” and “no campus visits required,” with frequent start dates to fit work schedules.
- Public Affairs focus (18 cr): Examples include Public Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation, Public Policy, Public Administration & Management, State & Local Politics, plus the Thesis/Project/Internship (6 cr) option.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Accreditation: HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Online Tuition: $380 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
Other Considerations:
- Career pathways include local/state government management, nonprofit administration, healthcare administration, and community development roles across Nebraska and surrounding states.
- While not NASPAA-accredited, the program’s regional accreditation, low tuition, and fully online model make it attractive for cost-conscious or location-bound students.
Career Outlook
In Nebraska, MPA graduates can pursue unique careers that reflect the state’s specific needs and characteristics. Some of these careers include:
- Rural Development Specialist: Nebraska’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, and rural development specialists play a key role in supporting and promoting economic development in rural areas. These professionals work to identify opportunities for growth, secure funding for projects, and implement programs that benefit rural communities.
- Water Policy Analyst: Water management is a critical issue in Nebraska, which relies heavily on irrigation for agriculture. Water policy analysts work to develop and implement policies that ensure sustainable water use, protect water quality, and address issues such as drought and flooding.
- Natural Resources Manager: Nebraska’s natural resources, including its forests, grasslands, and wildlife, require careful management and conservation. Natural resources managers work to protect and preserve these resources, often collaborating with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners.
- Community Health Planner: Improving access to healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles are priorities in Nebraska. Community health planners work to develop and implement programs that address these issues, focusing on preventive care, health education, and access to services.
- State Government Analyst: Nebraska’s state government employs a range of analysts to help develop and evaluate public policies. These analysts may specialize in areas such as education, transportation, or fiscal policy, providing valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers.
Overall, Nebraska offers a range of unique career opportunities for MPA graduates, particularly in areas related to agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. By leveraging their skills and knowledge, MPA graduates can make a meaningful impact on the state’s communities and economy.
All MPA Programs in Nebraska
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | Master Of Public Administration | Nebraska | Omaha | Yes | Yes | https://catalog.unomaha.edu/graduate/degree-programs-certificates-minors/public-administration/mpa/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many MPA programs are available in Nebraska?
A: Nebraska has two graduate-level public administration options: the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) MPA, which is NASPAA-accredited, and Wayne State College’s MSOM in Public Affairs, which is regionally accredited but not NASPAA-accredited.
Q: Is there a fully online MPA option in Nebraska?
A: Yes. UNO offers a fully online NASPAA-accredited MPA, taught by the same faculty as on campus. Wayne State College also offers a 100% online MSOM–Public Affairs, which is HLC-accredited but not NASPAA-accredited.
Q: What makes Nebraska’s MPA programs unique?
A: UNO was the first NASPAA-accredited fully online MPA program in the U.S., and Wayne State emphasizes low tuition and accessibility. Together, they give Nebraska students both a top-ranked flagship program and a low-cost, open-access option.
Q: What kinds of careers can MPA graduates pursue in Nebraska?
A: Graduates often enter state and local government, nonprofit leadership, rural development, water policy, healthcare planning, and natural resources management, reflecting Nebraska’s rural economy and policy priorities.
Q: How affordable are MPA programs in Nebraska?
A: Wayne State’s online MSOM–Public Affairs is one of the most affordable graduate degrees in the Midwest (≈$14,800 total). UNO’s MPA costs more but offers national recognition and NASPAA accreditation.
Q: Do Nebraska MPA programs require the GRE?
A: Neither UNO nor Wayne State requires the GRE for admission, making both accessible to working professionals.
