Introduction
In the vibrant state of Oregon, a variety of MPA programs cater to the specific challenges and requirements of the region, providing ambitious individuals with the chance to specialize in public administration, policy analysis, and leadership. These programs not only furnish graduates with crucial skills but also ready them for careers in sectors where adept public administration is integral to success.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 5
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $8,586 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $12,798 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus and online
- Average Starting Salary: $68,000
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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 Oregon
NASPAA, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, sets rigorous standards for MPA programs, ensuring that they meet the highest levels of quality and effectiveness. Accreditation signifies that the program aligns with the best practices in public service education, covering essential areas such as curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and program effectiveness. Here’s an overview of the three NASPAA-accredited institutions in Oregon:
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR.
- 54 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters in Public Administration/Policy (MPAP)
Program Overview:
OSU’s NASPAA-accredited MPAP is a flexible, practitioner-oriented degree that can be completed fully online or in Corvallis. The 54-quarter-credit curriculum (≈36 semester credits) emphasizes evidence-based analysis and applied problem-solving, capped by an 11-week client policy lab. Multiple start terms and an online delivery option make it workable for career-switchers and working professionals seeking a direct pathway into policy and management roles.
Unique Components:
- Policy Concentrations: Energy & environmental policy, rural & agricultural policy studies, social policy, international policy, law & crime policy, science & technology policy (and more).
- Capstone: Consists as an 11-week online Policy Lab with real clients- from the public, non-profit, and private sectors- delivered through the School of Public Policy.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCCU
- Credit Hours: 54 (quarter system)
- GRE: Not required
- Online Tuition: $582 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 31.7%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Designed for both early-career and mid-career students, with an Executive Masters Degree in Public Policy (45 credits) option for experienced professionals. Clear pipelines to PhD in Public Policy or stacked graduate certificates if you want to extend into research or specialization.
- Access to applied research units (e.g., policy analysis and rural studies) that feed client projects and RA/GA roles.
Portland State University
- Portland, OR.
- 54 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
PSU’s Hatfield School MPA is a NASPAA-accredited, practice-centered degree embedded in Portland’s public, nonprofit, and civic ecosystem. The 54-credit program integrates foundational management and policy coursework with a culminating Public Service Capstone that applies classroom learning to an organizational challenge—ideal for students who want deep community engagement and tangible, portfolio-ready results.
Unique Components:
- Built-in Credentials: Option to fold a graduate certificate into your electives (Local Government Administration; Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis; Nonprofit Leadership).
- Specializations & Planning: Program maps and degree-planning resources available; cohort and executive options also exist via PSU (EMPA). PA 509 Public Service Capstone (roughly 100 hours) tackling a client issue in a public or nonprofit setting.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCCU
- Credit Hours: 54 (quarter system)
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $501 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $747 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Enrollment: 5,534 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- The degree program features the PA 509 Public Service Capstone (≈100 hours), tackling a client issue in a public or nonprofit setting.
- Extensive community partnerships across Oregon. Deep integration with City of Portland, Metro, Multnomah County, regional nonprofits, and state agencies—steady pipeline for internships and capstones.
University of Oregon
- Eugene, OR.
- 72 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management (PPPM)
Program Overview:
UO’s NASPAA-accredited MPA is a 72-credit, evidence-based program with a strong applied spine: professional development, an internship (for those with less than 2 years’ experience), a 48-hour policy analysis, and a two-term client capstone. If you want rigorous analytic training plus hands-on consulting for Oregon agencies and nonprofits, this program’s structure delivers both skill depth and real-world impact.
Unique Components:
- Fields of Interest: Public policy; environmental sustainability; public management; nonprofit management; education/labor/social services; international development; research methods; planning; arts & cultural leadership.
- Internships & Career Prep: PPPM 623 Professional Development + internship requirement for early-career students.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCCU
- Credit Hours: 72 (quarter system)
- GRE: Optional (not required)
- Resident Tuition: $20,076 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $34,386 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Enrollment: 3,823
Other Considerations:
- PPPM’s applied studios and partnerships across Oregon (plus the Oregon Policy Lab ecosystem) give students broad opportunities to build experience and networks while completing the degree.
- Strong applied ecosystem via Institute for Policy Research & Engagement (IPRE), including the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps program and the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP)—rich sources of client projects and placements.
- Eugene’s cost profile is generally lower than large West Coast metros, and campus culture supports interdisciplinary teaming across planning, policy, and management.
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 useful quality signal, several Oregon public‐service master’s programs that aren’t on the NASPAA roster are still worth a close look, especially if you need online/hybrid flexibility, lower cost, or a curriculum tailored to Oregon’s needs. Most are regionally accredited (NCCU) and emphasize applied learning (capstones, client projects, internships) with strong ties to cities, counties, councils of governments, and special districts. Employers here typically hire for skills and impact over a specific program label:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Oregon University | La Grande, OR | NCCU | 41 | Online |
| Corban University | Salem, OR | NCCU | 30 | Online |
Career Outlook
Oregon, with its diverse landscapes and progressive policies, offers unique opportunities for public administration careers. Careers can differ between rural areas and the state capital, Salem, and are influenced by the state’s political environment. Here are some public administration careers that showcase these distinctions:
Rural Area Public Administration Careers:
- Natural Resources Manager: Working in rural regions, these professionals oversee the sustainable use of natural resources, including forests and watersheds.
- Rural Economic Development Coordinator: Focused on supporting rural economies, coordinators work on initiatives to create jobs, attract businesses, and enhance economic opportunities.
- County Extension Agent: Addressing local agricultural and community needs, extension agents collaborate with farmers and residents to implement research-based solutions.
State Capital Public Administration Careers (Salem):
- Environmental Policy Analyst: In Salem, professionals may analyze and develop policies related to environmental conservation, renewable energy, and sustainability.
- State Parks Manager: Managing state parks and recreational areas, these individuals contribute to tourism and outdoor recreation initiatives in the capital.
- Legislative Liaison: Serving as a liaison between state agencies and legislators, these professionals help navigate the legislative process and ensure effective communication.
Politics of the State and Associated Careers:
- Land Use Planner: Given Oregon’s unique land-use planning system, planners in this role work on balancing development with environmental conservation.
- Social Equity Coordinator: With a focus on progressive policies, coordinators work on initiatives promoting social justice, diversity, and inclusion.
- Sustainability Manager: In both urban and rural settings, these professionals work to implement sustainable practices and policies aligned with Oregon’s environmental ethos.
Oregon’s political landscape is characterized by a mix of progressive and conservationist values. The state has been a pioneer in environmental policies, including land-use planning and sustainability initiatives. Professionals in public administration navigate these values to address challenges and opportunities.
Public administration careers in Oregon vary based on your location and the state’s political context. Whether working in rural areas to support local economies or contributing to progressive policies in the capital, public administration professionals play a key role in shaping Oregon’s future.
All MPA Programs in Oregon
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | Master Of Public Policy | Oregon | Corvallis | Yes | Yes | https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/spp/mpp |
| Portland State University | Master Of Public Administration | Oregon | Portland | Yes | Yes | https://www.pdx.edu/academics/programs/graduate/public-administration |
| Portland State University | Master of Public Administration: Health Administration | Oregon | Portland | Yes | Yes | https://www.pdx.edu/academics/programs/graduate/public-administration |
| Portland State University | Executive Master of Public Administration | Oregon | Portland | No | Yes | https://www.pdx.edu/public-administration/executive-master-public-administration |
| University of Oregon | Master Of Public Administration | Oregon | Eugene | No | Yes | https://pppm.uoregon.edu/grad/master-of-public-administration |
| Willamette University | Master of Business Administration for Business, Government and Not-for-Profit Management | Oregon | Salem | No | Yes | https://willamette.edu/mba/index.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which universities in Oregon offer an MPA/MPP?
A: Portland State (MPA), University of Oregon (MPA), and Oregon State (NASPAA-accredited MPP that’s the closest equivalent to an MPA).
Q: Can I complete a program online?
A: Yes—Oregon State’s MPP is fully online via Ecampus; PSU and UO are primarily on-campus with some hybrid options.
Q: Where do students typically intern and work?
A: City/county governments, Oregon state agencies in Salem, Metro (regional government), councils of governments, and nonprofits across the Portland metro and beyond.
Q: What policy areas are “hot” right now in Oregon?
A: Housing and homelessness, climate/wildfire resilience, water and natural resources, transportation, broadband, and equity-focused initiatives.
Q: What skills help me stand out?
A: Grants and compliance, budgeting/procurement, program evaluation and data tools (Excel/Power BI/Tableau/GIS), and community engagement; credentials like FEMA ICS, CAPM/PMP, and GPC are useful.
