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 is a fully accredited, 36-credit program designed for working professionals, with no GRE required. Students develop essential leadership and management skills applicable to public and nonprofit sectors, completing the degree in two years through flexible scheduling. The program offers multiple admission deadlines and is recognized for its military-friendly policies and status as an HBCU.
- 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 online Master of Public Administration with a Public Policy concentration focuses on policy analysis and development, requiring no GRE for admission. Located in Nashville, the program provides unique engagement opportunities with policymakers and leaders. Students complete this NASPAA-accredited degree in two years, gaining skills in policy implementation and evaluation for public and nonprofit sectors.
- 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 online Master of Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management concentration emphasizes strategic leadership and resource management for nonprofit organizations, with no GRE required. This NASPAA-accredited program can be completed in two years and accepts students with undergraduate GPAs of 2.7 or higher, offering flexible learning for career advancement in the nonprofit sector.
- 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 online Master of Public Administration with a Local Government Management concentration prepares professionals for roles in municipal and county governance, requiring no GRE for admission. The program focuses on core competencies in public service leadership and management, completed in two years through a flexible online format with NASPAA accreditation 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 online Master of Public Administration provides flexible hybrid learning for working professionals seeking public service careers. This NASPAA-accredited program features small classes with practitioner-scholars and develops leadership skills applicable across government and nonprofit sectors. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with competitive GPA, while GRE scores remain optional. Students benefit from affordable tuition, financial aid options, and graduate assistantships in this East Tennessee program designed for both part-time and full-time completion.
- 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
Focusing on Local Government Management, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's online MPA prepares students for municipal leadership roles through its hybrid delivery format. As the only NASPAA-accredited program in East Tennessee, it emphasizes practical coursework in government operations and policy implementation. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with minimum GPA standards, with GRE scores being optional. The program offers competitive graduate assistantships and features small, interactive classes taught by experienced faculty members dedicated to student success in public sector careers.
- 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
Specializing in Nonprofit Management, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's online MPA equips professionals for leadership positions in charitable organizations through hybrid instruction. This NASPAA-accredited program combines rigorous academic training with practical skills development for the nonprofit sector. Students complete the degree in approximately two years with flexible scheduling for working adults. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, competitive GPA, and professional recommendations, while maintaining affordable in-state tuition rates and offering graduate assistantship opportunities to support career advancement in nonprofit administration.
- 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-Knoxville offers an online Master of Public Administration with a Policy Analytics concentration, designed for working professionals seeking to advance in the public sector. This 36-credit program provides flexibility through fully online, asynchronous coursework, allowing students to balance careers and education. It emphasizes developing critical leadership and analytical skills tailored to policy analysis. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, but no entrance exam is specified. The program features a team-cohort learning model and is military-friendly, focusing on practical expertise for strategic career growth in public service.
- 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
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the online Master of Public Administration with a Non-Profit Management concentration caters to busy professionals aiming to enhance their impact in the public and non-profit sectors. This fully online, 36-credit program supports work-life balance with flexible scheduling and is developed by experienced faculty. Students gain leadership and analytical skills to tackle innovative challenges in non-profit settings. Admission is based on a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, with no entrance exam mentioned. The program is military-friendly and emphasizes specialized training for effective non-profit management.
- 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 an online Master of Public Administration with a nonprofit administration concentration, a 39-hour NASPAA-accredited program designed for careers in government and nonprofit sectors. This hybrid program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills focused on policy challenges in Memphis and the Mid-South region. With flexible evening and online course options, it accommodates working professionals. The program does not require entrance exams and maintains strong military-friendly policies. Students gain practical experience through community connections and real-world learning opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
- 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
University of Memphis provides a comprehensive online Master of Public Administration concentrating on public policy and management, featuring a 39-hour NASPAA-accredited curriculum. This hybrid program focuses on urban management challenges and analytical skill development for government and nonprofit careers. Flexible evening and online formats serve professionals at various career stages, with direct engagement in Memphis and Mid-South regional policy issues. No entrance exams are required, and the program offers military-friendly support. Students benefit from practical learning experiences and strong sector connections that enhance public management expertise.
- 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) is a hybrid online program that can be completed in 15 months, ideal for working professionals with under five years of experience. It focuses on leadership development, state finance, and critical thinking, with a 36-credit curriculum. No entrance exam is required for admission, which relies on undergraduate transcripts, references, and a personal statement. Tuition is about $1,091 per credit, and scholarships are available. Highlights include mentorship from experts and a capstone project tailored to individual interests, all designed to prepare leaders for government and nonprofit roles.
- 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 online Master of Public Service Management is a hybrid program that prepares professionals for leadership in public, nonprofit, and social service sectors. This two-year, five-semester program emphasizes human relations, management, and research, with coursework in cultural diversity, statistics, and media relations. It does not require an entrance exam and is designed for working professionals, offering flexible learning to address contemporary community challenges. The program is military-friendly and focuses on developing critical skills for effective public service management.
- 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.