Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a dynamic environment for students pursuing a public administration degree. It combines opportunities in its bustling urban centers like Nashville and Memphis with the distinct challenges of rural community service. As a state with a rich civic engagement and public service history, Tennessee provides an ideal backdrop for students eager to contribute to meaningful change in the public and private sectors.
Public administration programs in Tennessee equip students with critical leadership, policy analysis, and financial management skills, preparing graduates to tackle modern governance challenges. Online programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments and ensure their path to success aligns with their unique career aspirations.
Table of Contents
2026 Best Online Master's in Public Administration (MPA) in Tennessee
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN - Public 4-Year - tnstate.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee State University's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed for working professionals. Complete this fully accredited degree in two years, with no GRE required. Learn essential leadership and management skills applicable to public and non-profit sectors. Flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles. Admissions deadlines are April 1 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), and November 1 (Spring).
- Fully online, 2-year completion.
- No GRE required for admission.
- NASPAA-accredited program.
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Public Policy - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee State University's fully online Master of Public Administration empowers working professionals to excel in public and nonprofit sectors. Designed for flexibility, students can complete the degree in two years without GRE requirements. Located in Nashville's state capital, the program offers unique opportunities to engage with policymakers and leaders. With NASPAA accreditation and multiple certificate options, graduates develop critical skills in leadership, policy, and management to drive meaningful societal change.
- Fully online, no GRE required
- NASPAA-accredited program
- Two-year completion option
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee State University's fully online Master of Public Administration provides working professionals a dynamic pathway to leadership in public and nonprofit sectors. Completed in just two years, the program requires no GRE and offers specialized concentrations in public policy, nonprofit management, and local government leadership. Students benefit from NASPAA-accredited curriculum, experienced faculty, and flexible learning designed for career advancement. Admission is accessible, with options for students holding undergraduate GPAs of 2.7 or higher.
- Fully online NASPAA-accredited MPA program
- No GRE required for admission
- Complete degree in two years
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Local Government Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee State University's fully online Master of Public Administration prepares professionals for dynamic careers in public and nonprofit sectors. Designed for working adults, this two-year program offers flexible learning with no GRE requirement. Students gain core competencies in leadership, management, and public service, with opportunities to specialize in areas like policy, nonprofit management, and local government leadership. Accessible and rigorous, the program provides a pathway to advanced professional roles with competitive admission criteria and potential financial aid options.
- Fully online, NASPAA-accredited MPA program
- No GRE required for admission
- Complete degree in two years
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN - Public 4-Year - utc.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares dynamic professionals for impactful public service careers. Designed for working adults, this flexible program offers part-time and full-time tracks with small class sizes and personalized learning. Students develop critical leadership skills across government, nonprofit, and public sectors. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, competitive GPA, and optional GRE scores. Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships help make this advanced degree accessible and affordable.
- NASPAA-accredited MPA program in east Tennessee
- Small classes with experienced practitioner-scholars
- Diverse career paths in public and nonprofit sectors
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Local Government Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers a robust Master of Public Administration (MPA) designed for aspiring public service professionals. This NASPAA-accredited program prepares students for leadership roles in government, nonprofit, and public sectors through practical, skill-focused coursework. Affordable tuition with competitive graduate assistantships supports student success. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum GPA standards, and optional GRE scores. Graduates benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and diverse career opportunities across multiple sectors.
- Only NASPAA-accredited MPA program in east Tennessee.
- Small classes with interactive, supportive learning environment.
- Diverse career paths in public and nonprofit sectors.
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares professionals for impactful careers in public service. The rigorous, NASPAA-accredited program equips students with leadership skills across government, nonprofit, and public sectors. With flexible scheduling for working professionals, small class sizes, and a focus on practical skills, students can complete the degree in two years. In-state tuition and graduate assistantships help manage costs, while admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, competitive GPA, and professional recommendations.
- NASPAA-accredited program in East Tennessee
- Small classes with experienced public service faculty
- Diverse career paths in government and nonprofits
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Policy Analytics - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides working professionals a flexible pathway to advance their public sector careers. Designed for active professionals, this 36-credit program enables students to balance work and education while developing critical leadership skills. With concentrations in policy analytics, non-profit management, economic development, and emergency management, students gain comprehensive public service expertise. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, making it accessible for mid-career professionals seeking strategic career progression.
- Fully online, flexible degree for working professionals
- Multiple specialized concentration options available
- Team-cohort learning model with asynchronous content
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Non-Profit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) offers working professionals a flexible pathway to advance their public sector careers. Designed for busy professionals, this 36-credit program allows students to balance work, personal life, and academic growth. Prospective students need a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience. With concentrations in policy analytics, non-profit management, economic development, and emergency management, the program equips graduates with critical leadership and analytical skills for innovative public service challenges.
- Fully online degree for working professionals
- Multiple specialized concentrations available
- Designed by experienced public policy faculty
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: nonprofit administration - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Memphis offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, a 39-hour program designed for those seeking careers in government or nonprofit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, focusing on policy challenges in Memphis and the Mid-South. Classes are often offered evenings and online, making the program accessible to working professionals. The program boasts full accreditation from NASPAA, the international accrediting body for MPA programs. Learn more about admissions requirements and application deadlines on their website.
- 39-hour general-purpose program.
- Fully accredited by NASPAA.
- Evening & online course options.
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: public policy/management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Memphis offers a comprehensive 39-hour Master of Public Administration designed for professionals seeking dynamic careers in government and nonprofit sectors. This practice-based program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills tailored to urban management challenges. Students benefit from flexible evening and online course formats, accommodating diverse career stages and professional backgrounds. The curriculum connects learners directly with Memphis and Mid-South regional policy issues, providing practical, real-world learning experiences.
- NASPAA-accredited comprehensive public management degree
- Flexible evening and online course options
- Strong community and nonprofit sector connections
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lipscomb University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides comprehensive training for emerging leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. This 36-credit hybrid program enables students to earn their degree in just 15 months while working full-time. Designed for professionals with less than five years of experience, the program emphasizes leadership development, state finance processes, and critical thinking. Tuition is approximately $1,091 per credit hour, with scholarship opportunities available. Applicants need undergraduate transcripts, references, and a personal statement, with no standardized testing required.
- Hybrid learning format supports full-time professionals
- Personalized mentorship from government/nonprofit experts
- Capstone project tailored to student's interests
Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN - Private 4-year - cumberland.edu
Master's - Master of Public Service Management
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Cumberland University's Master of Public Service Management prepares professionals for leadership roles in public, non-profit, and social service sectors. The two-year program focuses on human relations, management, and research, equipping students with critical skills in cultural diversity, statistics, and media relations. Designed for current and aspiring managers, this flexible graduate degree offers comprehensive training to address contemporary community challenges and enhance professional capabilities.
- Two-year program with five consecutive semesters
- Focus on public service and nonprofit management
- Flexible learning for working professionals
Fastest Online MPA Degree Programs in Tennessee
For those seeking the quickest route to earning their MPA, Tennessee offers accelerated online programs that enable students to graduate in less time without compromising academic quality. These programs are ideal for professionals eager to advance their careers efficiently while balancing their personal and professional commitments.
| School Name | Program Length | Format |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | 12–18 months | Online/Hybrid |
| Tennessee State University | 18–24 months | Online |
These programs emphasize streamlined learning paths, allowing students to acquire skills in areas like financial management and organizational leadership in the shortest possible timeframe. To explore additional fast-track options, visit the Fastest Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs page.
Affordable MPA Degree Programs in Tennessee
Affordability is a key consideration for students pursuing an MPA degree. Tennessee offers cost-effective options with competitive tuition rates, making higher education accessible to many students. These programs also provide opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.
| School Name | Tuition Range | Format |
|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | $12,000–$18,000 | Online/Hybrid |
| Tennessee State University | $10,000–$15,000 | Online |
These affordable programs ensure that students receive a high-quality education without the burden of excessive debt. Explore more cost-effective options on the Affordable Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs page.
Admissions Requirements for Public Administration Programs in Tennessee
Admissions requirements for MPA programs in Tennessee are designed to evaluate a candidate’s readiness for graduate study and potential for success in public service roles. Common criteria include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- A personal statement outlining career goals, experience, and interest in public administration.
- GRE or GMAT scores (optional for many programs).
By meeting these requirements, students demonstrate their commitment to leadership roles in community service, nonprofit management, and government operations. For specific details, visit the admissions pages for University of Tennessee, Knoxville and University of Memphis.
Curriculum and Coursework
Tennessee’s MPA programs offer a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for diverse roles in public service. The coursework focuses on building expertise in leadership, policy analysis, and program evaluation, equipping graduates to address complex societal challenges.
Core Courses:
- Public Policy Analysis
- Leadership and Public Management
- Financial Management and Budgeting
- Human Resource Management
- Program Evaluation Techniques
- Organizational Behavior
Electives:
- Emergency Management and Disaster Response
- Nonprofit Leadership and Community Service
- Urban and Rural Development Strategies
- Public-Private Partnerships
Many programs also incorporate internships and capstone projects to give students hands-on experience in addressing real-world issues. These practical components allow students to apply their learning in areas like social services and city management, providing a comprehensive education that prepares them for the workforce.
Careers in Public Administration in Tennessee
Tennessee’s MPA graduates have access to a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The state’s diverse economic landscape, which includes thriving cities and rural communities, offers roles that cater to a variety of interests and skill sets.
Common Career Paths:
- City Manager: Overseeing municipal operations, policy implementation, and budget management.
- Policy Analyst: Conducting research and analysis to inform public policy decisions.
- Nonprofit Executive Director: Leading organizations focused on community service and social change.
- Human Resource Manager: Managing workforce strategies in government agencies and private companies.
- Emergency Management Director: Coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Prominent Employers in Tennessee:
- Tennessee Department of Education
- City of Nashville
- Shelby County Government
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Tennessee’s public administration degree programs graduates are well-equipped to take on leadership roles that drive positive change across the state.
Licensure and Certifications
Professional certifications enhance the value of an MPA degree, demonstrating expertise in specific areas and boosting career prospects. Relevant certifications for Tennessee include:
- Certified Public Manager (CPM): Focused on enhancing public sector management skills.
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM): Emphasizing financial management in government.
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM): Targeted at emergency management professionals.
These credentials complement Tennessee’s academic programs and align with the skills needed in government and nonprofit sectors.
Advantages of Online MPA Programs in Tennessee
Online MPA programs offer flexibility and accessibility for working professionals and students with other commitments. These programs combine the convenience of remote learning with the quality of Tennessee’s academic institutions.
Benefits:
- Flexibility: Balance studies with full-time work or other responsibilities.
- Accessibility: Access coursework from anywhere, eliminating the need for relocation.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and faculty across the state and beyond.
Online programs provide a platform for students to earn their graduate degree while maintaining their personal and professional obligations.
Acknowledgments
This guide was developed with contributions from Tennessee’s universities, public service organizations, and professional associations. Their dedication to education and community service helps shape the next generation of public administration leaders.