Answer: Yes, there are currently 14 online EMPA programs offered by colleges and universities across the United States.
An Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) degree is designed for experienced public service professionals seeking senior- or executive-level leadership positions within government, international, private, or non-profit organizations. EMPA programs focus on enhancing and refining the analytical and administrative leadership skills required for these positions. Mid-career professionals with extensive public service experience may benefit from an advanced curricula that encourages the application of students’ real-world experiences and existing professional proficiencies to advance within their field.
While numerous universities offer online MPA programs, only a select few offer fully online EMPA programs. Many online EMPA programs require students to attend short in-person residency sessions, which may take place during the week or over a long weekend, so it is important to understand any on-campus requirements before selecting an online program. Students interested in enrolling in an online EMPA should explore schools that offer the following degree programs:
- Executive MPA
- Mid-Career MPA
- MPA with a Specialization in Executive Public Administration
Continue reading below to learn more about the curriculum and application requirements for EMPA programs, as well as a complete list of schools that offer an online EMPA.
Curriculum Details for EMPA Programs
Juxtaposed with a traditional Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, which is typically intended for those early in their public service careers, EMPA coursework is often more in-depth and comprehensive. While the curriculum of a traditional MPA program may focus on public management skills relating to public policy, sociology and law, grant proposal writing, project management, and community development, an EMPA curriculum takes these foundational courses a step further with an added focus on public leadership competencies such as managing human and financial resources, analyzing social and political systems, and coordinating executive actions. Advanced mathematics also plays an integral role within an EMPA curriculum. Students may be advised to review algebraic and geometric principles prior to beginning their program. Some universities offer a refresher course in these key principles for students unable to demonstrate academic proficiency in these areas.
In addition to the core curriculum, some EMPA programs offer designated concentrations such as Public Service Leadership, Global Service Leadership, Homeland Security, Public and Nonprofit Management, Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management, International Economic Policy, Global Policy Studies, and Urban and Social Policy. However, there are also programs that have a more set curriculum that all EMPA students complete as a cohort. Finally, some programs allow students to collaborate with a faculty advisor to create a more personalized learning plan through selecting electives that better align with their career aspirations. In comparison to MPA programs, EMPA often have fewer specialization options.
In additional to online coursework, most online EMPA programs require one or two residency sessions. These in-person experiences allow students to network among their classmates, with faculty members, and occasionally with campus-based students. Ranging from two days to two weeks, these intensive sessions typically include social functions, academic workshops, and community events and are held either on campus or at a predesignated off-site location. For online programs that incorporate these sessions into their curriculum, they are often mandatory, so students should research in-person requirements and expectations prior to applying. It is important to note that in-person residencies are often used to enhance the learning experience for online students and are a key differentiating factor between MPA and EMPA programs, even if they may not be convenient for everyone enrolled in the program.
Designed for mid- and/or late-career professionals who usually maintain full-time employment during their enrollment, students pursuing an EMPA can expect to earn their degree within 12 to 24 months, depending on their enrollment status. Full-time students on an accelerated learning track can complete degree requirements in less time by enrolling in additional summer courses. Some programs may offer students multiple enrollment options or tracks, while others may only have one option (full- or part-time) that all students must pursue. This is typically more common for programs that use a cohort model where students start, progress through, and finish the program in a group.
Below is an example of a two-year curriculum an executive MPA student might encounter. Course titles and the sequence of study, as well as duration of the program will vary by institution.
Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Executive Master of Public Administration
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Note: While most EMPA programs are separate and distinct degree programs, some EMPAs are offered as tracks within traditional MPA programs, in which students with significant relevant professional experience in government, nonprofit organizations, political science, or public administration pursue the same degree but can opt out of certain introductory-level courses or receive “professional credits”, thereby reducing the number of credits needed to graduate.
Instruction Methods for Online EMPA Programs
Online programs offer students greater access to graduate degree programs as they do not require students to live within commuting distance to a university campus. Before online programs, students would be forced to relocate if they did not live near a school offering their program of interest. Online students have access to the same curriculum, faculty, and university resources as campus-based students, with the advantage of learning and interacting with a national and potentially global cohort. In contrast to campus-based programs that often have students from a more confined geographical area, online programs attract a diverse array of students from across the US and the globe. This is particularly important for EMPA students as they can learn from their classmates, who must have several years of professional experience in order to be eligible for an EMPA program.
Online programs commonly use synchronous instruction, asynchronous instruction, or a combination of the two. Synchronous instruction involves the use of live online courses that students must attend in real-time, typically using video conferencing software. Live classes are often scheduled in the early morning, during the evening, or on weekends so that working students can attend before or after work. Asynchronous instruction does not include real-time instruction, and involves pre-recorded lectures, readings, independent assignments, online discussion forums, and collaborative projects. Asynchronous instruction provides students the ability to review course materials at any time day or night, which can be advantageous for some students. However, students who excel through interacting with professors and classmates in real-time, and those that prefer a more traditional on-campus type learning environment, may want to attend a program that utilizes synchronous instruction.
Admissions Requirements for EMPA Programs
Most Executive MPA programs require applicants have between five and ten years of professional experience within either the public or non-profit sector. A typical EMPA applicant will also possess three or more years of managerial experience, with proven expertise in areas such as budgeting, strategic planning, hiring, and supervising. Students with less than five years of experience may be better suited by a general MPA program. Check out our General Online MPA programs page for a comprehensive list of requirements and available programs.
Most EMPA applications require the submission of a personal statement, resume, undergraduate transcripts (and graduate if applicable), and letter(s) of recommendation. GRE requirements typically depend on the school or program and are often optional, allowing students to submit scores if they have taken the exam in the last five years and believe their scores will enhance their application. Students may also be asked to submit GRE scores if they are seeking financial assistance, applying for a graduate assistant position, or do not meet certain academic criteria. Learn more about GRE requirements in our FAQ on online MPA programs that do not require the GRE.
EMPA applications may also place greater emphasis on professional letters of recommendation that showcase managerial proficiency and leadership experience. These letters of recommendation are expected to be submitted by supervisors or colleagues, and personal letters from friends and family are not recommended. As admissions materials and criteria differ by university, prospective students are advised to review each individual school’s website or connect with an admissions staff member to determine eligibility prior to applying.
Note: Admissions to EMPA programs is quite different from applying to an undergraduate degree program or even a general master’s degree program where schools may weigh an applicant’s undergraduate GPA heavily in the admissions process. EMPA programs are seeking students with extensive professional experience whose undergraduate GPA may no longer accurately reflect their ability to complete a graduate degree, and thus, EMPA applications are often reviewed holistically. In addition, it is common for potential applicants to reach out to program directors during the application process to discuss the program and to determine if the student and program are a good fit for each other. Because these programs typically get fewer applicants, positive interactions with faculty members can help applicants standout during the admissions process.
Accreditation for Online EMPA Programs
In considering prospective EMPA programs, it is important to determine whether the programs of interest have been regionally accredited by one of six accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which accredits institutions that offer primarily online programs. All EMPA programs listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com have been regionally accredited by a recognized commission.
In line with traditional MPA programs, schools may elect to pursue additional, optional programmatic accreditation for their EMPA programs via The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). An independent organization, NASPAA establishes and oversees faculty performance and curriculum standards for master’s programs in public administration and public policy. To receive accreditation, a program must go through an extensive application process and continue to adhere to NASPAA standards. Some schools will forgo the formal accreditation process while aligning their program’s curriculum with NASPAA-established standards. Prospective students should explore a program’s curriculum, research opportunities, faculty qualifications, and student and alumni services prior to selecting their EMPA program.