Online Master of Public Administration

Prepare to Serve, Lead, and Thrive

Lifelong Learning for a Lifetime of Success

Pursue your passion with Drake University’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. In as few as two years, you can develop policy expertise bolstered by critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills that enable you to lead and serve in the public administration field.

Drake designed this program for working professionals. You will take classes entirely online, drawing on our faculty’s extensive experience and academic expertise while benefiting from experiential learning and team collaboration. Drake also lets you customize your degree through two areas of emphasis that align with your career goals.

Drake’s online MPA program provides opportunities for you to extend your professional network. Our faculty members act as career mentors, putting you on track to thrive professionally. You’ll also make valuable connections while studying with other ambitious students throughout your online program.

Drake University’s online degree programs prepare students for meaningful lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. You’ll engage in a collaborative learning experience, connecting with expert faculty and other ambitious students while seeking a credential distinguished by Drake’s tradition of excellence.

100% Online Program

Finish in 2 Years

Convenient 6-Week Terms

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Complete the form below for additional details about Drake University’s online degree programs. A Drake enrollment advisor will contact you soon to share valuable information and answer your questions.

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Lead the Way to a Better Tomorrow

With Drake’s online MPA program, you’ll develop the mastery that leadership roles demand. You’ll take online classes led by professors with industry expertise and a passion for helping students excel in public administration. You can enhance our online MPA degree by aligning the program with your goals through the following career-focused areas of emphasis.

Expand your ability to lead and manage with confidence as you complete coursework that focuses on public policy and advocacy, exploring the changing nature of public service to maximize impact and building organizations with resiliency and talent to do good.

Explore the evolving health care environment through coursework focusing on health care administration, health care policy, ethics, law, advocacy, and conflict resolution. The health care management emphasis prepares you to thrive as a Nurse Manager, Unit Manager, Director of Patient Safety, or Director of Development.

Learn what it takes to become a certified public manager in a blended format of in-person and virtual sessions. Our advanced curriculum has led the academic and administrative element of CPM since its establishment in the early 2000s.

Experience Drake’s Excellence and Value in a Flexible Format

Discover the excellence found on Drake University’s campus, offered in a convenient format that lets you study wherever you choose. With Drake University’s online degree programs, you’ll take classes on a flexible schedule, completing your program at a pace you can control. Plus, learn from the same faculty as our on-campus students, getting mentorship and guidance that makes a difference for a lifetime.

Rise Above the Competition

Learn to lead for the greater good with Drake University’s online Master of Public Administration degree. Offered 100% online, this immersive program enables you to navigate the intricacies of governmental procedures while preparing to direct and manage initiatives that support public interests.

Rewarding Careers for MPA Graduates

  1. Director of Patient Safety: $136,369 per year1
  2. Public Sector Manager: $112,012 per year2
  3. Community Affairs Manager: $88,261 per year3
  4. Urban and Regional Planner: $82,420 per year4
  5. Nonprofit Manager: $64,838 per year5

Accreditation

In addition to university accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, the Zimpleman College of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Zimpleman College of Business is also one of just seventeen universities in the United States to be recognized as a Center for Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries.

Fuel Your Personal and Professional Growth

Founded in 1881, Drake University has provided exceptional learning experiences for more than 130 years. Recognized as one of the Midwest’s finest institutions of higher learning, Drake offers online degree programs known for prestige, flexibility, and value.

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Sources

  1. Salary: Director of Patient Safety in United States 2023. Glassdoor. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/.
  2. Salary: Public Sector Manager in United States 2023. Glassdoor. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/.
  3. Salary: Community Affairs Manager in United States 2023. Glassdoor. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Urban and Regional Planners.” Retrieved on December 18, 2023, from https://bls.gov/.
  5. Salary: Nonprofit Manager in United States 2023. Glassdoor. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/.