Drake University’s online Master of Public Administration degree program is designed to prepare working professionals with policy expertise, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving strategies – valuable skills needed to efficiently lead and serve in the public administration field.

Offered entirely online, this 36-credit hour program draws on the professional and academic knowledge of Drake’s respected faculty, and features curriculum enriched by experiential learning, team collaboration, and real-world scenarios.

To enhance Drake’s online MPA degree, students can build a program that aligns with their specific goals through career-focused curriculum in areas such as:

Learn to lead for the greater good with Drake University’s new online Master of Public Administration degree. Offered 100% online, Drake’s in-depth program prepares students to navigate the intricacies of government procedures and equips students to effectively direct, manage, and serve in the best interest of the public.

Taught by professors with industry expertise and passion to help students to excel in the public administration field, Drake’s MPA program provides students with the mastery to pursue leadership roles such as:

• Budget Analyst
• City Manager
• Community Affairs Manager
• Director of Development
• Executive Director

Founded in 1881, Drake University has been providing students with an exceptional learning experience for more than 130 years. Recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest, Drake offers a prestigious private education at an excellent value. In addition to highly respected on-campus programs, the University offers convenient online programs to fit the needs of busy professionals.

Drake University is recognized for its exceptional programs that prepare students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. As an online student at Drake, your experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students and faculty, and by Drake’s renowned history, accolades, and forward-thinking leaders.

• Programs that professionally prepare graduate students for the next step in their careers.
• Committed faculty who serve as mentors to guide the success of students.
• Flexible schedules that allow students to complete their studies as quickly or slowly as needed by fitting classes into busy schedules.
• The convenience of online learning, allowing students to experience a Drake education on their own timeline.
• A global network of more than 75,000 alumni, connecting you to opportunities all over the world.

Drake University works hard to provide financial assistance to help students attain the next level of success. We are committed to providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Based on the program you want to pursue and your life situation, there are several financial options to help you earn an advanced degree.

• Federal Stafford Loans: Online graduate students may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans, which allows eligible students to borrow money to help cover tuition, living expenses, books and other costs.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: As a graduate student, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan. This low-interest, credit-based federal loan provides funds to cover additional educational expenses not met by other types of aid.
• Employer Tuition Support Plan: If your employer reimburses you for all or part of your tuition costs after the end of each semester, you may be eligible for tuition deferment from Drake, allowing you to pay for your tuition upon receipt of funds.
• Veteran Benefits: Drake University is committed to providing our online veteran students with the same support and financial aid resources available to our on-campus students. Eligible students may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, Dependents Educational Assistance and the REAP Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

Drake University has been on the approved list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913. Since reorganization of the Association in 2000, Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Drake was granted continuing accreditation in 2008.

Drake University has received numerous national rankings recognizing the University for strengths that range from academic quality to excellent value. Some of Drake’s recent accolades include:

Third in the Midwest for overall quality

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Drake third for overall quality among universities in the Midwest for eight years running.

College that pays you back

The Princeton Review included Drake in its 2017 listing of Colleges That Pay You Back, based on academics, cost, financial aid, graduation rates, and alumni salaries.

Top five in the nation among regional universities

U.S. News & World Report ranked Drake fifth in the nation among the 653 universities in Drake’s rankings category.

Best college value

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Drake among the top 40 best values in private education in the country in 2017, comparing cost/financial aid with academic quality.

Best colleges for military veterans

Drake ranked second in the Midwest region on U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list of best colleges for veterans.

National recognition

The inaugural Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranking of U.S. colleges placed Drake University at 135 in a list of over 1,000 schools nationwide.