Master of Public Administration: Lead in the Public Interest
Lead in government, nonprofits, and public service. A $16,500 MPA with five concentration options, offered online or blended, at one of the most diverse universities in the Midwest.
- $16,500 Total Cost
- 5 Concentrations Available
- Online or Blended
- IACBE Accredited
Request More Information
Program at a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Lead and manage in public governance
- Apply a public-service perspective and professional ethics
- Analyze and shape the public policy process
- Manage public finance and budgets
- Evaluate public programs
- Lead a diverse workforce and serve diverse communities
Full Course List
Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.
Admissions Requirements
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
- A faculty review of your application
- Credit by Portfolio available for public-service experience
- Choose one of five concentrations with your advisor
Five concentrations, from Health Services Administration to Community Psychology, let you build expertise in the area you care about most.
$16,500 total at one of the Midwest's most diverse universities, with a curriculum built around social equity and public service.
Credit by Portfolio converts professional public-service experience into academic credit.
Where Will Your Degree Take You?
The MPA is the degree of choice for professionals who want to lead in the public interest, across government, nonprofits, and the intersection of public and private sectors. Graduates work in education, healthcare, social services, environmental policy, urban planning, law enforcement, and community development.
Social and community service managers, one common path, earn a median salary of $78,240 with 6 percent growth (BLS, May 2024), and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration reports that over half of public administration graduates earn $65,000 or more, and the top 25% earn $85,000 or more (2019). NLU’s five concentrations let you specialize in high-demand areas.
How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps
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Request Information
Submit the form above. An NLU admissions advisor will reach out within one business day to help you choose the right concentration.
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Connect With an Advisor
Your advisor discusses your public-service goals, the five concentrations, and the Credit by Portfolio process.
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Apply and Start Classes
Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Next start: September 21, 2026.
Take the First Step
No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path into public service leadership.
Take the First Step- $16,500 Total Cost
- 5 Concentrations Available
- Online or Blended
- IACBE Accredited
*Salary and growth: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers (SOC 11-9151), May 2024. Earnings data: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
**Cost, concentrations, and curriculum: National Louis University Master of Public Administration program page and SmartCatalog (nl.edu and nl.smartcatalogiq.com); IACBE.