There are two universities in Mississippi that currently offer online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs that can be completed fully online without on-campus or residency requirements. Through the programs at Belhaven University and Mississippi State University, online MPA students may specialize in Finance, Human Resources, or pursue a general public administration curriculum with elective coursework that aligns with their personal area of interest. Online programs provide students with greater access to graduate degree programs and are functionally equivalent to campus-based MPA programs.
Belhaven University and Mississippi State University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Read below to learn more about their online MPA program as well as other online options for residents of Mississippi.
Schools in Mississippi with Online MPA Programs
Belhaven University offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree through its School of Business. The program explores leadership, management, public service, and the fundamental theories that support the field of public administration through the lens of Christianity. The curriculum requires the completion of 36 credit hours of graduate coursework, including 11 core courses and a final capstone course. Students who elect to specialize their degree are required to complete an additional 6 credit hours. Concentrations are offered in the areas of Finance and Human Resources. Courses are conducted in accelerated seven-week long terms.
Belhaven University conducts its online degree programs through the learning management system Canvas. University resources such as the Center for Career and Calling are available to online students virtually, providing assistance with resume building, interview preparation, and more. Online students who live in the Jackson, MS area can utilize campus resources and facilities such as the fitness center, Dining Commons, and can obtain free admission to university art or athletic events.
Mississippi State University (MSU) offer a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) through its Department of Political Science and Public Administration and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Emphasizing democratic, professional, and ethical values, the MPPA curriculum strives to enhance leadership, communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills from a public service perspective. The program requires the completion of 42 graduate credit hours of study, including 27 core course credits, 12 elective credits, and a three-credit internship. Internship waivers are available for in-service students with a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience. Elective coursework is tailored to align with a student’s professional interests and goals.
MSU uses the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online MPPA program. Classes are held weekday evenings from 6:00-8:50pm (synchronous instruction) via a video conferencing platform. Upon acceptance, all students connect with an academic advisor to select courses and plan a path to graduation. Online students can access the university’s academic resources virtually including tutoring through the Writing Center as well as career advisors, resume and cover letter review through the Career Center.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Mississippi
Students interested in an online MPA concentration not currently offered by Belhaven University or Mississippi State University can explore out-of-state online MPA degree programs that accept applicants who reside in the state of Mississippi. Numerous online MPA programs can be completed fully online, without necessitating travel or relocation. Some programs do include mandatory on-campus or residential intensive study sessions that require occasional travel for students interested in an online program that includes limited face-to-face instruction. Prospective students to out-of-state programs should review all degree requirements prior to submitting an application to determine if there are any on-campus or internship requirements, and if so, how are they handled for students who live out of state.
Learn more about specialization options for MPA programs and find links to fourteen distinct online MPA concentrations on our Online MPA Specializations page.