APU Makes It Possible

An Online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA)

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Earn Your Master of Public Administration (MPA) Online1

The smooth and efficient operation of government relies on leaders who know how to creatively problem solve, break silos by networking between agencies and stakeholders, and communicate solutions through diverse channels. Prepare to be part of this next generation of public administrators by earning your Master of Public Administration (MPA) at American Public University (APU).

APU’s programs are online with 24/7 access and no set login times.2 At APU, there are no entrance exams and classes start every month, so you can begin quickly and control your schedule. Ask us about transfer credit opportunities to help you save time and money in completing your degree.3

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Making Quality Higher Education Within Reach

$470
Per Credit Hour

Tuition for master’s degrees and graduate certificates. We offer many grant options. These grants represent a savings on our standard tuition rate. Request information to learn more.

$250
Per Credit Hour

For undergraduate and master’s-level programs with APU’s Preferred Military Rate for eligible students.4

0
Entrance Exams

No GRE®, GMAT®, or other standardized test scores required. Classes start monthly.5

$0
Application Fee

There is no cost to apply for undergraduate and master’s-level programs.

$0
Transfer Credit Evaluation

APU does not charge to evaluate and apply eligible transfer credit.6

$
No-cost Ebooks

Thanks to the University Book Grant, all master's students receive no-cost ebooks.

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Why You Should Earn This Master's From APU

No Entrance Exams

Begin your studies quickly. APU’s MPA degree requires no GRE® or other entrance exam, and the program starts monthly, putting you in control.7

Applicable Knowledge

Career-relevant coursework blends theory with practice to sharpen your knowledge and skill in writing, ethics, public policy, public management, and public finance. A variety of concentration options allow you to further focus your studies.8

Collaborative Learning

Case studies, facilitated discussion, and other exercises allow you to build a shared experience toward developing a new generation of administrators ready to serve the public.

Core Values

APU’s online master’s degree in public administration stresses core values of service, ethics, knowledge, and competence.

Real-World Exposure

You’ll benefit from studying alongside classmates who bring their own wealth of knowledge to your online learning experience. Students include those currently engaged in public management or public service and those entering the field.

Practical Takeaways

To complete your program, you’ll undertake a creative project to address an issue of public importance that is directly or closely related to your own career or position. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to strategically tackle challenging issues facing public servants.

Ways to Save and Pay on Your Master's

Explore your options to make learning affordable.

Scholarships and Loans
Scholarships are awards that do not need to be repaid. Loans do require repayment and come from banks, credit unions, credit cards, and private companies.
Federal Student Aid
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see what you qualify for. Our advisors can answer questions about federal student aid.
Personal Funds
We accept MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover, ApplePay®, GooglePay®, PayPal®, and e-checks. You can also use our Automatic Debit Plan to spread out payments.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and their families receive a tuition grant. These grants represent a savings on our standard tuition rate. Eligible family members are parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents of veterans. Financial aid advisors help veterans navigate their education benefits too.
A Special Rate For Our Military
$250 Per Credit Hour*
APU gives all eligible undergraduate and master’s-level students a Preferred Military Rate.
University-Funded Grants
We offer a variety of tuition grants to help all achieve their academic goals. These grants represent a savings on our standard tuition rate.
Employer Benefits
Does your employer offer tuition assistance? Some organizations have partnerships with us that provide tuition benefits.

* All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit for undergraduate and master’s-level courses. The Preferred Military Rate, which is applied automatically, supersedes all other university grants and special rates, and cannot be combined with any other special promotions. Please note that a technology fee applies to master’s-level courses.

Jovanka Rodriguez

"I really didn't think that an online platform was going to work for me, because I'm such a visual learner. In truth, it was the best option for me to be able to balance my work, life, and personal time."10

Jovanka Rodriguez | MA, Management
JoAnna Liming

"The faculty are just phenomenal. If you had a question, you sent them an email or a chat message. They responded practically right away."11

JoAnna Liming | BS, Information Technology
Bryan Mogaru

"I grew up wanting to fight the bad guys. With my education now, I know how they think. I’ll be able to catch the bad guys. I see myself making a difference in the world."12

Bryan Mogaru | BA, Homeland Security, MS, Cybersecurity

Looking for Something Else?

If you’d like to explore other program options, we have 90+ master’s degrees and graduate certificates to consider.

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Classes begin May 4.

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There is no cost to apply for undergraduate and master’s-level programs.13