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Unique perspectives on public service

The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program continues the rich heritage of Norwich University's history and values. The sense of community developed and the excellent infrastructure we have constructed provide you with the education, training, and skills required to be an effective public manager in a demanding and evolving system. You will discover, as we do with each MPA class, that one of our greatest strengths is the level of expertise and experience brought by students presently serving the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You are in for a rewarding experience!

Today's leaders in the public sector must understand the principles of research, budgeting, human resources and complex laws around legal issues. These are the tools of the trade for the modern leader, and our online MPA addresses the concepts and principles underlying the complex business of leading a public service organization.

At the center of the MPA is a rigorous academic environment emphasizing online interactivity and mentoring relationships with a distinguished faculty. You are provided with a 24/7 support system, a uniquely designed curriculum structure, and a caring atmosphere that comes along with being part of Norwich University and the MPA program.

Reality complements theory

The MPA curriculum is carefully balanced to provide students with the practical and theoretical background necessary for those working at the senior and policy formation levels of a variety of public agencies, as well as reflecting the conceptual understanding expected at the master's level of education. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, integration of principles and concepts, research, and effective writing. As a professional you face real problems and challenges in your workplace environment, so you need a course of study that is both relevant and practical. Throughout the MPA program, you are presented with real world problems that will enhance the skills and techniques you need to implement policies and manage programs that attempt resolve public administration issues and problems.

Interact with and learn from peers in the Public Administration field

While students with varying levels of experience are welcome, one of our greatest strengths is the level of expertise and experience brought by students presently in public service roles.

Experience academic excellence

The online MPA at The School of Graduate Studies is a rigorous academic experience. Our online students report that they actually absorb information faster, feel a superior level of support and are more engaged online than they ever were in a traditional classroom.

Learn from the best

The MPA curriculum is developed by taught by experts in the Public Administration field – people who continue to innovate and succeed. These professionals utilize case studies from their professional experience as teaching tools. Visit the MPA Faculty page for more information.

Benefit from a small class size

Class sizes are limited to 15 students or less, and are called cohorts. Cohort members progress through the program together and participate in online discussions and other learning activities. The varying background of cohort members brings tremendous value to the learning experience.

The MPA program is structured as follows:

Four start dates per year; March, June, September or December
Six, six-credit, eleven-week seminars
Complete all coursework in 18 months
Graduate 18-24 months from your enrollment date
Capstone residency experience
Online, highly experiential, asynchronous curricular activities include threaded discussions, reading, writing, and workplace-oriented assignments
Cohort-based system where students travel through the degree program in groups of 12-15

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

When you become part of Norwich University, you become part of something very old, very deep, and very proud.