Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Missouri
Aspiring public service professionals in the central United States will find ample opportunities to pursue a degree in public administration. With its blend of urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis and smaller communities, the state provides diverse career paths for MPA graduates. Programs emphasize leadership roles, city management, and real-world applications, preparing students for impactful careers across industries.
Flexible online MPA programs cater to working professionals and recent graduates. These programs focus on financial management, emergency management, and public policy affairs, equipping students with the tools needed for success in public service.
Table of Contents
2026 Best Online Master's in Public Administration (MPA) in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - Public 4-Year - umkc.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Missouri-Kansas City's hybrid Master of Public Administration program develops innovative leaders for government, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors through its 36-credit curriculum. Students gain advanced analytical skills, ethical leadership principles, and practical management techniques, with a focus on policy analysis, financial accountability, and organizational leadership. This program requires an entrance exam and offers flexible learning options, including a healthcare management track and experiential learning components to build professional competencies.
- 36-credit program with flexible healthcare management track
- Develop leadership skills for public and nonprofit sectors
- Professional competency requirement with experiential learning
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Management and Innovation - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UMKC's hybrid Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Innovation prepares students for leadership roles in complex public service environments. The 36-credit curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, strategic decision-making, and leadership capabilities, with elective courses and specialized tracks like Healthcare Management. Students engage in practical experiences through internships, consulting projects, and workshops. This program requires an entrance exam and is designed for professionals aiming to drive innovation in nonprofit sectors.
- 36-credit program with dynamic public service leadership focus
- Healthcare Management track available
- Practical experience through internships and workshops
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Urban Policy and Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Urban Policy and Management, UMKC's hybrid Master of Public Administration equips students to address urban challenges in government, nonprofit, and healthcare settings. The 36-credit program covers research methods, policy development, leadership, and financial management, reinforced by experiential learning opportunities. With flexible tracks, including healthcare management, it fosters ethical leadership and practical skills. An entrance exam is required for this online-accessible program, ideal for those seeking impactful careers in urban public service.
- 36-credit comprehensive public service leadership program
- Healthcare management track available
- Experiential learning opportunities required
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Health Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UMKC's hybrid Master of Public Administration with a Health Leadership concentration trains students for dynamic roles in healthcare and public sectors. The 36-credit program develops skills in analytical decision-making, ethical leadership, and problem-solving, featuring a specialized Healthcare Management track. Practical experience is gained through internships, consulting projects, and workshops. This program requires an entrance exam and offers online flexibility, preparing graduates to lead effectively in health-related organizational environments.
- Comprehensive 36-credit program with core and elective courses
- Healthcare Management track available
- Professional competency requirement with experiential learning
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online Learning - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's online Master of Public Administration equips professionals with leadership skills for public sector advancement, emphasizing public safety, local government management, and public policy. This 100% online program offers flexible learning for working adults, with practical courses taught by expert faculty to prepare graduates for roles in government and non-profits. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for career-focused individuals. The program is military-friendly and focuses on strategic community impact.
- 100% online flexible master's program
- Focuses on public safety and government leadership
- Supports career advancement in public sectors
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Public Safety - Online Learning - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's online Master of Public Administration with a Public Safety concentration provides specialized training for professionals in emergency management and security roles. This fully online degree features a flexible curriculum covering critical areas like crisis response and policy analysis, designed for working adults seeking career growth. No entrance exam is needed, and the military-friendly program emphasizes practical leadership skills for public service sectors.
- 100% online master's degree
- Focuses on public safety and government leadership
- Flexible coursework for working professionals
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Local Government Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's online Master of Public Administration with a Local Government Management concentration focuses on developing administrative expertise for municipal and county leadership. This 100% online program offers flexible coursework in public policy and governance, tailored for professionals advancing in public sectors. No entrance exam is required, and it supports military-friendly enrollment, with practical training for roles in government and community organizations.
- 100% online degree with flexible coursework
- Focus on public safety and government leadership
- Practical courses led by expert faculty
Park University
Parkville, MO - Private 4-year - park.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Criminal Justice Administration - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Park University's online Master of Public Administration with a Criminal Justice Administration concentration, established in 1982, develops leaders for government, nonprofit, and community service roles. This hybrid program focuses on budgeting, personnel management, and data analysis skills tailored to criminal justice contexts. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for working professionals. The flexible online format supports career advancement in public service, with cross-sector leadership training and multiple concentration options available.
- First graduate degree at Park University
- Multiple sector-focused concentrations available
- Cross-sector leadership development program
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Disaster and Emergency Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Park University's online Master of Public Administration in Disaster and Emergency Management prepares professionals for leadership roles in crisis response across government and NGO sectors. This hybrid program, launched in 1982, emphasizes strategic decision-making, budgeting, and organizational management skills specific to emergency scenarios. No entrance exam is needed, offering accessible advanced training. The online delivery provides flexibility for working students, with a focus on cross-sector leadership development and specialized concentration choices.
- Cross-sector leadership training
- Multiple specialized concentrations available
- Online learning flexibility
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Global Governance - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Park University's online Master of Public Administration with a Global Governance concentration equips leaders for international public service in government and nonprofit sectors. This hybrid program, started in 1982, builds competencies in data analysis, budgeting, and organizational management with a global perspective. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA and a career goals essay, but no entrance exam. The flexible online format accommodates professionals, featuring cross-sector leadership training and multiple concentration pathways.
- Cross-sector leadership development
- Multiple specialized concentrations available
- Flexible online learning format
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO - Private 4-year - lindenwood.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online Learning - Visit Website
Lindenwood University's online Master of Public Administration is a 36-credit program designed to equip professionals for leadership in government and nonprofit sectors through flexible, fully online coursework completed in 18-24 months. At $551 per credit hour, it emphasizes policy analysis, budgeting, and governance skills, with up to 9 transfer credits accepted. No entrance exam is required for admission, which relies on an online application, resume, and official transcripts. This program is military-friendly and focuses on developing practical public service leadership.
- 100% online, flexible master's degree
- Develop leadership skills for public service
- Affordable tuition with transfer credit options
Fastest Online MPA Degree Programs
For those seeking the quickest or shortest pathway to an MPA degree, the state offers accelerated options designed to fit busy schedules. These programs are particularly suitable for professionals looking to advance their careers efficiently.
| School Name | Program Length | Format |
|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia | 12 months | Online |
| Missouri State University | 18 months | Hybrid |
Explore additional quickest options on our Fastest Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs page.
Affordable MPA Degree Programs
For cost-conscious students, the state provides some of the cheapest and most cost-effective public administration programs. Students can achieve their goals without significant financial strain with competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
| School Name | Tuition Range | Format |
|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | $10,000–$15,000 | Online |
| Truman State University | $12,000–$18,000 | Hybrid |
For the cheapest options, visit our Affordable Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs page.
Admissions Requirements for Public Administration Programs
Graduate programs in public administration prioritize applicants with a strong academic foundation and a commitment to public service. Common criteria include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Two to three letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement outlining career goals.
- GRE or GMAT scores (optional for certain programs).
For detailed admissions information, visit the University of Missouri-Columbia admissions page or the Missouri State University website.
Curriculum and Coursework
Public administration programs in the region offer comprehensive coursework, internships, and capstone projects to prepare students for leadership roles. These programs emphasize practical skills for nonprofit management, local government, and private-sector positions.
Common Course Titles:
- Public Policy Analysis
- Leadership and Public Management
- Financial Management and Budgeting
- Program Evaluation Techniques
- Human Resource Management
- Ethics in Public Administration
- Emergency Management and Disaster Response
Students can also choose electives focused on urban planning, economic development, and nonprofit organization leadership.
Careers in Public Administration
Graduates of these programs find rewarding roles across various sectors, leveraging skills in management, policy-making, and financial oversight. The region’s mix of urban and rural settings creates diverse career opportunities.
Common Career Paths:
- City Manager: Overseeing municipal operations and strategic planning.
- Emergency Manager: Leading disaster response efforts.
- Nonprofit Manager: Directing organizations addressing critical social issues.
- Policy Analyst: Evaluating and developing government policies.
Prominent Employers:
Licensure and Certifications
Professional certifications complement an MPA degree and enhance career prospects. Relevant certifications include:
- Certified Public Manager (CPM)
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Advantages of Online MPA Programs
Online MPA programs offer flexibility for students who must balance work and other commitments. These programs also allow individuals in rural areas to access top-tier education while building connections through a network of schools.
Sources
- University of Missouri-Columbia MPA Program
- Missouri State University MPA Program
- University of Missouri-St. Louis MPA Program
- Truman State University MPA Program
- Certified Public Manager Program
- Certified Emergency Manager Certification
- City of Kansas City Official Website
- State of Missouri Official Website
- St. Louis County Government
- Missouri Nonprofit Association
Acknowledgment
We would like to thank the universities, public service organizations, and professional associations that provided resources for this guide. Your contributions are shaping tomorrow’s public administration leaders.