There are currently two schools in the state of New Jersey that offer online master’s degree programs in the field of public administration. Through the programs offered by Rutgers University and Thomas Edison State University, students can concentrate their degree in one of the following areas of study: Budgeting and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Leadership of Public Organizations, Nonprofit Management, Community and Economic Development, Public Health, or Public Policy. These schools allow students to earn their degree either fully online or with limited on-campus requirements.
Rutgers University and Thomas Edison State University are both regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Learn more about their degree offerings below.
Schools in New Jersey with Online MPA Programs
Rutgers University (Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey) offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program through its School of Public Affairs and Administration. The curriculum requires the completion of 42 credit hours of study (14 courses), including 21 core credits, 18 elective credits, and a final three-credit capstone. Focusing on the enhancement of leadership, decision-making, and managerial skills as they pertain to public policy and public service values, the curriculum follows either a public management track or nonprofit track. Online students can subsequently earn a Graduate Certificate in one of the following areas of study: Budgeting and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Leadership of Public Organizations, or Nonprofit Management. Alternatively, students may tailor their elective credits to align with professional objectives, selecting courses in areas such as leadership and diversity, labor relations, government technology, administrative law, and more. In addition to electives offered by the School of Public Affairs and Administration, students may also have the option of taking elective classes through other departments within Rutgers University.
Inservice professionals with more than five years of relevant experience (or two years of relevant supervisory experience) in the field of public service may be eligible to apply to Rutgers Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program. The online EMPA consists of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, including 27 core course credits and a three-credit capstone project. Following a cohort learning model, students complete each of the ten required courses over a two-year period with the same group of peers. The EMPA program also hosts two mandatory in-person residencies. Taking place over a period of three to five days during the summer term, this annual event is held on Rutgers campus and includes academic sessions, community-focused events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Rutgers has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) for both its MPA and EMPA programs. The university utilizes the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online degree programs, with students expected to access class materials and lectures on their own schedule (asynchronous instruction). Online students have access to numerous campus-based resources, such as individual and group tutoring, writing assistance, study groups, and more.
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers an online Master of Public Service Leadership (MPSL) through the John S. Watson School of Public Service. Emphasizing the advancement of existing knowledge, the program focuses on theory, research, and practice of public affairs and policies. The curriculum consists of 18 core course credits, 12 concentration credits, a three-credit public service elective, and a final three-credit public service capstone. Students may elect to concentrate their elective coursework in the areas of Community and Economic Development, Nonprofit Management, Public and Municipal Finance, or Public Health / Public Policy; or design their own specialized course of study. Enrolled full-time taking two courses per 12-week term, students can expect to fulfill degree requirements in 18 months.
TESU conducts its online MPSL program via the learning management system Moodle. Lectures, course materials, and assignments may be accessed primarily independently (asynchronous instruction), though students are expected to contribute to group discussions and adhere to pre-specified due dates as outlined in class syllabi. Certain courses may require virtual attendance at a live session (synchronous instruction). Through Brainfuse, online students have access to on-demand tutoring, writing assistance, and study aides.