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Master of Public Administration Online

This online MPA program gives you the organizational, administrative, and analysis knowledge needed to generate solutions to human, economic, environmental, and social problems.

4/22/24Next Application Due Date
5/6/24 Next Class Start Date
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Program Overview

Get to know the online MPA program at Barry

$15,480* Total Tuition
As few as 14 months Program Duration
36 Credits

Barry University’s Master of Public Administration online program prepares and develops students at all levels into public administrators who will embody the public sector values of respect for all individuals, proficiency in the profession, adherence to ethical principles, and empathy toward all. Dedicated and dynamic academic practitioner faculty teach, guide, and mentor students, preparing them to be accomplished public sector professionals who strive to effectively serve the public.

As a highly affordable master's degree designed for working professionals, this online MPA program is focused on the administration of public, nonprofit, and other organizations serving a public purpose. It is well-matched for those already employed in administrative positions, as well as those looking to transition from active field roles or the military. Students will have the opportunity to participate in public administrative coursework oriented to their current organization or future professional goals, including a Capstone Applied Project designed to make the connection between academic and professional work.

As the most recognized terminal professional degree for practitioners in public service, the MPA program content is grounded in an assessment of how the modern public-sector workplace has evolved and how to respond to and positively influence this evolution. Students will learn the principles of financial management, human resource administration, and administrative law.

Barry's highly respected online faculty features Quality Matters-certified professors with extensive experience who are subject matter experts in the public sector. Students may be able to transfer up to 6 graduate credits into the program*

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to:

  • Apply graduate research methods and techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of public programs and the outcomes of policy alternatives
  • Synthesize the concepts associated with ethical behavior and social responsibility in order to effect social change and promote social justice
  • Evaluate leadership qualities and analyze the rule of law in administrative procedures, as well as execute effective administrative decision-making
  • Examine the process involved in planning for change and the various means of production in the public sector, leading to ways to maximize efficiency and effectiveness

This program is well matched for those who are already employed or seeking employment in the public and nonprofit sectors as well as those who are looking to transition from active field roles or the military into careers such as:

  • Administrative Services Manager
  • City Manager
  • County Executive
  • Emergency Management Director/Manager
  • Government or Nonprofit Financial Manager
  • Nonprofit Director/Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Research Analyst
$15,480* Total Tuition
As few as 14 months Program Duration
36 Credits
Barry NASPAA white badge

Barry University is a member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)—The Global Standard in Public Service Education.

Need More Information?

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Tuition

Find out how and when to pay for tuition

For the Master of Public Administration online there is a $30 application fee, but all other fees are included in the total cost of tuition. Tuition is the same whether you live inside or outside Florida and can be paid by the course.

Tuition breakdown:

$15,480* Total Tuition
$430 Per Credit

*Tuition and fees subject to change.

Tuition breakdown:

$15,480* Total Tuition
$430 Per Credit

Calendar

Take note of these milestones that will guide your student journey

With six start dates each year, the MPA online program is convenient to begin. After selecting your desired start date, you should consider deadlines for completing an application, turning in all required documentation, registering for classes, and paying tuition.

Now enrolling:

4/22/24 Next Application Due Date
5/6/24 Next Class Start Date
SessionProgram Start DateAdmissions & Financial Aid DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment Deadline *Last Class DayTerm Length
Spring B3/4/242/19/242/26/242/26/242/28/244/20/247 weeks
Summer A5/6/244/22/244/29/244/29/245/1/246/22/247 weeks
Summer B7/1/246/17/246/24/246/24/246/26/248/17/247 weeks
Fall A8/19/248/5/248/12/248/12/248/14/2410/5/247 weeks
Fall B10/21/2410/7/2410/14/2410/14/2410/16/2412/7/247 weeks

*Payment must be received in full by the stated deadline regardless of financial aid arrangements. Failure to pay, or a balance on the account, will result in the student being dropped from courses, regardless of when the student registered. Students who do not register prior to the registration deadline must wait for the following term.

Now enrolling:

4/22/24 Next Application Due Date
5/6/24 Next Class Start Date

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?

Admissions

View the requirements for our Master of Public Administration

To apply for the Master of Public Administration online, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. You also must submit a resume with two references. Student may be able to transfer up to 6 graduate credits into the program.*

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Professional resume with two references
  • Official transcripts from only colleges/universities where degree was earned
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA

Courses

Read about our online MPA classes here

In order to earn the online Master of Public Administration degree, you must complete 12 courses (36 credits), including 10 core courses (30 credits) and two electives (6 credits). There are no leveling or foundation courses. However, based on prior academic and/or professional experience, you may be required to complete a self-paced online workshop prior to starting a for-credit course in order to refresh certain knowledge or skills. All courses are seven weeks in length.

You must complete the following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course will focus on the classic writings that have framed the foundation of public administration over the past 120 years. The subject matter will be taught with application to current public administration practice as its principle objective.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore research that relates to administrative and technical processes using various research techniques. Students undertake an in-depth review and critical investigation using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Students will be exposed to various tools and techniques appropriate to applied research and will develop a research design based on an instructor-approved topic. The research design may be used as a foundation for the capstone project.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to create an awareness and sensitivity to the values and ethical issues inherent in public administration decisions. The importance of ethics in maintaining public trust in the context of representative democracies will be emphasized. Classic moral philosophies will be studied as the basis for the values and ethical practices in government today. In addition, the legal requirements for complying with legislated ethical standards will be studied.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Policy Analysis and Evaluation is a seminar designed to examine the theory and practice of public policy analysis as it is conducted in complex political environments.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course presents the principles of financial management in the public sector. Topics include public sector operating and capital budgets, expenditures and revenues, and financial reporting and analysis at the federal, state, and local level as well as the role of financial administration in promoting the common good.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course presents the principles of public personnel management and human resource administration and examines the balance between organizational and individual needs. Topics include the functional and technical aspects of human resources, strategic and operational concerns; the history of the civil service; constitutional/legal issues; employee benefits; recruiting/hiring/developing/retaining high quality employees; and labor union/management relations.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Leadership is essential in any organization for it to be effective. This course will review the very special characteristics of leadership in public purpose organizations. Issues such as the impact of the political process on leadership, navigating media storms, leading and empowering employees, and maintaining a focus on public purpose will be addressed.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The role of public administrative law and procedure will be taught as it applies to both public and private decision-making. The effects of public administrative law and rule making will be presented along with the oversight provided by legislatures and public policy processes inherent in making and sustaining public policy.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The classic management function of planning will be reviewed in its state and local government contexts. Emphasis will be placed on planning for change management applications to social equity and on strategic planning in public decision making.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The Applied Project is a supervised capstone for the master's program. It is an independent, web-supported study with a graduate faculty mentor/instructor and a professional in the field to guide relevance to current public administration practice. The project is designed to build from knowledge gained during the program and to make connections between academic and professional work.
You must complete 2 of the 3 following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides the student with an understanding of the role of nonprofit organizations in the scope of public-private purposes. It examines the role of boards and staff, vision and mission, funding and accountability, excellence in operations, and sustainability.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines techniques for measuring and improving productivity in public organizations. Current and historical public management theories will be taught and analyzed.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will review the scope of public/private enterprise structures in the United States. Further, it will review the scope of public purchasing, public/private partnerships, privatization of public services, and contracting for public services from the private sector.
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*Tuition and fees subject to change.

**Previously earned credits, if accepted for transfer, must be completed in less than the (5) year period immediately preceding initial enrollment at Barry. Only relevant courses for which a grade of B or higher was earned will be considered. Only credits will be transferred, not grades or grade point averages and credits that were used to earn a degree at another institution will not be accepted.

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