Best Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in Indiana
Indiana offers several high-quality options for earning an MPA degree. These programs combine flexible online learning with NASPAA-accredited programs. They prepare students for local government, nonprofit organizations, and private sector leadership roles. By focusing on management skills, program evaluation, and leadership development, MPA graduates are well-equipped to tackle public service challenges.
Table of Contents
2026 Best Online Master's in Public Administration (MPA) in Indiana
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN - Public 4-Year - indstate.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana State University's online Master of Public Administration is a 36-credit NASPAA-accredited program that prepares professionals for leadership in public and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum covers administration, policy analysis, and organizational management, with concentrations available in criminal justice, human resources, public health, and nonprofit management. Designed for working adults, it offers flexible evening and online courses, requires a capstone research project, and includes internship opportunities for inexperienced students. No entrance exam is required for this online program.
- 36-credit graduate program
- NASPAA member program
- Multiple concentration options
- Evening and online courses
- Capstone research project required
- Internship for inexperienced students
- Seven core administrative courses
- Professional project presentation
- Elective courses from multiple departments
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Criminology and Criminal Justice - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Criminology and Criminal Justice, Indiana State University's online Master of Public Administration provides advanced public sector management skills through a 36-credit curriculum. Core courses cover administrative institutions, organizational behavior, research methods, and budgeting, with specialized training in criminology and justice. This NASPAA-accredited program includes online and evening courses, a capstone research project, and internship options. No entrance exam is required for this online concentration.
- 36-credit graduate program
- NASPAA member program
- Multiple concentration options
- Online and evening courses
- Capstone research project required
- 7 core courses mandatory
- Internship for inexperienced students
- Concentrations in criminology/justice
- Public sector management focus
- Supports nonprofit professionals
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Human Resources Development - Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana State University's online Master of Public Administration with a Human Resources Development concentration offers a 36-credit curriculum focused on public management skills. Students study administrative institutions, organizational behavior, research methods, and budgeting, with specialized HR training. The NASPAA-accredited program features weekday evening classes, online options, a capstone research project, and optional internships. No entrance exam is required for this online program.
- 36 credits minimum program length
- Multiple concentration options
- NASPAA member program
- Weekday evening classes
- Online certificate programs available
- Capstone research project required
- Optional 3-credit internship
- Concentrations in public sectors
- Professional management focus
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Public Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
Specializing in Public Health, Indiana State University's online Master of Public Administration delivers a 36-credit curriculum covering administrative institutions, research methods, organizational behavior, and public personnel management. This NASPAA-accredited program provides flexible online and evening courses, concentrations in public health and other areas, a capstone research project, and internship opportunities. No entrance exam is required for this online concentration.
- 36 credit hours minimum
- NASPAA member program
- Multiple concentration options
- Online and evening courses
- Internship option available
- Capstone research project required
- Seven core courses
- Professional management focus
Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, IN - Public 4-Year - iusb.edu
Master's - Master of Public Affairs
Concentration: Government Administration and Policy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-South Bend's Master of Public Affairs with a Government Administration and Policy concentration is a hybrid program blending online flexibility with in-person components. This NASPAA-accredited 39-credit curriculum develops analytical skills for government sector leadership, offering evening and online classes that working professionals can complete in two years. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and capstone projects while providing affordable tuition and professional networking opportunities in the Michiana region.
- Accredited NASPAA graduate program
- Flexible evening and online class options
- Professional work experience credit available
Master's - Master of Public Affairs
Concentration: Nonprofit Administration - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Nonprofit Administration, Indiana University-South Bend's hybrid Master of Public Affairs prepares students for leadership roles in nonprofit organizations through a 39-credit NASPAA-accredited curriculum. The program combines online accessibility with evening classes, accommodating working adults over two years without requiring entrance exams. Students gain expertise in analyzing political, economic, and social issues affecting nonprofits, with over 700 graduates establishing strong regional connections. Professional development opportunities and affordable public university tuition enhance career advancement prospects in the nonprofit sector.
- NASPAA-accredited MPA with flexible evening/online classes
- 39 credit hours with professional concentration options
- Over 700 graduates working in Michiana region
Master's - Master of Public Affairs
Concentration: Health System Administration - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-South Bend's hybrid Master of Public Affairs with a Health System Administration concentration delivers specialized training for healthcare leadership through online and evening coursework. This 39-credit NASPAA-accredited program requires no entrance exam and can be completed in two years by working professionals. Students develop critical analytical skills for healthcare systems while benefiting from practical experiences like practicum opportunities. The program leverages a network of 700+ alumni and offers affordable tuition, making it ideal for those seeking advancement in government, nonprofit, and healthcare administration roles.
- NASPAA-accredited graduate degree
- Flexible evening and online learning options
- Professional development through practicum
Ball State University
Muncie, IN - Public 4-Year - bsu.edu
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Adult Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ball State University's online Master of Public Administration with an Adult Education concentration prepares professionals for careers in government, nonprofit, and public service sectors. This hybrid program requires 36-39 credits and offers flexible full-time or part-time schedules, allowing completion in two years. The curriculum emphasizes practical management skills, policy analysis, and leadership training tailored to adult learning contexts. No entrance exam is required for admission. Program highlights include six interdisciplinary concentration options, hands-on learning through internships, and evening classes for working professionals.
- Six interdisciplinary concentration options
- Flexible full-time and part-time schedules
- Hands-on learning through internships
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Urban Planning - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ball State University's online Master of Public Administration with an Urban Planning concentration focuses on preparing leaders for government, nonprofit, and public service roles. This hybrid program spans 36-39 credits and can be completed in two years with full-time study, featuring evening classes for working professionals. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills in policy analysis, organizational leadership, and urban development. No entrance exam is required. Key features include six interdisciplinary concentrations, flexible scheduling, and internship opportunities for real-world experience.
- Six interdisciplinary concentration options
- Flexible full-time and part-time scheduling
- Hands-on learning through internships
Master's - Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Custom Course of Study - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ball State University's online Master of Public Administration with a Custom Course of Study concentration allows professionals to tailor their education for leadership roles in public sectors. This hybrid program requires 36-39 credits and offers full-time or part-time options, with evening classes accommodating career advancement. The curriculum covers policy analysis, organizational management, and practical skills without an entrance exam requirement. Highlights include six interdisciplinary concentrations, internship-based hands-on learning, and accessible pathways through competitive tuition and graduate assistantships.
- Six interdisciplinary concentration options available
- Practical, hands-on learning with internship opportunities
- Prepares students for diverse public service careers
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - Public 4-Year - indiana.edu
Master's - Master of Public Affairs
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-Bloomington's online Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit Management is a hybrid program that ranks #2 nationally. It focuses on developing leadership and practical skills for managing nonprofit organizations, offering experiential learning opportunities and customizable curriculum options. The program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the public service sector. This online format provides flexibility for students to balance studies with work commitments.
- 12 customizable concentration options.
- Experiential learning and practical skills focus.
Master's - Master of Public Affairs
Concentration: Public Finance & Budgeting - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The online Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University-Bloomington, specializing in Public Finance & Budgeting, is a top-ranked hybrid program that emphasizes financial management and policy analysis in public sectors. With 12 concentration options, it includes capstone projects and experiential learning to address complex budgeting challenges. No entrance exam is required, enhancing accessibility for working professionals. This online program combines rigorous academic training with practical applications, preparing graduates for leadership roles in government and nonprofit financial management.
- Experiential learning and capstone project opportunities
- Nationally recognized in multiple policy domains
Fastest Online MPA Degree Programs in Indiana
Indiana provides accelerated MPA programs for students eager to complete their degrees efficiently. These programs, which are among the quickest available, allow students to advance their careers while maintaining academic excellence.
| School Name | Program Length | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University | 12 months | Online |
| Ball State University | 18 months | Hybrid |
For additional information, explore Fastest Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs after the table.
Affordable MPA Degree Programs in Indiana
Affordability is a priority for many students, and Indiana’s universities provide cost-effective and cheapest MPA program options, ensuring access to high-quality education.
| School Name | Tuition Range | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana State University | $10,000–$15,000 | Online |
| Purdue University | $12,500 | Hybrid |
See Affordable Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs for more insights after the table.
MPA Admissions Requirements in Indiana
Admissions requirements for Indiana MPA programs generally include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Letters of recommendation (2–3 preferred).
- A personal statement outlining career goals.
- GRE scores (optional for some programs).
Indiana University offers rolling admissions, while Ball State University has fixed deadlines. Ensure you check specific program requirements.
MPA Curriculum in Indiana
Indiana MPA programs offer comprehensive coursework designed to prepare students for leadership roles. Common courses include:
- Public Policy Analysis
- Leadership and Public Management
- Financial Management
- Ethics in Public Administration
- Program Evaluation
- Data Analysis and Decision-Making
Students can select elective courses in criminal justice, nonprofit management, and financial management to tailor their education to specific career goals.
Internships and capstone projects with local government or nonprofit organizations provide practical experience.
Licensure & Certification in Indiana
Graduates may consider certifications to enhance their credentials:
- Certified Public Manager (CPM): Recognized nationally for leadership in public administration.
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM): Focused on financial management in government.
These certifications are valuable for advancing in public sector roles.
Careers in Public Administration in Indiana
An MPA opens doors to a variety of public service and private sector careers:
Career Opportunities
- Local Government: Policy analysts, grant administrators, and city managers.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Executive directors, program managers, and fundraising specialists.
- Private Sector: Roles in corporate social responsibility or as business administrators.
Prominent Employers in Indiana
Networking opportunities are abundant through organizations like the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Public Administration Career Outlook
- Indiana University – O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
- Ball State University – Public Administration Program
- Purdue University – Public Administration Curriculum
- NASPAA – Accreditation Standards
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the following organizations and institutions for their valuable contributions to this guide:
- NASPAA: For setting accreditation standards and promoting excellence in public administration education.
- Indiana University: To provide detailed program insights.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): For offering reliable career data and analysis.
- Indiana Department of Education: This is to highlight local government career opportunities.
These organizations play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public administration in Indiana and beyond.