Introduction
West Virginia is a great fit for MPA students who want hands-on impact, close access to decision-makers, and work that moves from analysis to implementation fast. The state’s small scale and strong community networks mean broad responsibilities in roles that span budgeting, grants, and stakeholder engagement across multiple jurisdictions. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, broadband, water/wastewater, health, and resilience create plenty of project work, while a relatively low cost of living and abundant outdoor recreation make day-to-day life appealing. If you value tight-knit partnerships, practical problem-solving, and visible results, you’ll likely thrive here.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 2
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 0
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $9,640 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $21,700 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus (evening), online
- Average Starting Salary: $50,000
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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 West Virginia
Overall, living in West Virginia as a prospective MPA student provides a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and professional opportunities that make it an attractive destination for those seeking a rewarding and fulfilling experience. There are two educational institutions with MPA programs in the state, since West Virginia University in Morgantown recently discontinued their MPA program. An overview of these three programs can be found here:
West Virginia State University
- Institute, WV.
- 36-42 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
WVSU’s 36–42 credit MPA is built for working professionals who want small-cohort attention, evening/online classes, and direct proximity to West Virginia’s State Capitol for internships and networking. It’s a compelling, cost-conscious option if you want to advance in state, local, or nonprofit roles without relocating or pausing full-time work—especially if you’re early-career and want the built-in internship and an applied capstone to show employers.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: No formal concentrations—students customize through electives (e.g., Administrative Law; Strategic Planning; Project & Contract Management; Advanced Public Management; Economics for Public Administrators).
- Real-World Experience: Internship pathway for pre-service students; applied capstone to synthesize analysis, budgeting, and management skills; location minutes from the State Capitol supports agency and nonprofit placements.
- Curriculum: Core (typically 8 courses); Professional Capstone; Electives (5 courses) chosen with an advisor; Internship (6 credits) required for pre-service students; experienced students complete the degree at 36 credits.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus (evening), online
- Accreditation: NCACSHLC
- Credit Hours: 36-42
- GRE: GPA contingent (3.0)
- Resident Tuition: $9,590 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $20,990 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Enrollment: 136 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- April 1 for fall full consideration (conditional admission possible). Small cohorts, affordable tuition, and Charleston-area access make WVSU a practical path to roles like program analyst, budget/grants specialist, or city/agency manager in West Virginia.
Marshall University
- Huntington, WV.
- 00 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
Marshall’s MPA is a 36-credit, fully online program designed for working professionals who want flexible delivery without sacrificing structure. The curriculum blends policy analysis + public management and culminates in a portfolio-based capstone (PADM 616)—a strong fit if you want an affordable online option with four targeted emphases, no GRE, and a clear path to roles across state/local government and nonprofits.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: Four Areas of Emphasis — Nonprofit Leadership & Management; Business/Government Relations; Cybersecurity & Policy Management; Planning & Economic Development.
- Curriculum: 36 credits including core courses; PADM 616 Scope & Practice (Capstone); 12 credits in an emphasis/electives. Portfolio completion is embedded in PADM 616.
- Real-World Experience: Applied, portfolio-based capstone demonstrating NASPAA core competencies (management, policy process, analytic decision-making, and communications) to employers.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Online Tuition: $534.75 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Enrollment: 2,792 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- Multiple entry points year-round via graduate admissions; Accelerated Master’s pathway allows qualified Marshall undergrads to begin MPA courses early. If you’re seeking a practical, budget-friendly online MPA with options to specialize (including cybersecurity/policy or planning & economic development), Marshall’s structure and emphasis choices make it a pragmatic pick.
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:
Accreditation Details
While no in-state MPA is NASPAA-accredited, West Virginia programs can still be smart choices because they’re regionally accredited, affordable, and tightly connected to the state’s real project pipeline (infrastructure, broadband, water/wastewater, health, resilience).
If you evaluate faculty qualifications, course syllabi (budgeting, HR, analytics, law, policy), career outcomes, and internship partners—and layer in industry credentials (FEMA ICS, PMP/CAPM, GPC)—you can graduate with a competitive profile for WV’s public and nonprofit roles even without a NASPAA stamp.
Career Outlook
West Virginia’s public-sector hiring is fueled by ongoing infrastructure, broadband, water/wastewater, and health-and-human-services work—plus steady municipal and regional planning activity. State agencies recruit through the WV Division of Personnel portal, and regional planning & development councils (11 RPDCs statewide) support grant writing, project delivery, and local technical assistance across rural communities. Broadband and water infrastructure programs add multi-year demand for grants, compliance, and project management talent:
- Budget Analyst (Medicaid/Bureau for Medical Services): Develops and manages multi-billion-dollar operating budgets; produces reports for the Legislature and federal partners.
- Transportation Community Development Specialist (WVDOH): Entry-level role spanning planning, grants management, regional coordination, and program delivery.
- Grants/Program Coordinator: Many job postings and opportunities statewide across health, infrastructure, and community development, primarily due to an influx of post-Covid federal funding.
- Regional Planner/Grants Specialist (RPDCs): RPDCs help smaller jurisdictions with water/sewer, transportation, housing, and economic development projects.
- City Manager/Administrator: Chief administrative roles overseeing budgets, procurement, and service delivery (e.g., Fairmont’s council-manager model).
All MPA Programs in West Virginia
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall University | Master Of Public Administration | West Virgina | Huntington | No | No | https://www.marshall.edu/mpa/ |
| West Virginia State University | Master Of Public Administration | West Virgina | Institute | No | No | https://www.wvstateu.edu/academics/academic-colleges/college-of-business-and-social-sciences/master-of-public-administration.aspx |
| West Virginia University | Master Of Public Administration | West Virgina | Morgantown | No | Yes | https://publicadmin.wvu.edu/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes West Virginia distinctive for public administration experience?
A: High-impact, community-centered work where you can directly shape rural development, infrastructure, and health outcomes.
Q: Which employers in West Virginia most often hire MPA grads?
A: State agencies in Charleston, regional planning & development councils, municipalities, hospital systems, and statewide nonprofits are steady employers.
Q: What policy areas in WV align best with MPA skill sets?
A: Energy transition and economic diversification, broadband expansion, water/wastewater, flood resilience, public health/substance use, housing, and transportation.
Q: Where should I look for grant-funded roles and projects?
A: Positions tied to federal programs (e.g., ARPA, IIJA, IRA) and Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA Rural Development, EDA, FEMA, and CDBG regularly post opportunities.
Q: What types of capstone/internship projects resonate with local employers?
A: Grant strategies (e.g., BRIC/HMGP applications), infrastructure prioritization, broadband mapping/engagement, opioid response coordination, and downtown redevelopment.
Q: Where do I find WV public-sector job postings?
A: The State of West Virginia careers portal, municipal/county sites, regional councils, hospital systems, and statewide nonprofit job boards.
