Introduction
Wisconsin’s high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a desirable place to live and study. The state’s rich cultural scene, diverse communities, and welcoming atmosphere create a supportive environment for students pursuing their MPA degrees.
Wisconsin has a unique political landscape that can offer several benefits for individuals working in the public sector. The state is known for its strong tradition of progressive politics, dating back to figures like Robert La Follette Sr., who championed reforms such as workers’ rights and direct democracy. This tradition has left a legacy of robust public services and a commitment to social welfare, making Wisconsin an attractive place for those interested in public service careers.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 4
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 2
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $13,000 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $22,000 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online, hybrid
- Average Starting Salary: $62,000
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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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to reputable universities and colleges that offer strong MPA programs, providing students with quality education and training. Institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have established NASPAA-accredited MPA programs with experienced faculty and comprehensive curricula. An overview of these institutions can be found here:
University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Madison, WI.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
Program Overview:
The La Follette School’s MPA program is nationally recognized for its rigorous public affairs education and ties to the Wisconsin Idea—championing public service and community engagement. Lafayette consistently ranks among top-tier public policy schools and was ranked #21 overall for Public Affairs, and notably #5 in Social Policy, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: The 36-credit MPA curriculum combines policy analysis, public management, microeconomics, and statistics, culminating in a capstone research project conducted for real-world clients. This capstone reflects the school’s applied learning mission under the Wisconsin Idea.
- Degree Tracks: Students may pursue dual degrees/certificates in Law (J.D.), Public Health (MPH), Urban Planning, Energy Analysis & Policy, and even Neuroscience joint programs—supporting interdisciplinary career paths.
- Accelerated Program: A special accelerated track allows qualified UW undergraduates to begin graduate-level coursework during their senior year and complete the MPA in less time.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus only
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCACSHLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $560 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,100 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Enrollment: 35-50 students per year
Other Considerations:
- The school maintains selective admissions, enrolling just over 50 students annually- 35 in the MPA and 15 in the Master of International Public Affairs (MIPA)- promoting a tight-knit cohort and elite professional training.
- The La Follette School faculty includes economists, political scientists, sociologists, and public administration experts who offer mentorship rooted in both theory and practice, integrated with the state capital environment of Madison.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
- Milwaukee, WI.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The MPA program at UWM is housed within a collaborative framework involving the College of Letters & Science, the Lubar School of Business, and College of Community Engagement and Professions. It stands out for its multidisciplinary foundation—integrating political science, urban planning, economics, public policy, and nonprofit administration—which ensures graduates are well-prepared for complex leadership roles in urban public service.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: UWM’s MPA curriculum offers three concentrations—Municipal Management, General Public Administration, and Nonprofit Management—enabling students to tailor their studies toward specific career paths in government or non-profit sectors.
- Accelerated Degree: The program also supports coordinated and dual-degree options, such as an MPA paired with an MUP (Urban Planning) or an MPA with a Master’s in Criminal Justice, offering expanded academic and career flexibility.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus only
- Accreditation: NASPAA, NCACSHLC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $529 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,200 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: 4,492 students annually
Other Considerations:
- A robust array of microcredentials and graduate certificates, including Nonprofit Management and specialized courses in nonprofit advocacy, governance, fundraising, and financial management, equips students with sector-specific and real-world expertise.
- UWM’s MPA program benefits from being part of a top-tier R1 research university, offering access to substantial research infrastructure, centers, and professional networks.
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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:
Non-Accredited Schools
While lacking programmatic NASPAA accreditation, these offerings often align with its curricular guidelines and remain solid educational paths especially for online or regional students:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University – Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| University of Wisconsin – Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
Accreditation Details
- NASPAA: The leading accreditor for public administration and policy programs in the U.S.; recognized by CHEA as the national standard for quality in MPA/MPAff education.
- HLC (Higher Learning Commission): Regional accreditor ensuring institutional-level quality and eligibility for federal aid, applies to all Wisconsin programs, including both NASPAA-accredited (UW–Madison, UWM) and non-accredited ones like UW–Oshkosh.
Career Outlook
Wisconsin’s MPA graduates find diverse opportunities at both state and local levels, due to its strong public management, urban development, and nonprofit ecosystems. Typical starting salaries are competitive:
- City/County Administrators: $70,000–$110,000
- Policy Analysts: $60,000–$85,000
- Public Health Program Coordinators: $60,000–$85,000
- Nonprofit Directors: $55,000–$80,000
Graduates also find paths in:
- Environmental and Energy Policy: Critical with Wisconsin’s industrial and lake-related challenges.
- Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Milwaukee and Madison consistently grow and revitalize their urban cores.
- Healthcare Policy and Administration: Strong in Wisconsin’s healthcare delivery networks and academic hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which MPA programs in Wisconsin are NASPAA-accredited?
A: NASPAA-accredited programs are offered at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and UW–Milwaukee.
Q: What concentrations are available?
A: UW–Madison’s La Follette School offers concentrations in social policy, health policy, and energy analysis. UW–Milwaukee focuses on nonprofit management, local government, and public budgeting.
Q: Can I study part-time or online?
A: UW–Milwaukee offers hybrid flexibility for working students. Other schools, like UW–Oshkosh, also provide evening and online MPA delivery.
Q: Where do graduates typically work?
A: MPA grads in Wisconsin work in municipal administration, legislative affairs, health systems management, and nonprofit development across Madison, Milwaukee, and regional counties.
