Introduction
Overall, Nevada offers a compelling backdrop for pursuing an MPA degree, with its blend of urban excitement, natural beauty, and career opportunities in public administration. The state’s vibrant culture, diverse recreational opportunities, and efficient governance make it an appealing destination for prospective MPA students seeking a dynamic and enriching academic experience.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 2
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 1
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $6,400 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $25,100 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus (evening, weekends)
- Average Starting Salary: $65,000 – $82,000
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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 Nevada
Beyond just the State of Nevada, the NASPAA accreditation is recognized worldwide as a mark of quality in public administration education. This can be particularly important for students who may seek employment or further education internationally, as it provides assurance of the program’s quality and relevance on a global scale.
Graduating from a NASPAA-accredited program can enhance a student’s career prospects by signaling to employers that they have received a high-quality education that has prepared them for success in the field of public administration. The State of Nevada has one institution that has an accredited NASPAA MPA program:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, NV.
- 36-39 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UNLV’s NASPAA-accredited MPA pairs applied, community-focused training with flexible delivery built for working professionals. Students choose between Public Administration or Nonprofit Management while building core competencies and executing an applied, two-semester capstone for real clients—strong reasons to consider UNLV if you want career traction in the rapidly growing Southern Nevada public and nonprofit ecosystem.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Minimum 36 credits (39 with internship for pre-service students); culminating experience is a two-course applied sequence—PUA 725 (Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation) followed by PUA 729 (MPA Capstone)—plus a professional e-portfolio.
- Real-World Experience: Team-based capstone projects span two consecutive semesters, working with stakeholders on applied research that benefits Southern Nevada communities.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus and hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCCU
- Credit Hours: 36-39
- GRE: Contingent on GPA
- Resident Tuition: $353 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $388 (PCH)
Other Considerations:
- The program emphasizes applied service learning and practical skills aligned to regional needs (governance, evaluation, analytics).
- Pi Alpha Alpha honor society chapter recognizes top academic performers.
Non-Accredited Schools
Nevada’s non-NASPAA options can be smart choices if you want evening/online pacing, affordable tuition, or curricula tuned to growth management, water in arid environments, tourism/hospitality governance, emergency management, and economic diversification. Most are regionally accredited and lean on applied capstones with city/county, state, or regional partners in Las Vegas/Clark County, Reno/Sparks, and Carson City:
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, NV.
- 30 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UNR’s MPA is a lean, coursework-only, 30-credit degree built for working professionals—core classes are typically scheduled 4:30 p.m. or later—and it emphasizes practical management and policy skills without a thesis or comprehensive exam. If you want a face-to-face program rooted in the governance needs of Northern Nevada (Reno–Sparks, nearby Carson City, and state agencies), UNR’s in-person model and small-cohort mentoring make a strong, affordable choice.
Unique Components:
- Degree Structure: Streamlined coursework-only MPA—no thesis, no comprehensive exam—completed by taking core and elective courses aligned to administrative and policy competencies.
- Scheduling for Working Adults: Core classes generally meet late-afternoon/evening to fit full-time work schedules.
- Accelerated Pathway: An Accelerated B.A./MPA option lets qualified UNR undergrads double-count graduate credits and finish faster.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus only
- Accreditation: NCCU
- Credit Hours: 30
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $353.50 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $736.75 (PCH)
Other Considerations:
- While there’s no required capstone or internship, the evening schedule and local proximity to city, county, and state agencies support employed/staffer students and applied projects through coursework.
- Each student is assigned an advisor and completes a formal Program of Study early to map an efficient path to graduation.
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:
Career Outlook
A recent MPA graduate in Nevada could find job opportunities in various sectors, including state and local government, non-profit organizations, and private sector firms that work closely with government agencies. Here are some unique job opportunities or examples specific to Nevada:
- Gaming Policy Analyst: Nevada’s gaming industry is the largest in the United States, making it a hub for gaming policy development and analysis. A gaming policy analyst would work to ensure compliance with state gaming regulations and may be involved in shaping new policies related to the industry.
- Water Rights Specialist: Nevada faces unique challenges regarding water rights and management due to its arid climate and growing population. A water rights specialist would work to manage and allocate water resources, navigate legal issues related to water rights, and develop sustainable water policies.
- Mining Permit Coordinator: Nevada is a major mining state, particularly for gold and silver. A mining permit coordinator would work with state agencies and mining companies to navigate the complex process of obtaining and managing mining permits, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Wildfire Prevention and Management Specialist: Nevada’s dry climate and extensive wildlands create a need for specialists in wildfire prevention and management. This role would involve developing and implementing strategies to reduce the risk of wildfires and coordinating responses to wildfires when they occur.
- Renewable Energy Policy Analyst: Nevada is a leader in renewable energy, particularly solar energy. A renewable energy policy analyst would work on developing and implementing policies to promote renewable energy development and sustainability.
- Outdoor Recreation Planner: Nevada’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and lakes, make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. An outdoor recreation planner would work to develop and manage recreational opportunities while preserving natural resources.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Liaison: Nevada has vast expanses of public land managed by the BLM. A BLM liaison would work to coordinate between state and federal agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to manage these lands effectively.
These are just a few examples of unique job opportunities in Nevada that a recent MPA graduate might consider. Each of these roles plays a crucial role in addressing the state’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which universities in Nevada offer an MPA?
A: University of Nevada, Reno and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Q: Are online or hybrid formats available?
A: Yes—both programs offer on-campus delivery with hybrid/online course options.
Q: What policy areas are most active?
A: Growth management and housing, water resources, tourism and hospitality governance, emergency management, and economic diversification.
Q: Where are internships and entry-level jobs?
A: State agencies in Carson City, city/county governments in Las Vegas and Reno/Sparks, regional planning bodies, and nonprofits.
Q: What skills help me stand out?
A: Budgeting, performance management, grants/compliance, data tools (Excel/Tableau/GIS), and stakeholder facilitation.
