Lead the Way to a Better Tomorrow with an Online MPA Degree
Online Master of Public Administration
Next Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
Under 2 Years to Complete // Only 30 Credit Hours
Drake University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for working professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. As policies shift and communities face new challenges, organizations need leaders who can analyze complex issues, drive strategic solutions, and navigate the evolving landscape. This program equips you with the expertise to move into higher-level roles at the local, state, and federal levels—whether in government, nonprofits, or the private sector.
This 100% online, 30-credit program is built with upon relevant topics that will provide a strong foundation, giving you the skills and confidence needed when stepping into public and nonprofit leadership positions, as well as make a greater impact in your organization and community.
With no GRE or GMAT requirements, and no application fee, we invite you to get started on your application today!
Have a specific question? Email us at drakeonline@drake.edu.
100% Online
6 Start Dates a Year
No Application Fee
Learn Relevant Skills to Land You with Top Careers
Drake’s online Master of Public Administration program equips you with the leadership, strategic, and analytical skills needed to move up in your career and make a lasting impact. Throughout the program, you’ll develop expertise in key areas that set you apart in the public and nonprofit sectors:
- Effective Communicators – Learn to communicate clearly and professionally, whether through compelling writing, impactful presentations, or strategic discussions with stakeholders.
- Ethical Stewards – Develop the ability to assess complex ethical dilemmas and uphold integrity as you guide organizations in serving the public good.
- Data-driven, Strategic Problem Solvers – Use qualitative and quantitative data to analyze challenges, craft sustainable strategies, and drive meaningful organizational change.
- Global and Multicultural Citizens – Gain the skills to navigate diverse cultural and global systems, ensuring inclusive, informed decision-making in an interconnected world.
- Proficient in the Field – Build expertise across key functional areas of the public and nonprofit sectors to strengthen organizations and serve communities effectively.
With these in-demand skills, you’ll be well-positioned for career growth in government, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. Public relations and fundraising management jobs, for example, are projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032—outpacing the average for most occupations. Drake’s MPA program gives you the tools to seize these opportunities and lead with confidence.
Career Potential for the MPA Graduate
Depending on your concentration, there are many career paths you can choose. Here are some of the titles our graduates hold:
- Public Sector Manager
- Nonprofit Manager
- Community Affairs Manager
- Nurse Manager
- Director of Patient Safety
- Volunteer Manger
- City Manager
- Chief of Police
- Director of Public Works
- Fundraising Director
Customize Your MPA to Meet Your Career Goals
Drawing on the expertise of the renowned faculty at the Zimpleman College of Business, the Drake MPA curriculum is enriched by experiential learning, team collaboration, and real-world scenarios. Adaptable in its design, you can tailor the degree program to align with your specific goals through career-focused curriculum in areas such as:
- Public & Nonprofit Management – Expand your ability to lead and manage with confidence as you complete coursework that focuses on public administration, public policy and advocacy, exploring the changing nature of public service to maximize impact and building organizations with resiliency and talent to do good.
- Healthcare Management – Gain an understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape through the completion of coursework consisting of health care administration, healthcare policy, ethics, law and advocacy and conflict resolution.
- CPM-MPA Pathway – Learn what it takes to become a certified public manager in a blended format of in-person and virtual sessions.
MPA Curriculum
Core Curriculum - 21 Credits
The core curriculum is required for all students. You will then choose one of our specializations to complete the remaining 9 hours for your MPA degree, listed below.
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| MPA 215: Foundations of Public Service | 3 |
| MPA 216: Human Resource Development | 3 |
| MPA 217: Applied Research Methods for Public Administration | 3 |
| MPA 220: Public Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| MPA 221: Public Organizations and Leadership | 3 |
| MPA 228: Resource Development and Program Performance | 3 |
| MPA 260: Public Administration Capstone Experience | 3 |
Public & Nonprofit Management Specialization - 9 Credits
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| PADM 245: Public Policy | 3 |
| PADM 287: Public Management | 3 |
| PADM 273: Non-Profit Management | 3 |
Healthcare Management Specialization - 9 Credits
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| HLTH 261: Health Care Policy | 3 |
| HLTH 263: Health Care Administration | 3 |
| HLTH 266: Healthcare Regulation, Law, and Advocacy | 3 |
Certified Public Managers/MPA - 9 Credits
Individuals who have completed the Certified Public Manager® (C.P.M.) program offered through the Zimpleman College of Business may be eligible to waive up to 9 credit-hours in the MPA. The C.P.M. must be completed within the five-year time frame for MPA program completion.
Alumni Testimonial
When Katie Niday wanted to transition into a new career, she looked to the online MPA program at Drake. “My advisor told me about [selecting] the right coursework to help me achieve my goal.” With the help of the online MPA program and career services at Drake, she landed a job in her desired field. “My advisor helped me completely rebuild my résumé. I also was able to list her as a reference.”
—Katie Niday, MPA
Admission Requirements for the MPA
To be eligible to enroll for the Public Administration Master's at Drake, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or comparable association. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission.
Application Steps
You will find the basic steps for applying below. In depth details, such as information for international students and where to send your transcripts, can be found at the bottom of this section under the dropdown titled “Application Step Details”.
- Click here to open the graduate application portal.
- Create or log in to an existing account.
- Fill out the information required on the application. Please be prepared to provide information such as basic personal details, previous institutions attended, and your most current employment.
- Submit copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Unofficial transcripts may be used for admittance. Upon acceptance, applicants will need to supply official transcripts into the application portal within 30 days after the start of the first course.
- Submit an electronic copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a one-page essay detailing how a graduate education at Drake University will help you reach your academic and professional goals.
- Submit contact information for two professional recommendations.
Application Step Details
Transcript Information
Mail transcripts to:
Drake University
Attn: Drake Online & Continuing Education
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Or email:
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer up to 12 credit hours from another accredited graduate program. All transfer credits must be earned with a grade of B- or higher, must directly relate to the program of study, and must fall within the 5-year time frame for program completion. Transfer credits will be applied to the degree program upon successful completion of at least one term of enrollment in the program.
International Students
If a student earned her/his undergraduate degree outside of the United States, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Scores dated within the last two years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. Minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 on the computer-based exam, 550 on the paper-based exam, or 79-80 on the Internet-based exam. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. Minimum scores on each section of reading, writing, speaking and listening may be required.
Duolingo test also accepted (minimum score of 110).
Tuition Details
Drake University is committed to providing a high-quality education at an exceptional value. Our online MPA consists of only 30 credit hours. Drake works to provide our students the best value for their investment and equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance your career. This investment ensures you graduate with the expertise needed to stand out and make a meaningful impact in your field.
Begin Your Path to Career Growth Today
Start your MPA degree on your schedule with our flexible, fully online courses! With six start dates, you can begin when it’s most convenient for you. Our accelerated 6-week courses are 100% asynchronous, meaning no required weekly meetings, so you can study anytime, anywhere. This flexible format makes it easy to balance coursework with your busy life. Check the calendar below to find the upcoming application deadlines and start dates.
| Semester | Start Date | Application Deadline | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Term 1 | 05/19/25 | 5/12/25 | 5/15/25 |
| Summer Term 2 | 07/07/25 | 6/30/25 | 07/03/25 |
| Fall Term 1 | 08/25/25 | 8/18/25 | 08/21/25 |
| Fall Term 2 | 10/20/25 | 10/13/25 | 10/16/25 |
About the Zimpleman College of Business
Drake’s Zimpleman College of Business equips you with the skills and experience to lead and innovate in government and nonprofit sectors to generate positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes. You will be prepared for the career you desire—one that aligns with your values, and generates economic opportunity and income for yourself and others. our values and generates economic opportunity and income for yourself and others.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the technical skills, business acumen, empathy, and experience necessary to innovate and lead in a globally complex, diverse, and dynamic world. You will be:
- Proficient in your field
- A data-driven, strategic, and innovative problem-solver
- An effective communicator
- A socially and ethically responsible leader
- A global and culturally competent citizen
In addition to university accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, the Zimpleman College of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
If you're now prepared to advance in your career, we're waiting at the ready to review your application. Apply today with no application fee!
