Introduction
Attending an MPA graduate program in Oklahoma, particularly in cities like Norman and Edmond, offers a unique blend of opportunities for students. Norman, home to the University of Oklahoma, provides a vibrant college town atmosphere. Edmond, located just north of Oklahoma City, offers a more suburban setting with a strong sense of community. Overall, attending an MPA program in Oklahoma, whether in Norman or Edmond, provides a unique blend of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 2
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 2
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $8,970 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $20,250 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online
- Average Starting Salary: $55,000
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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 Oklahoma
NASPAA accreditation is important for MPA programs in Oklahoma, as it signifies that the program meets high standards of quality and excellence in public administration education. NASPAA accreditation is widely recognized as a mark of distinction for MPA programs, demonstrating that they have undergone a rigorous review process and have met specific criteria related to curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and educational outcomes. An overview of the two NASPAA-accredited programs in Oklahoma can be found here:
University of Oklahoma
- Norman & Tulsa, OK.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
OU’s MPA is a 36-credit, NASPAA-accredited degree designed for working professionals who want flexibility without giving up face time—courses run evenings, some weekends, and occasionally online across the Norman and Tulsa campuses (the degree itself is not fully online). It’s a strong value play for in-state students and a direct pipeline into Oklahoma’s public sector (state, local, and tribal governments), with four concentrations, a required capstone, and no GRE—a compelling option if you want a reputable flagship, practical scheduling, and clear ties to regional employers.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: 36 credits with core classes, 9 concentration credits, and 12 electives. With approval, P SC 5950 (Research Problems) may substitute for the capstone.
- Degree Tracks: Four concentrations—General, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy—selected at admission and completed as 9 concentration credits.
- Real-World Experience: An internship isn’t required, but many pre-service students pursue one; recent placements include agencies like the Choctaw Nation, National Park Service, and Oklahoma State Department of Health. The capstone culminates in an applied research paper.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus (evenings)
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $18,032 (TTL)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $43,160 (TTL)
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Enrollment: 3,261 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- Rolling admissions for summer, fall, and spring start terms; two-campus delivery helps students in both central and northeast Oklahoma; departmental scholarships are available. If you want to stay and lead in Oklahoma—especially in state/municipal agencies, nonprofits, or with tribal partners—OU’s flexible MPA is built for that path.
University of Central Oklahoma
- Edmond, OK.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UCO’s 36-credit, NASPAA-accredited MPA is built for working professionals in the Oklahoma City metro who want small classes, practitioner-relevant coursework, and a clear path into state, local, and nonprofit leadership. With evening-friendly scheduling, two focused tracks, and an affordable tuition profile (especially in-state), it’s a compelling choice if you want hands-on learning tied to OKC agencies and community partners without giving up face time with faculty.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: 36 credits typically completed in 2 years (9 credits/term). 21 hours core (including a 3-hour capstone paper), 9 hours guided electives in your track, and 6 hours general electives.
- Degree Tracks: Two options- Public & Nonprofit Management (also offered online) and Urban Management- so you can target city/metro administration or broader public/nonprofit leadership. An Accelerated BA/MPA pathway is available to qualified UCO undergraduates.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required (GPA)
- Resident Tuition: $13,731 (TTL)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $23,646 (TTL)
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Enrollment: 1,694 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- Cohorts are small and taught primarily by full-time PhD faculty; the capstone culminates in an applied paper, and students commonly place with metro-area agencies and nonprofits for projects or internships.
- UCO also offers a J.D./MPA pairing with Oklahoma City University School of Law. If you’re aiming to advance in OKC-area public service, UCO’s metro location, small classes, and flexible delivery make it a strong fit.
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
As a new graduate, you may find yourself working in a variety of roles, from program coordinator to policy analyst, depending on your interests and the needs of your organization. You may also have the opportunity to work with diverse populations, including tribal nations, rural communities, and urban centers, providing you with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.
- MPA Skill Sectors: Transportation & infrastructure delivery; water/wastewater and flood resilience; broadband deployment; and energy policy/regulation (including wind). Skills include grant writing and federal compliance, budgeting/procurement, performance dashboards, stakeholder facilitation, and concise policy memos.
- Typical Employers: State agencies (e.g., Transportation, Water Resources), metro governments, councils of governments (ACOG, INCOG), and public trusts/authorities (turnpike/water), plus tribal governments and statewide nonprofits.
- Compensation & Promotions: State and local roles pair competitive regional salaries with strong benefits and structured pay bands; advancement often tracks with responsibility for grants, vendors, and cross-jurisdiction projects.
- Development & Networking: Intern or fellowship with a state agency, major city, council of governments, or tribal nation; plug into OML (municipal network), ASPA-Oklahoma, and ICMA regional/student chapters to build relationships quickly.
All MPA Programs in Oklahoma
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Oklahoma | Master Of Public Administration | Oklahoma | Norman | No | Yes | https://hr.ou.edu/Managers-HR-Payroll-Coordinators/Hiring-Employment/Compensation-Classification |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Master Of Public Administration | Oklahoma | Edmond | Yes | Yes | https://www.uco.edu/cla/departments/political-science/mpa/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the state capital and where are most public-sector jobs?
A: Oklahoma City is the capital and main hub for state agencies, with additional opportunities in Tulsa and within tribal governments.
Q: Are there service corps or fellowships worth knowing about?
A: AmeriCorps placements, local leadership programs, and policy fellowships tied to state agencies and tribal governments appear regularly.
Q: What’s the weather like—anything to plan for?
A: Hot summers and severe storms in spring; plan for tornado preparedness and heat-aware fieldwork.
Q: What makes Oklahoma distinctive for public administration experience?
A: Cross-jurisdictional work with tribal governments and exposure to energy, water, and infrastructure policy at scale.
Q: How common is remote or hybrid work in the public sector?
A: Many agencies and nonprofits use hybrid schedules where duties allow; community-facing roles still require in-person time.
Q: Where do I find government job postings?
A: Check the State of Oklahoma jobs portal, city and county sites, tribal nation job boards, councils of governments, and statewide nonprofit listings.
