Introduction
Being a Public Administration graduate student in the state of Tennessee offers a distinctive blend of academic excellence, Southern culture, and diverse professional opportunities. The state hosts reputable institutions such as the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University, providing a solid foundation for those pursuing careers in public administration.
Beyond the classroom, students can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Tennessee, exploring picturesque lakes and hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, creating a unique combination of academic rigor and outdoor recreation.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 8
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $8,900 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $15,400 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: Online, hybrid, on-campus
- Average Starting Salary: $66,200
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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 Tennessee
Students in the state of Tennessee seek Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) programs accredited by NASPAA for various compelling reasons. NASPAA accreditation is a hallmark of quality in public administration education, ensuring that the program adheres to rigorous standards in curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes.
For students, this accreditation provides assurance that they are enrolling in a program that meets the highest academic and professional standards. Here’s an overview of the three NASPAA-accredited institutions in Tennessee, including estimated tuition costs:
Tennessee State University
- Nashville, TN.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
College of Public Service
Program Overview:
Tennessee State University’s MPA is offered through the College of Public Service. It is a fully online program aimed at working professionals and those seeking to advance in public or nonprofit sectors. It is the only NASPAA-accredited MPA program in Middle Tennessee. The program is designed to be completed in about two years. TSU emphasizes flexibility, quality instruction (faculty with doctorates in public administration or related fields), and online delivery with interactive, collaborative learning.
Unique Components:
- Two admission paths: Direct Admission for applicants with undergraduate GPA ≥ 2.70; or a bridge/certificate route for those with GPA between 2.50-2.69 (must complete a graduate certificate with a 3.0 GPA before entering full MPA).
- Internship requirement (or exemption): A 300-hour, 6-credit internship is required for students without significant prior relevant professional experience. Students with experience may seek exemption (with advisor approval + a paper).
- Graduate certificate option: TSU offers certificates that can act as a “bridge” into the MPA or complement the MPA for specialization.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $549 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,147 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Students should be aware that although the program is online, for some institutional purposes residency status or eRate eligibility may affect tuition cost significantly.
- Because the internship requirement has an exemption option, professionals with relevant experience may reduce their credit/time burden.
University of Memphis
- Memphis, TN.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The University of Memphis MPA is a 39-credit hour, general-purpose public management degree offered through the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy (SUAPP). It’s designed for both early- and mid-career individuals interested in government or nonprofit leadership. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, leadership, and a strong connection to the Memphis and Mid-South community via internships, projects, and applied learning. It is NASPAA accredited.
Unique Components:
- Flexible delivery for working professionals: Evening courses and many offered online to accommodate schedules.
- Concentrations: Two concentration options: Nonprofit Administration, and Public Management & Policy. Includes an optional Urban Management track within Public Management.
- Capstone / E-Portfolio: Students build an e-portfolio throughout the program and complete a capstone capstone course (PADM 7607: Public Service Leadership) as a synthesis of learning.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $816 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,052 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: 45
Other Considerations:
- The University of Memphis MPA program is strongly connected to the local region and is well suited to students who intend to work in municipal/regional government, nonprofits, or public policy in the Mid-South.
- Graduate assistantships are available but limited, covering full tuition + stipend + health plan; competitive. Evening courses and online offerings help balance for working students.
University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
- Chattanooga, TN.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The UTC MPA, run through the Department of Political Science & Public Service, is NASPAA-accredited and is the only such accredited program in East Tennessee. It’s designed for both early-career and mid-career students, with emphasis on analytic, managerial, and leadership skills for public and nonprofit sectors. Students can complete it full-time in about two years (or longer if part-time), and the program is community-oriented: involving local government, nonprofit management, internships, and a capstone/experiential component.
Unique Components:
- Local/Nonprofit Focus & Community Engagement: UTC emphasizes preparing students for leadership in local government or nonprofit roles, with course and internship assignments tied to the Chattanooga region.
- Small Class Sizes & Cohort Feel: Classes tend to have 8–15 students, with about 35 students total in the program, allowing close interactions with faculty.
- Flexible Schedule for Working Students: The program offers a “predictable schedule” that supports students working traditional hours; allows part-time completion.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Contingent on GPA
- Resident Tuition: $5,394 (PSR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $7,410 (PSR)
Other Considerations:
- Financial aid & assistantships: UTC offers graduate assistantships (stipend + tuition waiver), scholarships, and there are fee waiver or discount programs for state employees.
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
Schools such as Middle Tennessee State University and East Tennessee State University offer flexible online or hybrid formats, affordable tuition, and curricula that emphasize practical leadership and regional governance. For students seeking career advancement in local government, nonprofits, or community-focused organizations, these programs provide accessible pathways into public service, even without the NASPAA credential:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland University | Lebanon, TN | SACSCC | 36 | Online |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | SACSCC | 36 | Online |
| Lipscomb University | Spark, TN | SACSCC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| University of Tennessee – Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | SACSCC | 39 | On-Campus |
Career Outlook
Tennessee, characterized by its diverse combination of geographic settings and a spectrum of political ideologies, presents exclusive prospects for careers in public administration. The employment landscape diverges between rural areas and the state capital, Nashville, reflecting the impact of the state’s political dynamics. Below are examples of public administration careers that illustrate these differences:
Rural Area Public Administration Careers:
- Rural Development Coordinator: Focused on rural communities, coordinators work on initiatives to enhance economic development, infrastructure, and overall quality of life.
- County Health Department Administrator: Addressing healthcare needs in rural areas, administrators oversee public health programs, clinics, and services.
- Agricultural Extension Officer: Collaborating with farmers and communities, extension officers provide research-based information and support agricultural initiatives.
State Capital Public Administration Careers (Nashville):
- State Transportation Planner: Contributing to statewide transportation policies, planners in the capital work on infrastructure projects and traffic management.
- Legislative Liaison: Serving as a bridge between state agencies and legislators, liaisons navigate the legislative process and facilitate effective communication.
- Local Government Relations Specialist: Addressing diverse political landscapes, specialists work to build relationships between local governments and state agencies.
Tennessee’s political landscape is characterized by a mix of progressive and conservative areas, creating a dynamic environment for public administration professionals. Understanding and navigating these political nuances are crucial for successful public administration careers.
Public administration careers in Tennessee vary based on geography and the state’s political dynamics. Whether working in rural areas to support economic development or contributing to statewide policies and political initiatives in the capital, public administration professionals play a significant role in shaping Tennessee’s future.
All MPA Programs in Tennessee
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University | Master Of Public Administration | Tennessee | Johnson City | No | No | https://www.etsu.edu/cas/polisci/graduate/ |
| Tennessee State University | Master Of Public Administration | Tennessee | Nashville | Yes | Yes | https://catalog.tnstate.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=1031&returnto=324 |
| The University of Memphis | Master Of Public Administration | Tennessee | Memphis | No | Yes | https://www.memphis.edu/padm/mpa/index.php |
| The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Master Of Public Administration | Tennessee | Knoxville | No | Yes | https://baker.utk.edu/master-of-public-policy-and-administration/ |
| The University of Tennessee at Knoxville | Master of Public Policy and Administration | Tennessee | Huntsville | No | No | https://www.shsu.edu/programs/graduate/public-administration/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I complete an MPA online in Tennessee?
A: Yes. The University of Memphis offers an online MPA program, and East Tennessee State provides flexible online and hybrid formats. These options allow students across the state—including rural regions—to pursue graduate training in public service.
Q: What kinds of concentrations or specializations are offered in Tennessee MPA programs?
A: Specialization areas vary by school but often include nonprofit management, public finance, urban policy, and human resource management. Tennessee State University, as a historically Black university, also emphasizes social equity and leadership in public service.
Q: How long does it usually take to earn an MPA in Tennessee?
A: Full-time students typically complete an MPA in about two years, while part-time students may take three to four years depending on workload. Online and executive formats provide additional flexibility for working professionals.
Q: What practical experiences are available to MPA students in Tennessee?
A: Tennessee programs often include internships or applied projects with local governments, state agencies in Nashville, and nonprofit organizations. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as budgeting, policy development, and community planning.
Q: What types of careers do MPA graduates in Tennessee typically pursue?
A: Graduates commonly work as city managers, policy analysts, nonprofit directors, and program coordinators. Many find opportunities in state government offices in Nashville, in municipal governments across the state, or with nonprofits in areas like healthcare, education, and social services.
Q: Are there dual-degree or accelerated pathways for MPA students in Tennessee?
A: Yes. Some universities, such as the University of Tennessee, offer accelerated “4+1” programs that allow undergraduates to earn an MPA in less time. Others provide joint-degree options combining the MPA with law, business, or public health.
