Introduction
Overall, attending an MPA graduate program in New Mexico provides a unique opportunity to experience the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Las Vegas, hiking in the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, or sampling the local cuisine in Las Cruces, New Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences that are sure to enrich your graduate school experience.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 3
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 2
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $8,100 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $27,600 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online
- Average Starting Salary: $55,000 – $67,000
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:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in New Mexico
Overall, there are three educational institutions in the state of New Mexico that offer MPA programs, both in on-campus and online formats. Two of these programs are accredited by NASPAA.
NASPAA accreditation is important for MPA programs in New Mexico as it helps to ensure program quality, enhances program reputation, and provides students with assurance of a high-quality education that meets established standards of excellence in public administration education. An overview of these two accredited programs- including accreditation, location, credit hours, and modality- can be found here:
New Mexico State University
- Las Cruces, NM.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
NMSU’s NASPAA-accredited MPA is a 42-credit, practice-oriented degree with small cohorts, most courses held in the evenings, and a clear two-year path for full-time students. You’ll choose either an internship+capstone route or a thesis route and complete a comprehensive exam, giving you both applied experience and rigorous assessment—an attractive mix if you want affordable in-state pricing, close faculty mentorship, and options to customize with a graduate minor or a joint degree.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: Students tailor the degree via internship+capstone (POLS 510 + POLS 519) or thesis (POLS 599); with approval, up to 12 credits may be taken outside the department (often used to form a graduate minor). Joint degrees include MPA–MCJ and MPA–MA in Public History (each 57 credits).
- Real-World Experience: The internship option integrates fieldwork with the Proseminar in Public Administration (POLS 519) and the comprehensive exam process; recent internships include placements with the City of Las Cruces and regional nonprofits/health systems.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCACSHLC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Conditional on GPA
- Resident Tuition: $287 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,001 (PCH)
Other Considerations:
- The department highlights small-cohort mentoring, Pi Alpha Alpha honor society, and transparent graduation/outcome reporting. If you want added breadth, consider the MPA–MCJ or MPA–Public History joint options to position for roles across government, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and justice agencies.
University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, NM.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UNM’s NASPAA-accredited MPA is a 42-credit, practice-forward degree that lets you finish via a capstone, professional paper, or thesis, paired with a required practicum (waivable with qualifying experience). The program now runs on campus and online (asynchronous), so working professionals across New Mexico—and beyond—can stack real projects, data skills, and management training without pausing their careers. If you want affordability, flexible delivery, and direct alignment to NM’s public challenges (water, health, tribal governance, broadband), UNM is a compelling pick.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: Three formal concentrations—Healthcare Management, Policy Analysis, and Public Management—built on the same 42-credit framework (core + practicum + electives + capstone/pro paper/thesis).
- Curriculum: 42 credits total, including Core (21 cr) in organizational behavior, HR, DEI, public financial management, data analysis, and program evaluation; Practicum (3 cr); Electives (15 cr or 12 with thesis); and one completion pathway—Capstone (3), Professional Paper (3), or Thesis (6). Practicum waiver available for experienced students.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus and online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCACSHLC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $349 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,302 (PCH)
Other Considerations:
- The MPA Practicum (PADM 555) places students in government, nonprofit, and tribal organizations; UNM highlights frequent post-internship offers and publishes current placement lists. Online students complete comparable applied work; the online core is delivered asynchronously.
- Shared-Credit (Accelerated) pathways let qualified UNM undergrads in B.A. Liberal Arts, Economics, or Sociology double-count up to 18 MPA credits toward the MPA.
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
While NASPAA is a helpful quality signal, New Mexico’s non-NASPAA public-service master’s options can still be great fits—especially if you need online/hybrid flexibility, lower cost, or programs tailored to the state’s needs. Many are regionally accredited and emphasize applied learning with capstones and client projects tied to water/drought management, energy transition (oil, gas, renewables), border and immigration services, Tribal governance, and public health:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Highlands University | Las Vegas, NM | NACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
Career Outlook
New Mexico’s market for MPA grads is steady and project-driven, with hiring centered in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and regional hubs. Most state roles post via the State Personnel Office; multi-year investments in broadband build-out, water/drought management, transportation, emergency management, and public health keep demand high for grants, compliance, planning, and program delivery talent:
- Emergency Management Specialist (DHSEM): entry posts support planning, response, and recovery across fires/floods, with applications routed through SPO.
- Broadband Grants Program Coordinator (Office of Broadband Access): oversees provider grants, milestones, and BEAD-related compliance for statewide expansion.
- Transportation Planner (City/NMDOT): works on corridor studies, data, and multimodal planning with state or municipal teams.
- Community & Economic Development Specialist (NMEDD): Supports capital outlay, project management, and local revitalization.
- Public Health Program Manager/Analyst (NMDOH): manages grants, reporting, and program operations in statewide health initiatives.
These roles align well with core MPA skills (budgeting/finance, grants & compliance, procurement, facilitation, and analytics) and offer quick responsibility as you own projects and funding streams tied to New Mexico’s current priorities.
All MPA Programs in New Mexico
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University | Master Of Public Administration | New Mexico | Las Cruces | No | Yes | https://deptofgov.nmsu.edu/academic-programs/mpa.html |
| The University of New Mexico | Master Of Public Administration | New Mexico | Albuquerque | No | Yes | https://spa.unm.edu/academic-programs/mpa-graduate-program/index.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there NASPAA-accredited options?
A: Yes—both flagship programs are NASPAA-accredited.
Q: Can I study online or in the evenings?
A: Yes—both campuses offer evening/hybrid and some online options designed for working professionals.
Q: What policy areas are “hot” in New Mexico?
A: Water and drought management, energy and environmental policy, border and immigration-related services, Tribal and rural development, and public health.
Q: Where do students typically intern and work?
A: State agencies in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, city/county governments, Tribal nations, regional councils of government, nonprofits, and lab-affiliated initiatives.
Q: What skills are most valued?
A: Grants management, budgeting/procurement, bilingual communication where applicable, and data/evaluation skills.
