Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has been preparing public and nonprofit leaders for more than 50 years and has nearly 700 graduates working across Wisconsin, the U.S., and throughout the world. Our 100% Online MPA program is conducted asynchronously and provides flexibility and access to students who cannot take classes on campus because of life, work, military and/or other commitments.
MPA students have diverse interests, backgrounds, and goals. The program offers high quality curriculum that aligns with NASPAA standards. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and instructors who embrace a hands-on approach and asynchronous, and synchronous communication methods and tools.
Distinguishing Features
- Start Any Time: Fall | Spring | Summer – See Admission Requirements
- Fast Time to Degree Completion: As Few As Two Years (see Sample Plans for Completing the MPA)
- Work at Your own Pace: 100% Online and Asynchronous
- One of the Most Affordable MPAs in the Midwest: See Tuition and Fees
- Transfer other Graduate Credits: Department Policies
- Quality Teaching & Community Engagement: Experienced Faculty and Instructors in the Field
- Comprehensive and Career-Oriented Curriculum: Choose from Four Emphases
- Diverse Student Geography: Students come from Wisconsin as well as Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, Connecticut, California, and more. International students have also come from Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
- Small Class Sizes for Personalized Education and Networking: Max of 20 students per class
Application and Fees
Application Process and Requirements
- Prospective students should select the online MPA option when completing the electronic application. You can apply online at apply.wisconsin.edu (please see MPA Admission Requirements).
- International students in the online MPA may take up to three classes (9 credits) in residence on the UW Oshkosh campus as part of the online program plan during their last semester in the program (either fall or spring semesters). They can also participate in the graduation ceremony that last semester. Students must obtain a student visa to take those three classes on campus.
- Diplomas for international students will be sent by mail. Students who wish to participate in person during the graduation ceremony in the United States will be sent an invitation to obtain a tourist visa.
Online Fees and Financial Aid
- The expected tuition for the online MPA program option can be found on the Student Financial Services website under Online and Continuing Education (OCE), MPA Online.
- This tuition amount is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. The Minnesota Reciprocity and Midwest Student Exchange programs do not apply.
- Information about financial aid and other opportunities can be found on this website.