Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Kansas
Kansas is home to some of the best Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs in the nation. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in public service, nonprofit organizations, and private sector roles. Through flexible online learning and full-time study options, MPA programs in Kansas provide a pathway for professionals to enhance their careers while addressing the unique challenges governments and communities face today.
Table of Contents
2026 Best Online Master's in Public Administration (MPA) in Kansas
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - Public 4-Year - k-state.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas State University's hybrid Master of Public Administration offers a flexible, research-driven curriculum for both pre-service and in-service students. This NASPAA-accredited program requires 36-37 credit hours over two years, focusing on comprehensive policy and administrative training. Students develop critical thinking skills through professional internships, preparing for government and nonprofit careers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA minimum; no entrance exam is mentioned. The hybrid format combines online and in-person elements, and the program is military-friendly with financial assistance options available.
- NASPAA-accredited professional degree program
- Flexible for pre-service and in-service students
- Comprehensive policy and administrative training
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Public Policy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas State University's hybrid MPA with a Public Policy concentration prepares students for leadership roles in government agencies and international organizations. This NASPAA-accredited program features a research-driven curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. Students benefit from low faculty-to-student ratios during the two-year, 36-37 credit hour program. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA; no entrance exam is specified. The hybrid delivery combines online flexibility with in-person components, offering diverse public sector career opportunities in a military-friendly environment.
- NASPAA-accredited professional degree program
- Flexible for pre-service and in-service students
- Diverse career opportunities in public sector
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Non-profit Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas State University's hybrid MPA with Non-profit Management concentration develops leadership skills for public and nonprofit sectors through a professionally-oriented curriculum. This NASPAA-accredited program emphasizes practical problem-solving and can be completed in approximately 2.5 years with 36-37 credit hours. Designed for both pre-service and in-service professionals, it offers internship opportunities and career advancement. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA minimum; no entrance exam is required. The hybrid format blends online and on-campus learning in a military-friendly environment with flexible scheduling options.
- NASPAA-accredited professional MPA program
- Flexible for pre-service and in-service students
- Emphasis on practical leadership skills
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kansas offers a NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration that develops ethical leaders for public and nonprofit sectors through 40 credits of comprehensive governance and policy training. This hybrid program combines online flexibility with on-campus options, featuring specializations in city, performance, and policy management. With a 96% completion rate and ranked #1 in Local Government Management, it prepares graduates to tackle complex societal challenges. No entrance exam is explicitly required for admission, and the program is military-friendly.
- NASPAA-accredited 40-credit MPA program
- Specializations in city, performance, policy management
- #1 Local Government Management ranking
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: City and County Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on City and County Management, the University of Kansas provides a NASPAA-accredited MPA program that equips professionals with advanced skills in local governance and policy analysis through 40 credit hours. This hybrid format blends online accessibility with campus learning, ranked #1 in Local Government Management. Students gain practical problem-solving abilities for public sector leadership without a specified entrance exam requirement. The program supports military personnel and offers multiple application deadlines for flexible enrollment.
- NASPAA-accredited 40-credit MPA program
- Flexible online and campus learning options
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Public Policy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kansas's Public Policy concentration in its MPA program emphasizes interdisciplinary coursework to prepare leaders for state and local government roles, accredited by NASPAA. This 40-credit hybrid program merges theoretical foundations with hands-on management skills, available online and on-campus. Ranked #1 in Local Government Management with a 96% graduation rate, it fosters expertise in policy development and organizational leadership. No entrance exam is mentioned as required, and it is military-friendly.
- 40-credit hour program with diverse specializations
- High 96% graduation rate within 4 years
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS - Public 4-Year - wichita.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online Learning - Visit Website
Wichita State University's online Master of Public Administration is a flexible two-year program designed for aspiring leaders in public and nonprofit sectors. It requires no entrance exam and offers full-time or part-time study options, totaling 39 graduate credit hours. With affordable in-state tuition at $307.98 per credit, the program emphasizes practical skills in management, policy, and finance, supported by internships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships. Ideal for career advancement, it provides rigorous, research-driven coursework tailored for impactful public service, with a preferred fall entry and an August 1 application deadline.
- 39 total graduate credit hours
- Full-time or part-time options
- Online and in-person formats
- $307.98 per credit for residents
- No program prerequisites
- 8-10 graduate assistantships annually
- Multiple competitive fellowships
- Internship opportunities available
- Fall semester preferred entry
- Application deadline August 1
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu
Master's - Master of Professional Studies, Public Health Administration
Concentration: Public Health Administration - Online Learning - Visit Website
Fort Hays State University's online Master of Professional Studies in Public Health Administration focuses on developing expertise in public health leadership, healthcare access, disease control, and emergency management. This 30-credit program is designed for working professionals, offering flexible part-time study options that can be completed in 1.5 to over 3 years. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and a personal statement; no entrance exam is needed. The fully online format allows mid-career healthcare professionals to advance their skills in tackling complex public health challenges while balancing work commitments.
- Fully online, flexible master's degree
- Develops advanced public health professional skills
- Designed for working healthcare professionals
Fastest Online MPA Degree Programs in Kansas
For professionals seeking to complete their MPA degree efficiently, Kansas provides accelerated programs that combine academic excellence with quicker completion timelines. These shortest routes are ideal for those balancing work and study.
| School Name | Program Length | Format |
|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | 12 months | Online |
| Emporia State University | 18 months | Hybrid |
Fastest Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs provide additional insights into these accelerated learning options.
Affordable MPA Degree Programs in Kansas
Kansas universities deliver cost-effective and cheapest pathways to earning an MPA degree. With competitive tuition and financial aid opportunities, these programs are accessible to a wide range of students.
| School Name | Tuition Range | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University | $10,000–$12,000 | Online |
| Wichita State University | $9,500 | Hybrid |
Affordable Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs offer more details about cost-effective options.
MPA Admissions Requirements in Kansas
Admissions requirements for MPA programs in Kansas are designed to ensure that students have the academic background and work experience necessary to succeed. Typical requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (requirements may vary).
- Relevant professional experience for mid-career applicants.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- A personal statement describing career goals and interest in public administration.
- GRE scores (often waived for applicants with significant experience).
Meeting these admission requirements ensures that students are well-prepared for the rigors of graduate education.
MPA Curriculum in Kansas
MPA programs in Kansas deliver a well-rounded education that combines core public administration courses with specialized electives.
Core Curriculum:
- Financial Management in Public Administration
- Program Evaluation and Analysis
- Ethics in Leadership
- Public Policy Development
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Electives:
Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as criminal justice, nonprofit management, and local government. Many programs culminate in a capstone project or practicum, giving students hands-on experience.
Kansas schools of public administration align their curricula with NASPAA standards, ensuring a quality education that meets national accreditation criteria.
Licensure & Certification in Kansas
Graduates of Kansas MPA programs often pursue additional certifications to enhance their qualifications and career opportunities.
- Certified Public Manager (CPM): Builds advanced leadership and management skills.
- Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP): Ideal for roles in nonprofit organizations.
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM): Specializes in government budgeting and finance.
These certifications complement the skills gained in an MPA program and open doors to specialized careers.
Careers in Public Administration in Kansas
MPA graduates in Kansas enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in public service, nonprofit management, and private sector leadership.
Career Paths:
- Local Government: City managers, urban planners, and policy analysts.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Executive directors, program managers, and development officers.
- Private Sector: Business administrators and consultants specializing in public policy.
Prominent Employers:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that management skills and financial acumen are highly sought after in these fields.
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Advantages of Online MPA Programs in Kansas
Online degree programs in Kansas cater to the needs of working professionals by offering flexibility, affordability, and access to top-tier education.
- Flexible Schedules: Students can balance work, family, and studies.
- Cost Savings: Online programs often reduce housing and transportation costs.
- Diverse Opportunities: Students can enroll in the best programs without relocating.
Hybrid formats, which combine online coursework with in-person components, offer the best of both worlds.
Sources
- University of Kansas – Comprehensive Public Administration Curriculum
- Kansas State University – Leadership Development in Public Administration
- Emporia State University – Affordable Graduate Programs
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Public Administration Career Outlook
- NASPAA – Accreditation Standards for Public Affairs Education
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the following organizations for their contributions to this guide:
- NASPAA: To maintain high standards in public administration education.
- University of Kansas: For insights into their comprehensive MPA program.
- Kansas State University: For providing details about their leadership-focused curriculum.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): For valuable career and salary data.
Their expertise ensures this guide remains accurate and relevant for prospective students.