Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's online Master of Public Policy with a Public Management concentration equips professionals with advanced skills in policy analysis and public sector leadership. This fully online program features rolling admissions and requires no minimum GRE score, making it highly accessible. The curriculum emphasizes practical research methods and management strategies tailored for government agencies and nonprofits. As a military-friendly institution, it supports diverse career transitions and advancements in public service roles.

• Fully online graduate degree with three concentration options
• No minimum GRE score requirement for admission

Focusing on Educational Policy, UMass Dartmouth's online Master of Public Policy prepares graduates for influential roles in education sectors through rigorous analysis and applied research. The program is entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals, and does not mandate a minimum GRE score for admission. With rolling admissions and a military-friendly approach, it builds expertise in policy development and implementation, ideal for those aiming to drive educational reforms in government or nonprofit organizations.

• Fully online graduate degree with flexible learning options
• Three specialized policy concentrations available
• No minimum GRE score for admission

UMass Dartmouth's online Master of Public Policy with an Environmental Policy concentration trains professionals to address critical environmental challenges through advanced policy analysis and leadership skills. This fully online program requires no minimum GRE score and provides flexible learning options with rolling admissions. Emphasizing practical applications, it prepares students for careers in environmental agencies and nonprofits, supported by a military-friendly environment and a curriculum focused on sustainable policy solutions.

• Fully online graduate degree with flexible specializations
• No minimum GRE score required for admission

Suffolk University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a hybrid program offering flexibility for working professionals. It features four concentrations—Community Health, State & Local Government, Nonprofit Management, and Information Systems—allowing students to tailor their studies. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in management, policy, and leadership through an 8-course core and dual degree options. No entrance exam is required for admission. This program is ideal for those seeking to advance in public or nonprofit sectors with hands-on learning and internship opportunities.

• Four specialized concentrations for targeted career development
• Comprehensive 8-course core curriculum with practical focus
• Dual degree options with multiple graduate programs

Suffolk University's hybrid MPA with a State & Local Government concentration prepares students for impactful roles in government. The program focuses on financial management, organizational dynamics, and policy development, blending theory with real-world applications. It includes a 24-credit core curriculum and dual degree options in law or political science. No entrance exam is required. This online-hybrid format offers flexibility for professionals aiming to drive change in state and local public service, supported by practical leadership training.

• Four targeted concentrations: Community Health, Nonprofit, State & Local Government, Data Analytics
• Comprehensive 24-credit core curriculum with practical leadership focus
• Multiple dual degree options with law, criminal justice, and political science

Suffolk University's hybrid MPA in Nonprofit Management equips students with skills for leadership in nonprofit sectors. The 42-credit curriculum covers financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, with elective credits for customization. It features dual degree options and emphasizes practical applications without requiring an entrance exam. This online-hybrid program is designed for professionals seeking to advance in nonprofit roles, offering flexible learning paths to manage and innovate in community-focused organizations.

• Four specialized concentrations for targeted career development
• 42-credit curriculum with practical leadership training
• Dual degree options across multiple disciplines

Clark University's hybrid Master of Public Administration equips emerging and senior leaders to drive change in public and nonprofit sectors through flexible evening and online courses, ideal for working professionals balancing career and education. The curriculum hones skills in policy crafting, organizational management, and leadership, preparing graduates to address complex public service challenges. No entrance exam is required for this online-accessible program, which is ranked among the top 50 MPA programs and emphasizes collaborative learning with experienced practitioners.

• Flexible online and evening course options
• Collaborative learning with experienced practitioners

Clark University's online Master of Public Administration for Senior Leadership is an 18-month, low-residency program tailored for mid-career professionals with 3-5 years of experience, blending online coursework with in-person workshops across New England. It focuses on policy analysis, leadership, and public administration, offering two prior learning credits and flexible scheduling at $37,480. No entrance exam is required for this online program, which includes generous scholarships and allows students to maintain their current roles while advancing their careers.

• 18-month low-residency format for working professionals
• Two course credits for professional experience
• Flexible online learning with regional workshops

Cambridge College's online Master of Public Administration with a Non-Profit concentration prepares professionals for leadership in nonprofit organizations through a 36-credit, fully online curriculum. This program requires no GRE entrance exam and emphasizes diversity, inclusive governance, and community engagement skills. With a total cost of $25,380, it focuses on policy analysis and strategic management, equipping graduates for roles in social services and nonprofit sectors, where median annual wages are around $50,000. It is military-friendly and designed for flexible, affordable advancement in public service careers.

• 100% online, no GRE required
• Focuses on diversity and inclusive leadership
• Total program cost: $25,380

Cambridge College offers an online Master of Public Administration concentrating on the Public Sector, delivered fully online with no GRE requirement. This 36-credit program develops expertise in modern governance, policy-making, and equity-driven leadership through hands-on learning. Costing $25,380, it emphasizes strategic problem-solving and community engagement to prepare graduates for diverse government and public organization roles. The curriculum builds practical skills in diversity and inclusive practices, and it is military-friendly, providing an accessible path to advanced public service careers without entrance exams.

• 100% online, no GRE needed
• Focuses on diversity and leadership skills
• Prepares for multiple public sector careers

Worcester State University's online-hybrid Master of Public Administration & Policy (MPAP) equips professionals for public service through a 36-credit curriculum focused on policy analysis, economics, and leadership. This interdisciplinary program, featuring faculty from urban studies, sociology, and political science, offers a blended learning format ideal for working adults. Students complete a two-course capstone for hands-on policy experience. No entrance exam is required for admission, which needs a minimum 2.75 GPA and prerequisite courses, fostering leaders who drive community change effectively.

• Interdisciplinary core faculty from urban studies, sociology, political science.
• Blended learning format for working professionals.
• Two-course capstone for real-life policy experience.