Introduction
When considering where to pursue an MPA degree, students should take into account the state of North Dakota, particularly the city of Grand Forks, for several reasons. Firstly, North Dakota boasts a strong economy, driven primarily by its energy, agriculture, and technology sectors. The state’s stable economy can provide MPA students with opportunities for internships, networking, and potential employment in various government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 1
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 1
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $12,160 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $12,160 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online
- Average Starting Salary: $60,000
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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 North Dakota
North Dakota, and specifically Grand Forks, offers MPA students a combination of a strong economy, low cost of living, high quality of life, diverse community, and strategic location. These factors make North Dakota an attractive option for students looking to pursue a graduate degree in public administration. An overview of North Dakota’s single MPA program can be found here:
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UND’s MPA program is the only NASPAA-accredited MPA in North Dakota, combining academic rigor with practical flexibility—students may attend on campus or via live, internet-assisted classrooms for a fully synchronous virtual experience. The program’s affiliation with the Institute of Policy and Business Analytics and its home in the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration enhance its reputation for applied, data-informed public service education.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Offers three different embedded graduate certificates (Public Administration, Policy Analysis, Health Administration), each of which can be applied toward the 36-credit MPA curriculum, providing focused credentials without extending time to degree.
- Accelerated Option: Available as a 4+1 Accelerated Pathway, enabling students who major in Political Science or Public Affairs to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in just five years.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $12,163 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $12,163 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Enrollment: 300 students
Other Considerations:
- UND’s Pancratz Career Development Center offers tailored career advice and support for both on-campus and online MPA students.
- The program’s curriculum includes health administration, allowing cross-disciplinary competency and alignment with key regional sectors.
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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:
Accreditation Details
For an MPA program, accreditation by NASPAA is a mark of quality and excellence. It signifies that the program has met or exceeded the highest standards in public service education. NASPAA accreditation is highly respected and recognized by employers, government agencies, and other institutions.
Career Outlook
MPA graduates should consider working in North Dakota for several compelling reasons. Firstly, North Dakota offers a strong economy with diverse industries, including energy, agriculture, healthcare, and technology. This provides a range of opportunities for MPA graduates to apply their skills and knowledge in various sectors.
- Rural Development Specialist: North Dakota has a significant rural population facing unique economic development challenges. MPA graduates in this role work with rural communities to develop and implement strategies for economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and community revitalization.
- Oil and Gas Policy Analyst: North Dakota is a major producer of oil and natural gas, leading to complex policy issues around extraction, regulation, and environmental impact. MPA graduates in this role analyze these policies, develop recommendations, and work with stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management.
- Disaster Recovery Manager: North Dakota is prone to natural disasters such as floods, blizzards, and wildfires. MPA graduates in this role coordinate disaster response efforts, manage recovery programs, and work to build resilience in communities across the state.
- Agricultural Extension Agent: Agriculture is a vital industry in North Dakota, and MPA graduates in this role work with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural organizations to provide education, resources, and support for sustainable agricultural practices and rural economic development.
- Community Health Planner: North Dakota faces unique healthcare challenges, including access to care in rural areas and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. MPA graduates in this role develop and implement community health initiatives, coordinate healthcare services, and advocate for policies that improve health outcomes for all North Dakotans.
All MPA Programs in North Dakota
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | Master Of Public Administration | North Dakota | Grand Forks | Yes | Yes | https://und.edu/programs/public-administration-mpa/index.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there any NASPAA-accredited MPA programs in North Dakota?
A: No, there are currently no NASPAA-accredited programs in the state. However, the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University offer regionally accredited MPA and public policy programs.
Q: Can I earn an MPA online in North Dakota?
A: Yes. The University of North Dakota offers a fully online MPA program with concentrations such as Health Administration and Social Enterprise Leadership.
Q: What types of students benefit from these programs?
A: UND’s program is designed for mid-career professionals in rural and tribal governance, health systems, and social services throughout the Great Plains.
Q: Are there tuition benefits for residents?
A: Yes. UND and NDSU offer competitive in-state tuition rates, and online students may also benefit from flat-rate tuition.
