Introduction
When considering Vermont for pursuing an MPA degree, both Burlington and Northfield offer unique advantages for students. Vermont is a progressive state with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, social justice, and community engagement. MPA students in Vermont have the opportunity to engage with these values and apply them to their studies and future careers. Burlington, in particular, is known for its active community involvement and commitment to sustainability.
Vermont, including Burlington and Northfield, offers MPA students a combination of natural beauty, progressive values, economic diversity, strong educational institutions, and access to major metropolitan areas. These factors make Vermont an appealing option for students seeking a high-quality graduate education in public administration.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 2
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 1
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $12,510 (18 credits/PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $17,082 (18 credits/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:
MPA Programs in Vermont
Vermont is home to two prestigious colleges and universities that offer MPA programs, including the University of Vermont in Burlington (NASPAA-accredited) and Norwich University in Northfield. These institutions offer strong MPA programs with dedicated faculty and a supportive learning environment:
University of Vermont
- Burlington, VA.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UVM’s MPA is a 36-credit, NASPAA-accredited program housed in the Department of Community Development & Applied Economics. It blends rigorous core training with hands-on governance in what UVM calls Vermont’s “living laboratory”—a small, open state with direct access to local and state agencies and a dense nonprofit ecosystem. If you want close faculty access, applied work with real partners, and flexibility for working professionals (evening course options and a part-time path), UVM is a compelling pick.
Unique Components:
- Capstone: The program’s capstone portfolio and internship/experience requirement help you graduate with evidence of practice, while the option to stack graduate certificates (and even transfer credits from the Vermont Certified Public Manager program).
- Degree Tracks: No formal concentrations; instead, students customize via electives and stackable graduate certificates. A 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) is available for UVM undergrads.
- Curriculum: 36 credits including core courses—Foundations of Public Administration; Organizational Theory & Behavior; Research & Evaluation Methods; Public & Nonprofit Budgeting; Policy Systems; Community & Economic Development; Capstone (PA 6750); and Internship (PA 6991).
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NEASCCIHE
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $692 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,200 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Enrollment: 14,320 (total)
Other Considerations:
- Priority and recommended deadlines are posted by term (Jan 15 priority for fall funding; May 1 fall, Oct 1 spring, Mar 1 summer, recommended).
- The program highlights alumni placements across state/local government and nonprofits, and offers Coverdell Fellows benefits for RPCVs (application fee waiver; structured service; additional aid).
Norwich University
- Northfield, VT.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Norwich’s MPA is a 36-credit, 100% online program built around six, one-at-a-time 11-week seminars with an average 18-month completion time. Small online cohorts (max 15 students) and multiple annual start dates make it workable for busy professionals. If you want a military-friendly school with transfer credit (up to 12 credits), no GRE, and per-credit pricing with a published military/first-responder discount, Norwich is a pragmatic, flexible option.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: Students choose a concentration; current offerings include areas such as Policy Analysis & Analytics, Fiscal Management, Municipal Governance, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration Leadership & Crisis Management, Human Resource Leadership (recognized by SHRM for PDCs), and Criminal Justice & Public Safety.
- Curriculum: 36 credits / six seminars delivered over 11 weeks each, taken sequentially. The plan of study culminates in Capstone Studies (AD 561) and an Exit Portfolio that assembles graded work from prior seminars—giving you a tangible showcase of competencies.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online (18 months)
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Tuition: $550-$698 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 73.61%
- Enrollment: 3,796 (total)
Other Considerations:
- Start dates & deadlines are frequent (e.g., Fall Aug 25, 2025 start; Aug 15 application deadline; Winter Nov 17, 2025; Spring Feb 16, 2026), supporting rolling planning.
- Human Resource Leadership concentration is SHRM-recognized for PDCs—useful if you’re building HR capacity inside public/nonprofit organizations.
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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
Accreditation by NASPAA is a rigorous process that evaluates the quality of a program’s curriculum, faculty, students, and institutional resources. To become accredited, a program must undergo a comprehensive review that includes self-assessment, peer review, and site visits. Vermont has one MPA program accredited by NASPAA.
Norwich’s own accreditation pages list several specialized accreditors for other programs (e.g., ACBSP for the MBA; CCNE for Nursing) but do not claim NASPAA for the MPA. Programs are evaluated based on their mission, governance, curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and assessment of student learning outcomes.
Career Outlook
Overall, Vermont offers MPA graduates a combination of a high quality of life, progressive values, unique networking opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference in the community. These factors make Vermont an attractive destination for professionals looking to build a rewarding career in public service:
- Sustainability Coordinator: Vermont is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. MPA graduates can work as sustainability coordinators, helping to develop and implement policies and programs that promote sustainable practices in areas such as energy, transportation, and waste management.
- Lake Champlain Basin Program Manager: Vermont is home to Lake Champlain, a large freshwater lake that is an important natural and recreational resource. MPA graduates can work as program managers for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, overseeing efforts to protect and improve the health of the lake and its surrounding watershed.
- Farm to School Coordinator: Vermont has a strong local food movement and is a leader in farm-to-school programs. MPA graduates can work as farm-to-school coordinators, helping to connect local farmers with schools to provide fresh, locally grown food to students and promote food education.
- Healthcare Policy Analyst: Vermont has been a leader in healthcare reform, including the implementation of a universal healthcare system. MPA graduates can work as healthcare policy analysts, researching and analyzing healthcare policies and programs to improve access and affordability for all Vermonters.
- Rural Economic Development Specialist: Vermont has many rural communities that face economic challenges. MPA graduates can work as rural economic development specialists, helping to develop and implement strategies to promote economic growth and job creation in rural areas.
- Nonprofit Capacity Builder: Vermont has a strong nonprofit sector that plays a vital role in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. MPA graduates can work as nonprofit capacity builders, providing support and resources to nonprofit organizations to help them achieve their missions more effectively.
All MPA Programs in Vermont
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich University | Master Of Public Administration | Vermont | Northfield | Yes | No | https://www.norwich.edu/online/programs-courses/programs/master-of-public-administration |
| The University of Vermont | Master Of Public Administration | Vermont | Burlington | No | Yes | https://www.uvm.edu/cals/cdae/mpa |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What policy areas are most active right now?
A: Environment and climate, water quality/Lake Champlain, rural development, housing, health and human services, and transportation.
Q: How does Vermont’s rural character shape public service work?
A: Small towns and regional bodies mean broad job portfolios, direct community contact, and multi-hat leadership.
Q: Where are internships and entry-level opportunities typically found?
A: State agencies, regional planning commissions, municipalities, and nonprofits regularly host interns and project assistants.
Q: What is the legislative calendar like?
A: The General Assembly meets each winter–spring, creating concentrated windows for legislative internships and analysis work.
Q: How strong is the nonprofit sector?
A: It’s a major statewide employer and a frequent government partner on health, housing, environment, and community development.
Q: What are Vermont’s major industries?
A: Government and ed/health anchor the economy, alongside outdoor recreation, advanced manufacturing, agriculture/food systems, and clean energy.
