Representing more than 20 percent of advanced degree holders, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the most common graduate level degree according to recent data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. The MBA may serve as a general degree for students with a variety of educational backgrounds seeking to enter careers in business, an advanced degree for experienced professionals hoping to attain upper management roles, or as a pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs. While there are general MBA programs that provide training and instruction in various aspects of business and management, there are also MBA programs that allow students to specialize in a particular area of business, such as public administration, nonprofit management, human resource management, or finance to name a few.
An MBA with a concentration or specialization in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their business acumen as well as direct their expertise toward endeavors or industries that make a social impact. While these programs may share some commonalities with Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, an MBA with a concentration in Public Administration or Nonprofit Management can be viewed as an academic bridge between the public and private sector. Core curriculum in an MBA program is often more business focused with foundational coursework centered on business operations, financial management, and marketing, while elective coursework in public administration and/or nonprofit management will typically emphasize legal, political, and public policy initiatives.
The MBA is often viewed as a broader, more flexible degree than the MPA. Therefore, these programs may be a good option for students with a business or public service background who are interested in taking courses in public administration or nonprofit management without pursuing an MPA degree. Individuals with expertise in both business administration and nonprofit management may be uniquely suited for leadership and managerial roles within nonprofit organizations, government institutions, and public-policy research organizations (“think tanks”). Graduates may also find jobs as city managers, local and state commissioners, community board members, nonprofit executives, and more.
- Curriculum Details for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration
- Instruction Methods for Online MBA Programs
- Admissions Requirements for Online MBA Programs
- Accreditation for MBA Programs
- Professional Business and/or Nonprofit Management Organizations
- Directory of Online MBA Programs with a Concentration in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management
Curriculum Details for Online MBA Programs with a Concentration in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management
Online MBA programs strive to enhance a student’s ability to confront complex business challenges and understand the impact of decisions on an overall business or individual facets of a business. Emphasizing the foundations of business management, leadership, communication, and finance, the curriculum often centers around answering big picture questions, the development of critical thinking skills, and problem solving. Through a mix of theoretical and practical instruction, students may explore strategies that increase profitability and/or financial stability through case study analysis, group projects, peer and faculty discussions, and research opportunities.
Following the completion of core coursework, students with a background or interest in public service may enroll in specialization courses or electives focused on public administration and nonprofit management. Programs that offer classes in this area may seek to enhance business development skills by focusing on strategic planning, public relations, fundraising and development, grant writing, financial stewardship and governance, ethics, and recruitment. Most MBA programs require 30 to 50 graduate credits and the way credits are divided between core and specialization courses varies by program. Therefore, prospective students interested in earning an MBA in Public Administration or Nonprofit Management should review a program’s core, specialization, and elective courses and requirements before applying.
Online MBA programs also vary in length by university, but most students who enroll full-time can earn their degree in 18 to 24 months, while those enrolled part-time typically take longer to earn their degree (e.g., two to three years). Some programs offer an accelerated or fast track, allowing students to earn their degree in one year. While statistics show that the average MBA student has between four and five years of previous work experience, “pre-service” students, or those with less than one year of relevant professional experience, may be required to complete an internship in addition to the required coursework. Most master’s programs, including MBA programs, conclude with a capstone. While capstone options also vary by program, they typically involve a professional project or master’s thesis.
Examples of Courses in Online MBA Programs with a Concentration in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management
The initial core courses in an MBA program with a concentration in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management are intended to enhance a student’s business expertise, while the specialization coursework dives deeper into aspects of business that specifically pertain to public administration and nonprofit management. As specific courses vary by school and program, the courses outlined below should be referenced only as examples.
- Financial Decision Making for Management: This course covers the key elements of financial management and focuses on understanding the impact that managerial decisions make on organizational success and profitability.
- Strategic Marketing Management: This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the analytical and decision-making process involved in the creation, implementation, and management of strategic marketing programs.
- Business Research Methods: This course focuses on how to conduct business research to solve managerial problems. Classwork focuses on building communication skills, identifying and analyzing problems, exploring problem solving strategies, and implementing solutions.
- Human Resource Management: This course focuses on how to drive growth and organizational success through employee recruitment and development. Coursework covers topics such as motivational tools and brand building, conflict resolution, performance-based personnel management, and employment regulations.
- Public Enterprise Management and Public Sector Business Relations: Explores the growing trend of public services contracting with private firms to provide services. Coursework focuses on competencies related to contract management, quality oversight, marketing, and customer service.
- Public Budgeting and Financial Management: This course focuses on the public budgeting process, including financial planning, revenue generation, cost control, transparency, and forecasting. Coursework examines financial management principles and how fiscal decisions are made within the public sector.
The table below is a sample degree plan for students enrolled in a full-time online MBA program with a concentration in Public Administration or Nonprofit Management. Academic calendars (i.e. start dates and term lengths) and specific courses will differ by school and by program.
Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management
| Year 1 | Core Courses:
| Core Courses:
| Core Courses:
|
| Year 2 | Specialization Courses:
| Core Course:
|
Instruction Methods for Online MBA Programs
MBA programs are offered in multiple formats, including online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of online and on-campus instruction. Online MBA programs are designed to closely mirror the on-campus academic experience and offer the same graduate level instruction without requiring students to commute to campus for lectures and discussion sessions. Online MBA programs may be ideal for professionals seeking to earn an advanced degree who are unable to attend on-campus classes due to professional obligations or for professionals who do not live near a college or university that offers an MBA program, especially those who are not able to relocate for graduate school.
Depending on the online MBA program, students may attend classes in real-time (i.e., synchronous instruction) or view lectures and access course materials on their own time (i.e., asynchronous instruction). Prospective students are encouraged to research the instruction methods utilized by their online programs of interest prior to applying to ensure they align with their schedule and preferred learning style. While some programs that utilize synchronous instruction provide students with multiple times that they can attend live online courses (e.g., in the early morning before working hours or in the evening after working hours), others only schedule live sessions in the evenings or on weekends. Regardless of the instruction method, students are expected to engage in discussions with peers and faculty either through videoconferencing or online discussion forums.
Some online MBA programs accept students in cohorts that complete the required curriculum together in sequence. These small groups can promote networking and the development of connections that may typically be formed in an on-campus setting. The cohort model also allows students to provide support and encouragement to each other while pursuing a graduate degree, which is often a considerable commitment that requires self-dedication and self-motivation to complete coursework while working full- or part-time. The main disadvantage of the cohort model is that some courses may only be offered during specific semesters and students who need to take a term or semester off may not be able to do so depending on when courses are scheduled.
While some schools may only offer an MBA program with one format, other schools offer their MBA programs in multiple formats which can include: full-time, part-time, and accelerated MBA programs; evening and weekend MBA programs; programs designed for executives (i.e., Executive MBA programs); and dual degree programs. OnlineMPAPrograms.com classifies an MBA program as online if the program requires three or fewer in-person visits per year. It is important to note that some online MBA programs require one or more in-person immersive sessions. These sessions may be held on-campus or at a remote location and require travel for students who do not live within driving distance of the location. Prospective applicants should research all degree requirements prior to applying and students with travel restrictions should explore programs that can be completed 100% online. Select programs may offer immersive sessions virtually as well.
Admissions Requirements for Online MBA Programs
Admissions requirements for online MBA programs will vary by university, however, all programs require applicants to have obtained a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized school. Some programs may prefer applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in business or to have completed high-level undergraduate coursework in business, but most accept students with various academic and professional backgrounds. According to data aggregated by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the average MBA applicant has four to five years of professional experience. It is important to note that applicants with less experience can still apply to MBA programs, but they should look for programs that do not have specific work experience requirements.
Additional application requirements may include having earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, professional letters of recommendation, a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and the submission of a statement of purpose underlining an applicant’s career goals and the reasons they are interested in pursuing an MBA. Interviews and video submissions may also be requested as part of the application process. Some programs still require the submissions of standardized test scores (i.e. GMAT or GRE), but many programs have waived this requirement.
Professionals with more than five to ten years of experience may also be eligible to apply to an Executive Master of Business Administration program (EMBA). Often completed within the same timeframe as a traditional MBA, online EMBA programs typically offer synchronous sessions in the evenings or on weekends, or utilize asynchronous instruction to accommodate working professionals. However, EMBA programs often have a more limited curriculum designed for applicants interested in advancing into senior leadership roles, so students specifically interested in Public Administration or Nonprofit Management may have more limited EMBA options.
Accreditation for MBA Programs with a Concentration in Public Administration
Accreditation status reflects that a school or program’s curriculum, faculty, and educational opportunities have been independently reviewed and meet preset academic quality standards. The Council for Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes six regional accrediting bodies, and prospective students interested in online MBA programs should research whether their programs of interest have attained regional accreditation by one of these entities or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC provides accreditation to online universities and programs that do not have physical campus locations. All the online MBA programs included on this page are offered by accredited schools.
Some MBA programs may elect to attain additional programmatic accreditation. The most widely recognized independent accrediting body is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Instituted in 1916, AACSB accreditation requires an extensive initial review process as well as ongoing reports to ensure continued adherence to AACSB standards. This accreditation has been obtained by less than five percent of MBA programs. Other independent accrediting organizations include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Electing to obtain optional accreditation for an MBA program or a Business School is an indication that a college or university has undergone an extensive self-review process and meets criteria outlined by an impartial third-party organization.
Prospective students interested in pursuing an MBA degree with a concentration in Public Administration or Nonprofit Management should examine a program’s accreditation status, core and specialization/elective courses, as well as student services, networking and research opportunities, alumni engagement, and faculty qualifications to select a program that best aligns with their academic needs and professional goals.
Professional Business and/or Nonprofit Management Organizations
There are numerous organizations within the fields of business, public administration, and nonprofit management that enable students to engage with others within their industry and grow their professional network. The organizations below host conferences, produce industry-relevant publications, and host networking events nationally. Many universities also have local chapters of national groups, hosting local networking events that bring students together with faculty, alumni, and other industry professionals.
Association of MBAs (AMBA): Offering professional development services, networking opportunities, and access to online events, AMBA membership is open to students and graduates of AMBA-accredited programs or Business Graduates Association (BGA)-accredited business schools.
Forté Foundation: A nonprofit focused on women in business, the Forté Foundation offers a number of programs, scholarships, networking opportunities, leadership and professional development training, and community support services with the mission of elevating more women into leadership positions.
American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): Drawing members from all areas of the field of public administration this group focuses on connecting individuals with differing specializations to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing the public service profession. ASPA student memberships include access to webinars, a student newsletter, scholarship programs, as well as research cohorts.
Directory of Online MBA Programs with a Concentration in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management
The following schools offer online MBA programs with a concentration or specialization in Public Administration and/or Nonprofit Management. Note: This list is not a comprehensive directory of schools that presently offer online MBA programs with an emphasis in public administration. Students looking for additional program options may want to explore General Online MPA Programs or Online MPA Programs in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership.