Advance Into Public Leadership Roles
Designed for early to mid-career professionals, our 36-credit Executive Master of Public Administration degree will help you further your career.Experience a hybrid curriculum that explores research in public affairs, measuring outcomes in organizations, social justice and more.
Develop career-focused skillsby collaborating with faculty in elective courses, interactive workshops and one-on-one meetings. The Voinovich School allows all EMPA students to work with an expert coach on professional development topics of their choosing.
On 20 Saturdaysthroughout the program, you will attend residencies on campus at the Dublin, OH Integrated Education Center. These face-to-face sessions are a direct forum for learning and networking.
With an Executive MPA degree, you can step confidently into roles that analyze, strategize, implement and manage successful operationsacross work in nonprofits, government, crisis management and more.
Program Benefits
- Online and in-person classes
- Scholarships available*
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Executive coaching from experts
- Top 20% Public Affairs School Nationwide by U.S. News , 2023
- #13 for Best Value Executive MPA Degree by ValueColleges. com
- Nationally Ranked in 12 Online Categories 1
Advance to a Career of Leadership with your Executive MPA
The hybrid Executive Master of Public Administration degree can help you achieve the next stage of your professional journey. With average salaries of $101,280 for degree holders, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and steady growth rates of at least 6% per year through 2031 2 , earning the Executive MPA can help you position yourself to seize opportunities that challenge you, reward you and propel you forward to success. You will also build lifelong connections with other students and faculty.
Graduate Testimonial
Top Jobs for Executive MPA Graduates
The salaries listed represent the average annual salaries for their respective fields.
Executive MPA Curriculum
12 Total Courses | 36 Total Credits
The hybrid Executive Master of Public Administration program at Ohio University provides a well-rounded and extensive curriculum that encompasses essential subjects like organizational leadership, public budgeting, research methods and strategic leadership. Through these courses, students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the intricate landscape of the public sector.
Course Highlights:
- MPA 5140 Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
- MPA 5850 Policy Analysis for Public Affairs and Leadership (3 credits)
- MPA 5810 Public-Private Partnerships (3 credits)
Executive MPA Admission Requirements
No GMAT Required | Transfer Up to 9 Credits
The hybrid Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program offers a dynamic curriculum guided by experienced faculty members, enabling you to advance your career and acquire the master's-level skills necessary to address the evolving needs of your community. Whether you aspire to excel in government, nonprofit leadership, public sector management, or emergency management roles, this program equips you with the knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful impact. Take the first step in this transformative journey by initiating your online application today.
Summer 2025:
- Application Deadline: 06/02/25
- Classes Begin: 06/21/25
Fall 2025:
- Application Deadline: 08/25/25
- Classes Begin: 09/13/25
Admission requirements include:
- At least three years of professional experience**
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts for all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement (2 - 4 pages) discussing your career goals, how the master’s degree will help you achieve those goals, areas or competencies that you expect the program will help you strengthen and what you plan to contribute to the learning community
Current resume detailing professional experience
$50 application fee
Invest in Your Executive MPA Degree
$22,068 Total Tuition | $613 Per Credit Hour | Scholarships Available
Through the EMPA program, you'll learn the technical skills and real-world applications needed to open your pathway to leadership positions in public service. At an affordable cost, put your career on track for higher-paying public and nonprofit sector leadership roles.
| Other costs to budget for | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses. |
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Listed tuition is for estimating purposes only and is subject to change.
Financial Aid
OHIO is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition and has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a best-value university by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, student veteran, active military members, alumni, and corporate partners are automatically eligible to receive a 15% scholarship. Depending on your background, costs and credit hours will differ.
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Online Learning at OHIO
Ohio University has a long tradition of offering online programs specifically designed for the modality and created for working professionals. Our online students complete engaging, comprehensive coursework that combines the academic excellence and experience-based learning of a traditional program with all the flexibility and convenience of online study.
With asynchronous courses and part-time scheduling (one course per seven weeks), you can earn your degree while maintaining your current work and personal commitments. Virtual office hours give you the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty. Access your coursework 24/7 and complete your assignments on a schedule that fits your life.
What You'll Learn
The hybrid Executive Master of Public Administration program offers a practical curriculum emphasizing topics like data analysis, public-private partnerships, and outcome measurement. Graduating from this program equips you with the necessary skills to lead in various public administration roles, making a significant impact in your chosen field.
Program Outcomes
- Lead and manage in public governance
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
Learn From Leading Experts
Ohio University’s hybrid Executive MPA program gives you direct connection with collaborative and deeply experienced faculty mentors. As leading researchers and practitioners in the public administration field, our faculty is passionate about teaching and eager to share their wisdom with you.
As a student, you'll benefit from:
- Guidance by faculty who are active in public administration
- Faculty members' real-world knowledge brought into your coursework
- Personalized attention and advice
- A low student-to-teacher ratio
Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight
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Answers to Common Questions
Find answers to common questions about the online program. For information not covered here, our expert admissions team is available to provide additional details and guidance .
How fast can I complete the hybrid Executive MPA program?
You can complete the program in just two years. To see the curriculum, view our Executive MPA Courses page .
Does the hybrid Executive MPA program have a full-time option?
The online programs are designed for full-time professionals and are only offered part-time, with one to two classes every 15 weeks. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. To see the curriculum, view our Executive MPA Courses page .
Does the hybrid Executive MPA program have a part-time option?
The online programs are designed for full-time professionals and are offered part-time, with one to two classes every 15 weeks. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. To see the curriculum, view our Executive MPA Courses page .
What is the total tuition for the hybrid Executive MPA program?
Tuition for the online Executive MPA program is $21,384 for Ohio residents and $22,068 for non-residents. You need to complete 36 credits at $594 per credit hour for Ohio residents and $613 per credit hour for non-residents. You can review all Executive MPA Tuition Costs .
Does the hybrid Executive MPA program require an entrance exam like the GMAT or GRE?
No, there are no entrance exams required. You can learn more about our Executive MPA Admissions Requirements .
Sources and Disclaimers
- U.S. News & World Report. Ohio University. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/ohio-university-main-campus-204857/rankings .
- Top Executives. BLS.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm .
- Emergency Management Directors. BLS.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm .
- Social and Community Service Managers. BLS.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm .
- Budget Analysts. BLS.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm .
*Ohio University is proud of our active and veteran military members, alumni, and employees of corporate partners. New students who are a member of one of these groups and enrolling in one of the eligible online graduate programs for the 2023-2024 academic year are eligible for a 15% OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship.
**Case-by-case exceptions may be made if an applicant is actively working in a professional capacity and has fewer than three years.
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