Introduction
The state’s strategic location and economic stability contribute to a dynamic job market. MPA graduates in Utah find diverse opportunities for employment in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industries. The growing demand for skilled public administrators aligns with Utah’s commitment to effective governance and community development. The state is home to four public and private educational institutions that offer Master’s programs in Public Administration.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 4
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $10,300 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $25,000 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus (evenings), online
- Average Starting Salary: $55,000 – $70,000
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 Utah
Considering NASPAA accreditation is crucial when exploring Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) graduate programs in Utah for several significant reasons. NASPAA accreditation serves as a mark of quality, indicating that a program meets rigorous standards in curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and overall educational effectiveness.
For students in Utah, this accreditation ensures that they are enrolling in a program that upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and professional preparation. Here’s an overview of the three NASPAA-accredited institutions in Utah, including estimated tuition costs calculated on a per credit hour basis:
Brigham Young University
- Provo, UT.
- 42-58 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
BYU’s NASPAA-accredited MPA combines rigorous management/analytics with a strong service and ethics mission, delivered in small cohorts with intensive team-based learning. Full-time students complete a 58-credit, two-year curriculum; working professionals can opt for the three-year Executive MPA (one evening/week at the BYU Salt Lake Center). Consider BYU if you want a values-forward program with unusually rich experiential options (Grantwell, Good Measure, Ballard Center) and a tight alumni network across government and nonprofits in the West.
Unique Components:
- Two pathways: Full-time MPA (58 credits/2 years) and Executive MPA (42 credits/3 years; one evening per week; Salt Lake Center cohorts).
- Curriculum: The full-time MPA blends a 40-credit core (communications, decision analysis, stats, econ, financial management, public-sector navigation) with sector emphasis (6 cr) and electives (12 cr) for 58 total credits. Team-based learning is emphasized from orientation through the first semester.
- Real-World Experience: Structured projects with government/nonprofit partners are embedded across courses; the program highlights internships between years 1–2, with recent placements spanning federal (e.g., GAO, State), state/local agencies, healthcare systems, and national nonprofits.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 42-58
- GRE: Not required
- Tuition: $7,996 (PSR)
Other Considerations:
- Executive MPA cadence: Fixed-night schedule by cohort; standardized curriculum (OB, quantitative & statistical analysis, comms, econ, HR, finance, law, evaluation, ethics, managerial accounting, leadership).
- Joint/accelerated options: JD/MPA available; transfer credit considered case-by-case (up to BYU’s policy limit with approvals).
Southern Utah University
- Cedar City, UT.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
SUU’s NASPAA-accredited, 36-credit MPA is designed for working professionals who want a flexible, skills-forward degree they can complete fully online. The program emphasizes engaged learning, ethics, and administration across government and nonprofit settings, with a required team-based capstone and an internship for pre-service students (waivable with qualifying experience). Most students finish in about two years, supported by multiple start terms and rolling admissions.
Unique Components:
- Three emphasis options: Customize electives toward State & Local Government, Higher Education Administration, or Criminal Justice—each with mission-specific competencies.
- Large practitioner footprint: The program highlights contributions from ~22 faculty/adjuncts across SUU and public-service professions, expanding course and mentorship options.
- Tracking Benchmarks: Program Effectiveness dashboards show graduation and sector placement trends; many grads land in state/local government within six months.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online only
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NWCCU
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Online Tuition: $430 (PCH)
- Enrollment: 150 students
Other Considerations:
- Pi Alpha Alpha and the Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service add networking and applied project opportunities.
- Study abroad & special projects (e.g., recent Kenya policy/study experience) offer global public-service exposure if desired.
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Utah’s NASPAA-accredited MPA is a 39-credit program designed for working professionals. The Evening MPA runs primarily in person with evening, weekend, and some hybrid/online classes; the Executive MPA (XMPA) is a 19-month cohort that meets on select weekends and condensed sessions. The curriculum pairs a nine-course management/analytics core with electives, a required capstone, and a professional internship for early-career students—an attractive setup if you want flexible scheduling, applied projects, and direct ties to Utah’s public and nonprofit employers.
Unique Components:
- Internship requirement (early-career): Minimum 300+ hours tied to PADMN 6910 (typically 3 credits, waiver possible with qualifying experience); placement support available.
- Elective flexibility: Four graduate electives (generally 6000-level; only one 5000-level allowed) can be drawn from an approved, campus-wide list each term.
- Dual-degree options & certificates: Structured pairings include MPA/MPH, MPA/MCMP (City & Metropolitan Planning), MPA/JD, MPA/MSW, and an MPA/ELP PhD option, plus multiple graduate certificates (e.g., Public Health, City & Metro Planning).
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, hybrid
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $381 (PCL)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $744 (PCL)
Other Considerations:
- Graduation requirements include 13 classes plus internship if required (for students without sufficient experience).
- The program highlights working-professional pacing, small-cohort advising, and a rotating elective catalog each term (summer/fall lists posted).
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
Utah’s non-NASPAA options can be excellent if you want part-time/evening formats and content aligned with Wasatch Front growth, Great Salt Lake/Colorado River water challenges, air quality, and public lands management. Regionally accredited programs that build applied portfolios and offer projects with state agencies, UDOT/UTA, and local governments can be highly competitive:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | NCCU | 36 | Online |
Career Outlook
Utah, with its unique cultural context and political landscape, offers distinct opportunities for public administration careers. These careers can vary between the state capital, Salt Lake City, and are shaped by the state’s cultural underpinnings. Here are some public administration careers that showcase these distinctions:
State Capital Public Administration Careers (Salt Lake City):
- Outdoor Recreation Planner: Given Utah’s emphasis on outdoor activities, planners in Salt Lake City may focus on developing and managing recreational spaces and programs.
- Public Lands Manager: Managing state-owned lands and coordinating with federal agencies, these professionals contribute to Utah’s conservation and land-use policies.
- Winter Sports Events Coordinator: In a state known for its winter sports, coordinators may organize and manage events, aligning with the state’s cultural and economic interests.
Politics of the State and Associated Careers:
- Conservation Policy Analyst: Aligning with Utah’s focus on natural resources, analysts may work on policies related to conservation, environmental sustainability, and public lands.
- Technology and Innovation Officer: In a state with a growing tech sector, officers may focus on policies that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-related economic development.
- Multicultural Affairs Specialist: Addressing the diverse demographics of Utah, specialists work on policies and programs promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Utah’s political landscape is influenced by a mix of conservative and libertarian ideologies, impacting public policies and administration. Understanding and navigating these cultural and political nuances are crucial for successful public administration careers in the state.
All MPA Programs in Utah
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | Master Of Public Administration | Utah | Provo | No | Yes | https://marriott.byu.edu/ |
| Brigham Young University | Executive Master of Public Administration | Utah | Provo | No | Yes | https://marriott.byu.edu/mpa/ |
| Southern Utah University | Master Of Public Administration | Utah | Cedar City | Yes | Yes | https://www.suu.edu/hss/polscj/mpa/ |
| The University of Utah | Master Of Public Administration | Utah | Salt Lake City | No | Yes | https://mpa.utah.edu/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What experiential projects address the Great Salt Lake, the Colorado River, or basin conservation?
A: Capstones frequently model lake/watershed scenarios and evaluate conservation programs with state and regional partners.
Q: How do you cover Wasatch Front growth, SB34 housing requirements, and TOD?
A: Planning and finance courses pair zoning/housing policy with pro-forma and infrastructure analysis, often for a local city client.
Q: Are there partnerships with UDOT/UTA for cost-benefit or ridership work?
A: Yes—students assess corridor alternatives, transit performance, and first/last-mile pilots, presenting findings to agency teams.
Q: How do you prepare students for Utah’s 45-day citizen legislature?
A: Session-aligned practicums train you to track bills, draft memos/fiscal notes, and brief stakeholders under tight deadlines.
Q: Is air-quality policy (PM2.5/ozone) tied to health and economics in coursework?
A: Methods and policy classes link monitoring data to health/economic impacts and evaluate cost-effective interventions.
Q: Can I pursue public lands/recreation projects with BLM/USFS or state parks?
A: Many students intern on recreation planning, visitor-use management, and gateway community development.
