Northern Michigan University's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program ranks 26th in the nation, according to a top-30 listing compiled by OnlineCollegePlan.
The rankings methodology was based on three factors, each worth a third of the total score: student population; affordability and student reviews.
“Two factors converge at NMU in their Master of Public Administration program: 100% online convenience and a low cost,” stated the NMU description in the rankings. “The Master of Public Administration at NMU is housed in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. Preparation for service is based on industry standards taught by expert faculty.”
Northern's MPA degree is designed for students with or without prior relevant work experience. The program expands their theoretical understanding of the field of public administration and helps them to develop essential competency in basic methodological and technical areas. Students also select one of the following concentrations to advance their career expertise: criminal justice administration, human resource administration, state and local government, and public management.
“Government leadership is more critical now than it has ever been as the political climate in America continues to shift drastically,” stated the rankings description. “It is easy to get caught up thinking about elected officials, but there are so many other people behind the scenes that keep government big and small running smoothly. A degree in public administration is a great way to prepare for one of those other roles Public administration degrees will cover a range of skills that students need to succeed in the public sector. Leadership, budgeting, policy change and more are all topics students will cover in these programs.”
Find more information on Northern's MPA program here.