Introduction
Obtaining an MPA degree in New Jersey can be a rewarding choice for several reasons. New Jersey offers a unique blend of urban and suburban environments, providing a diverse range of experiences. The state is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with theaters, museums, and historical sites. It’s also close to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia, offering easy access to even more cultural and recreational opportunities.
New Jersey is home to several reputable Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, offering a range of specializations and flexible formats to accommodate diverse student needs. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in public service and administration roles.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 8
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $9,912 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $16,332 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online, hybrid
- Average Starting Salary: $75,229
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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 New Jersey
When searching for an MPA program in New Jersey, students should strongly consider looking for schools accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and relevance in public service education.
An overview of the 4 NASPAA-accredited programs- including admission requirements, tuition costs, and credit hour requirements- in the State of New Jersey can be found here:
Rutgers University – Camden
- Camden, NJ.
- 30-42 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid + Online
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The Rutgers-Camden MPA and Executive MPA (EMPA) programs are administered by the Department of Public Policy and Administration. They prepare public service managers to lead in government and nonprofit sectors, emphasizing skills like data analytics, financial management, leadership, and information technology. The programs offer flexible delivery (evening, hybrid, online, and Saturday cohorts) to accommodate working professionals.
Unique Components:
- Different program tracks: A 42-credit traditional MPA (14 classes) for full- or part-time students; and a 30-credit EMPA for mid-career professionals with ≥ 5 years of relevant experience. EMPA is cohort-based and uses hybrid formats including Saturday morning classes and a summer residency.
- Specializations: Two main specialization options for the MPA: Public & Nonprofit Management and Community Development.
- Accelerated & Dual-Degree Options: A BA/MPA accelerated option for qualified undergraduates lets students count some graduate courses early; dual JD/MPA is available, with overlap in credits.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 30-42
- GRE: Contingent on experience
- Resident Tuition: $9,912 (PSR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $16,332 (PSR)
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Funding opportunities are available through the University, Graduate School, and the Department.
- The EMPA is highly selective, designed for professionals, provides some credit (up to 12 credits) for professional experience.
Rutgers University – Newark
- Newark, NJ.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Rutgers–Newark School of Public Affairs & Administration
Program Overview:
The Rutgers–Newark School of Public Affairs & Administration (SPAA) offers a 42-credit Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree that prepares students for leadership in public service, nonprofit organizations, and policy arenas. Students can pursue the degree on campus, online, or hybrid, with flexible full- or part-time enrollment options. The program emphasizes public management, nonprofit leadership, and policy analysis, with a nationally recognized reputation for public affairs education.
Unique Components:
- Specializations / Electives: Options to focus in Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Budgeting & Finance, Technology & Information Management, Performance Measurement, and more.
- Accelerated & Dual Degree Options: BA/MPA accelerated track allows undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years; dual degrees (e.g., JD/MPA, MA/MPA) are also offered.
- Rankings: Rutgers SPAA is consistently ranked among the top 10 nationally for Public Affairs specialties, including #4 in Nonprofit Management and #7 in Public Management & Leadership by U.S. News & World Report.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Not required
- Online Tuition: $12,912 (PSR)
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Enrollment: 500+
Other Considerations:
- Internship Requirement: Required for pre-service students with fewer than two years of relevant experience. May be waived for experienced professionals.
- Global & Civic Engagement: Students have opportunities to engage with Newark’s urban context, participate in community-based projects, or pursue study abroad/public service fellowships.
Seton Hall University
- South Orange, NJ.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Seton Hall’s MPA (Master of Public Administration) program is offered by the Department of Political Science & Public Affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences. It is a 36-credit degree with a strong foundation in managerial and analytical public service skills, ethical and professional values, and flexibility for working students. The curriculum includes a required capstone or internship experience. Students may enroll part- or full-time; courses are scheduled year-round, including evenings, weekends, and some online formats. The program is NASPAA-accredited, and its Nonprofit Management concentration is ranked nationally.
Unique Components:
- Concentration Options: Four concentrations: Data Visualization & Analytics; Health Policy & Management; Nonprofit Organization Management; Public Service: Leadership, Governance & Policy.
- BA/MPA Dual-Degree Pathway: Undergraduates in certain majors can enter a five-year program leading to both a B.A. and M.P.A.
- Accelerated Plan for Full-Time Students: Students can take more courses per semester and complete the MPA in three semesters (fall, spring, summer) under the accelerated pathway.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Tuition: $1,465 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Scholarship & Financial Aid: The program offers tuition scholarships, graduate/research assistantships, and external scholarships.
- Elective Options: Electives cover topics such as grant writing, cross-sector collaboration, nonprofit staffing & volunteer management, ethics, etc.
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
In New Jersey, Rutgers University offers NASPAA-accredited MPA programs that are widely respected, but non-accredited options across the state can also provide valuable opportunities. While they may not carry NASPAA recognition, these programs still equip students with practical management and policy skills and often leverage New Jersey’s location between New York City and Philadelphia to expand networking and career prospects:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centenary College | Hackettstown, NJ | MSCHE | 30 | Online |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Teaneck, NJ | MSCHE | 39 | Online/On- Campus |
| Kean University | Union, NJ | MSCHE | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | MSCHE | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Saint Peter’s University | Jersey City, NJ | MSCHE | 36 | On-Campus |
Career Outlook
With an MPA degree in the State of New Jersey, you can pursue a wide range of careers in government, the nonprofit sector, and beyond. In government, you can work at the state, local, or federal level in roles such as city manager, policy analyst, program manager, or budget director. New Jersey’s proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia also opens up opportunities in regional government organizations.
- State Government Administration: The State of New Jersey hires roles such as Policy Analysts and Program Managers in departments like Human Services and Treasury to oversee budgets, develop policy, and manage statewide programs.
- Municipal and County Leadership: Cities such as Newark employ City Planners and Budget Analysts to support community development and financial management.
- Public Health Administration: The New Jersey Department of Health recruits professionals such as Public Health Consultants and Program Coordinators to manage health initiatives and emergency preparedness.
- Transportation & Infrastructure Planning: New Jersey Transit offers positions such as Transportation Planners to design and manage transit operations, infrastructure, and long-term mobility strategies.
- Nonprofit Management: Statewide nonprofits, such as the Center for Non-Profits, list opportunities for Executive Directors, Development Officers, and Program Coordinators across New Jersey’s robust nonprofit sector.
The state’s political scene is dynamic, with a strong tradition of civic engagement and a diverse population. New Jersey is known for its active political landscape, which can provide ample opportunities for MPA graduates interested in public policy, advocacy, and government affairs.
Several notable individuals in New Jersey have earned an MPA degree, including Cory Booker, the former Mayor of Newark and current U.S. Senator, who holds an MPA from the University of Oxford. Another example is Christine Todd Whitman, the former Governor of New Jersey and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, who earned an MPA from Harvard University. These individuals have leveraged their MPA degrees to achieve success in both the public and private sectors, demonstrating the versatility and value of an MPA degree in New Jersey.
All MPA Programs in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pursue an MPA online while living in New Jersey?
A: Yes. Rutgers–Newark offers a fully online MPA program that mirrors its on-campus curriculum. Fairleigh Dickinson and other institutions also provide flexible online or hybrid formats, making the degree accessible for students balancing work and family responsibilities.
Q: How do New Jersey MPA programs take advantage of the state’s location?
A: With proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey students benefit from unique access to internships, fellowships, and careers in two of the nation’s largest metro areas, while still being closely connected to state and local agencies in Trenton and Newark.
Q: What types of concentrations or specializations are available in New Jersey MPA programs?
A: Common specializations include nonprofit management, public budgeting and finance, healthcare administration, and urban policy. Rutgers’ programs also emphasize technology and e-governance, preparing students for modern challenges in public administration.
Q: Do New Jersey MPA programs offer dual-degree pathways?
A: Yes. Students can often combine the MPA with law (JD/MPA), business (MBA/MPA), or public health, depending on the university. These interdisciplinary options prepare graduates for leadership in complex, cross-sector roles.
Q: What practical experiences are built into New Jersey MPA programs?
A: Many programs require internships, capstones, or applied research projects. For example, Rutgers students often work with state agencies in Trenton, local governments across the state, or nonprofit organizations serving diverse urban and suburban communities.
Q: What career paths do MPA graduates in New Jersey typically pursue?
A: Graduates commonly enter roles as city and county administrators, nonprofit executives, policy analysts, healthcare managers, and program evaluators. With the state’s strong nonprofit sector and its location between two global cities, MPA alumni often find a wide range of public service career opportunities.
