The Carsey School’s Master's of Public Administration (MPA) online program will prepare you for strategic roles in a broad range of public and nonprofit institutions. Join your online cohort in the fall or spring and complete your degree in as little as 12 months. Widely recognized and sought after, the MPA will give you the edge you need in today's competitive public service sector.
Executive MPA
The Executive MPA welcomes midcareer professionals with at least 5 years of relevant experience seeking opportunities to hone their leadership skills and advance their careers without leaving their current situation. Those who meet this criteria can reduce their credit load by 6 credits, or 2 elective courses, earning their degree in just 12 months while saving money on tuition.
Modality: 100% Online
Number of Courses & Credit Hours:
10 courses/30 credits
Program Length: 12 Months
No GRE Required
MPA
Study with public service professionals and professors who bring strong analysis and best practices to your learning. You’ll also grow your professional network of public service professionals throughout the program and after graduation. All courses are delivered 100% online during 8-week eterms with two cohort starts per year (fall and spring).
Modality: 100% Online
12 courses/36 credits Number of Courses & Credit Hours:
Program Length: 12-16 Months
No GRE Required
WHY GET A MASTER’S DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION?
Our online Public Administration master’s degree (MPA) will provide you with a practical skill set and the theoretical foundation needed to be a successful, publicly minded professional. The encompassing MPA curriculum includes courses that bring together concepts from public policy, management, politics and law, providing you with a well-rounded understanding of what it means to run an organization in the public and nonprofit sectors. Public administration is where we see public policy affecting citizens on a personal level, and where public officials fulfill the promise of democracy.
WHY CHOOSE UNH’S ONLINE MPA GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM?
Ideal for working professionals and new graduates, our online MPA program will enable you to achieve your full potential, effect change within your organization, and prepare for the next step in your career. You’ll engage in hands-on opportunities during which you’ll apply knowledge and skills developed in the program to real issues within your community. Classes are offered 100 percent online. Professionals with 5 or more years of relevant work experience can complete the online Executive MPA option in one year. Grow your network of public service professionals throughout the program and after graduation. No GRE is required for this online degree program.
POTENTIAL CAREERS
- Administrative director
- City manager
- County manager
- Development and fundraising officer
- Government administrator
- Human resources coordinator
- Law enforcement professional
- Nonprofit coordinator
- Nonprofit executive director
- Public affairs coordinator
- Research analyst
Curriculum & Requirements
The Online Master of Public Administration program (MPA) offers you the opportunity to learn the skills you need in all aspects of public and nonprofit management including leadership, program evaluation, budgeting, planning, personnel management, collective bargaining, and policy analysis. Professionals with five or more years of relevant work experience can enroll in the 12-month Executive MPA program with reduced degree requirements and lower tuition cost.
Our MPA graduates are prepared to engage with their communities, ensure accountability, and have the administrative skills to achieve their organization's mission in an effective and sustainable manner.
- The MPA program is fully online and is ideal for working professionals
- Study with public service professionals and professors who bring strong analysis and best practices to your learning
- Start in the fall or spring and graduate in as little as 12 months (Executive MPA) or 16 months (MPA)
- Choose your MPA Capstone Experience Track: Management and Leadership or Program Planning and Development
- The GRE is not required to apply for this degree program
Program Delivery & Location: Core academic courses for the MPA program are offered entirely online with choices for taking optional elective courses in person on the UNH campuses.
EXECUTIVE MPA Sample Degree Plan (30 Credits)
CAPSTONE TRACK: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Term 1 | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Term 2 | ||
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Spring | ||
Term 3 | ||
PA 804 | Policy and Program Evaluation 2 | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
Term 4 | ||
PA 805 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
PA 908A | Capstone in Public Administration 2 | 3 |
Credits | 12 | |
Summer | ||
Term 5 | ||
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 30 |
- 1
A range of MPA ADVANCED Core courses are offered each term and vary each year. ADVANCED Core courses can also be taken as ELECTIVE courses. Students may also propose relevant ELECTIVE courses based upon their interests. Consult with your Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and course selections.
- 2
As a culmination of their graduate work, students in the Master of Public Administration's Management and Leadership Track are tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset and drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students are presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and proposing recommended solutions.
EXECUTIVE MPA Sample Degree Plan (30 Credits)
CAPSTONE TRACK: program planning AND development
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Term 1 | ||
DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects 2 | 3 |
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
Term 2 | ||
DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning 2 | 3 |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Spring | ||
Term 3 | ||
DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring 2 | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
Term 4 | ||
DPP 983 | Project Evaluation 2 | 3 |
PA 805 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
Credits | 12 | |
Summer | ||
Term 5 | ||
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 30 |
- 1
A range of MPA ADVANCED Core courses are offered each term and vary each year. ADVANCED Core courses can also be taken as ELECTIVE courses. Students may also propose relevant ELECTIVE courses based upon their interests. Consult with your Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and course selections.
- 2
Students in the Master of Public Administration's Program Planning and Development Track complete a four-term capstone project as the culmination of their graduate work. This capstone experience is designed to provide an opportunity to directly apply theories learned in the classroom to a major applied project within a community.
MPA Sample Degree Plan (36 Credits)
CAPSTONE TRACK: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Term 1 | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Term 2 | ||
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Spring | ||
Term 3 | ||
PA 804 | Policy and Program Evaluation 2 | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
Term 4 | ||
PA 805 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
Term 1 | ||
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
Term 2 | ||
PA 908A | Capstone in Public Administration | 3 |
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
- 1
A range of MPA ADVANCED Core courses are offered each term and vary each year. ADVANCED Core courses can also be taken as ELECTIVE courses. Students may also propose relevant ELECTIVE courses based upon their interests. Consult with your Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and course selections.
- 2
As a culmination of their graduate work, students in the Master of Public Administration's Management and Leadership Track are tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset and drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students are presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and proposing recommended solutions.
MPA Sample Degree Plan (36 Credits)
CAPSTONE TRACK: PROGRAM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Term 1 | ||
DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects 2 | 3 |
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
Term 2 | ||
DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning 2 | 3 |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Spring | ||
Term 3 | ||
DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring 2 | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
Term 4 | ||
DPP 983 | Project Evaluation 2 | 3 |
PA 805 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
Credits | 12 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
Term 1 | ||
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA ADVANCED Core Course 1 | 3 | |
Term 2 | ||
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Course 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
- 1
A range of MPA ADVANCED Core courses are offered each term and vary each year. ADVANCED Core courses can also be taken as ELECTIVE courses. Students may also propose relevant ELECTIVE courses based upon their interests. Consult with your Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and course selections.
- 2
Students in the Master of Public Administration's Program Planning and Development Track complete a four-term capstone project as the culmination of their graduate work. This capstone experience is designed to provide an opportunity to directly apply theories learned in the classroom to a major applied project within a community.
Executive MPA Requirements
Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Executive Master of Public Administration program are required to complete a thirty (30) credit program, consisting of:
- Three (3) BASIC Core Curriculum Courses
- Three (3) ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses
- MPA CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Track:
- Management and Leadership Track: Two (2) Capstone Project Courses + Two (2) Elective Courses
OR - Program Planning and Development Track: Four (4) Capstone Project Courses
- Management and Leadership Track: Two (2) Capstone Project Courses + Two (2) Elective Courses
These provide students with a strong foundation in theory and the applied skills necessary to foster democratic involvement, accountability and administrative competency in the provision and delivery of public services in towns, cities, state agencies, and a wide range of nonprofit and non-governmental organizations. Further opportunities for depth and specialization are provided through a broad range of ADVANCED Core and ELECTIVE courses which vary by semester. For a culminating graduate experience, students choose an MPA capstone experience to match their interests in Management and Leadership or Program Planning and Development, enabling students to directly apply what they've learned throughout their MPA program.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MPA BASIC Core Curriculum Courses (3 Courses) | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 805 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
MPA ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses (3 Courses) | ||
Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
PA 802 | Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors | |
PA 808 | Administrative Law | |
PA 812 | Leadership Theory and Practice | |
PA 813 | Human Resource Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | |
PA 814 | Financial Management and Budgeting in the Public Sector | |
PA 816 | Public Management Techniques | |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | |
PA 819 | Managing Conflict and Change in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | |
PA 820 | Strategic Communications for Public and Non-profit Sectors | |
PA 821 | Effective Change Management in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | |
DPP 902 | Economic Analysis for Development | |
DPP 905 | Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | |
DPP 908 | Policy Seminar | |
DPP #956 | Housing Development | |
DPP 961 | Community Development Finance | |
DPP #962 | Public Safety and Community Development | |
MPA CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Track | ||
Select a track from the following: | 12 | |
Management and Leadership Track: 2 | ||
PA 804 | Policy and Program Evaluation | |
PA 908A | Capstone in Public Administration | |
Two (2) MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Courses 1 | ||
Program Planning and Development Track: 3 | ||
DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects | |
DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning | |
DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring | |
DPP 983 | Project Evaluation | |
Total Credits | 30 |
- 1
A range of MPA ADVANCED Core courses are offered each term and vary each year. ADVANCED Core courses can also be taken as ELECTIVE courses. Students may also propose relevant ELECTIVE courses based upon their interests. Consult with your Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and course selections.
- 2
As a culmination of their graduate work, students in the Master of Public Administration's Management and Leadership Track are tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset and drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students are presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and proposing recommended solutions.
- 3
Students in the Master of Public Administration's Program Planning and Development Track complete a four-term capstone project as the culmination of their graduate work. This capstone experience is designed to provide an opportunity to directly apply theories learned in the classroom to a major applied project within a community.
MPA Requirements
Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Master of Public Administration program are required to complete a thirty-six (36) credit program, consisting of:
- Three (3) BASIC Core Curriculum Courses
- Three (3) ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses
- MPA CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Track:
- Management and Leadership Track: Two (2) Capstone Project Courses + Four (4) Elective Courses
OR - Program Planning and Development Track: Four (4) Capstone Project Courses + Two (2) Elective Courses
- Management and Leadership Track: Two (2) Capstone Project Courses + Four (4) Elective Courses
These provide students with a strong foundation in theory and the applied skills necessary to foster democratic involvement, accountability and administrative competency in the provision and delivery of public services in towns, cities, state agencies, and a wide range of nonprofit and non-governmental organizations. Further opportunities for depth and specialization are provided through a broad range of ADVANCED Core and ELECTIVE courses which vary by semester. For a culminating graduate experience, students choose an MPA capstone experience to match their interests in Management and Leadership or Program Planning and Development, enabling students to directly apply what they've learned throughout their MPA program.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MPA BASIC Core Curriculum Courses (3 Courses) | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 805 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
MPA ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses (3 courses) | ||
Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
PA 802 | Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors | |
PA 808 | Administrative Law | |
PA 812 | Leadership Theory and Practice | |
PA 813 | Human Resource Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | |
PA 814 | Financial Management and Budgeting in the Public Sector | |
PA 816 | Public Management Techniques | |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | |
PA 819 | Managing Conflict and Change in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | |
PA 820 | Strategic Communications for Public and Non-profit Sectors | |
PA 821 | Effective Change Management in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | |
DPP 902 | Economic Analysis for Development | |
DPP 905 | Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | |
DPP 908 | Policy Seminar | |
DPP #956 | Housing Development | |
DPP 961 | Community Development Finance | |
DPP #962 | Public Safety and Community Development | |
GCHS 810 | Conflict & Human Security | |
GCHS 820 | Global Governance | |
GCHS 830 | International Development & Human Security | |
GCHS 840 | Sustainable Development: Gender-Environment Nexus | |
PPOL 812 | Strategies for Policy Impact | |
PPOL 822 | Media Strategy and Skills | |
MPA CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Track | ||
Select a track from the following: | 18 | |
Management and Leadership Track: 2 | ||
PA 804 | Policy and Program Evaluation | |
PA 908A | Capstone in Public Administration | |
Four (4) MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Courses 1 | ||
Program Planning and Development Track: 3 | ||
DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects | |
DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning | |
DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring | |
DPP 983 | Project Evaluation | |
Two (2) MPA-Approved ELECTIVE Courses 1 | ||
Total Credits | 36 |
- 1
A range of MPA ADVANCED Core courses are offered each term and vary each year. ADVANCED Core courses can also be taken as ELECTIVE courses. Students may also propose relevant ELECTIVE courses if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your MPA Graduate Academic Advisor should inform this choice.
- 2
As a culmination of their graduate work, students in the Master of Public Administration's Management and Leadership Track are tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset and drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students are presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and proposing recommended solutions.
- 3
Students in the Master of Public Administration's Program Planning and Development Track complete a four-term capstone project as the culmination of their graduate work. This capstone experience is designed to provide an opportunity to directly apply theories learned in the classroom to a major applied project within a community.
This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs.
General Accelerated Master's policy, note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher grade expectations) compared to the policy.
Please see the Graduate School website and contact the department directly for more information.
Accelerated Master's Progam Eligible: Yes-MPA Only (not applicable for the Executive MPA program)
The Master of Public Administration program allows eligible undergraduate seniors to enroll in graduate level courses which can fulfill requirements for both their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students can apply to the Accelerated MPA program during their junior or senior year. Please review details on eligibility requirements for admission.
Eligible students who are admitted to the Accelerated Master's program may complete up to 12 credits at the 800-level during their undergraduate senior year, earning dual credit toward both their undergraduate and MPA degree. Accelerated Master's students should always consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance.
The MPA program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis with the following undergraduate programs. The listed MPA courses have been approved for credit in these undergraduate programs:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Cybersecurity Policy Minor | ||
Required Course for the minor | ||
CPRM 810 | Foundations of Cybersecurity Policy (Fall/Spring) | 3 |
Minor approved electives: | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
PA 812 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | 3 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Global Studies Minor (Manchester) | ||
Minor (Economics and Interdependence pillar) approved electives: | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
PA 812 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | 3 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Political Science (B.A.) | ||
Approved electives: | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | 3 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Public Administration (B.S.) & Minor | ||
Approved electives: | ||
GCHS 810 | Conflict & Human Security | 3 |
GCHS 820 | Global Governance | 3 |
GCHS 830 | International Development & Human Security | 3 |
GCHS 840 | Sustainable Development: Gender-Environment Nexus | 3 |
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | 3 |
PPOL 806 | Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | 3 |
PPOL 810 | Policy Across Borders | 3 |
PPOL 822 | Media Strategy and Skills | 3 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Public Service and Nonprofit Leadership (B.S.) | ||
Approved electives: | ||
PA 800 | Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | 3 |
PA 809 | Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | 3 |
PA 812 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
PA 818 | Non-Profit Management | 3 |
- Develop in-depth understanding of the structure of public sector organizations and common issues faced by public and nonprofit managers
- Communicate effectively with public managers, policymakers, and the general public
- Manage organizations, processes, and people in the public and nonprofit sectors
- Apply critical thinking skills to address public issues and solve problems
- Collect and analyze data to inform public decision-making
Note:
Deadlines
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: N/A
- Special: N/A
Application fee: $65
Campus: Online
New England Regional: No
Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)
Transcripts
If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC.
If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.
If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:
- Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
- Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.
Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
Letters of recommendation: 3 required
Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.
Personal Statement/Essay Questions
Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding: 1) reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives, and 2) your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field. In addition, applicants seeking a graduate assistantship or tuition assistance also must note this request in their personal statement.
Statements must be included with your submitted application.
Resume
Resume is optional but recommended.
Additional Department Requirements
If you are requesting a graduate assistantship or tuition assistance from the department then they require that you also submit GRE test scores. Please send a photo-copy of your test scores directly to the department (they do not require an official copy). For further details please contact the department.
Important Notes
All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.
International Applicants
Due to program requirements and restrictions, the MPA Program is unable to admit international students who require F-1 visa sponsorship. The program will gladly accept applications for applicants who are working in the United States full-time on a different visa type and do not require F-1 visa support.
Prospective international students are strongly encouraged to contact Carsey Admissions prior to starting their application. All international applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. Please note that English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.
Explore Program Details
Application
What is the difference between 30-Credit Executive MPA and the 36-Credit MPA?
Applicants with 5+ years of relevant professional experience in government, nonprofits, political science, or public administration should apply to the Executive MPA which reduces the standard (36-credit) MPA degree requirements by two elective courses (6 credits). Applicants without relevant work experience or students just completing their undergraduate degrees should apply to the standard 36-Credit MPA program.
Can I get an MPA on a part-time basis?
Our Online MPA program is designed so the full-time working professional can take classes on a part-time basis. Classes are conducted online and typically consist of an asynchronous curriculum combined with a small number of synchronous sessions over the term which, if offered, are held in the early evenings. Elective courses are also offered online in the same manner with the option to take alternative elective courses in person on the Durham or Manchester campuses. View Electives
Can I take a "test drive" before applying?
Yes. If you are unsure whether the Online MPA program is a good fit, you are welcome to sit in on a class or take an MPA course prior to matriculating into the program. Contact the Team
Financial Aid
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans are a form of federal aid available to Graduate Students. To apply, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additional Financial Aid Information
Does this program offer any Scholarships?
The Carsey School of Public Policy offers a limited number of needs-based partial tuition scholarships to students who have submitted their online application and been accepted into the program. In order to be considered for a Carsey School Scholarship, please complete and submit your Online Scholarship Application Form. Applicants will be notified if they qualify for an award within two to three weeks after submitting a completed application. We also encourage students who are awarded a scholarship to leverage their award by seeking additional funding opportunities from other sources. Submit a Scholarship Application
What alternative funding opportunities are available?
We strongly encourage you to look into other outside scholarship opportunities. Domestic students are eligible for both private and federal loans. More detailed information can be found on the UNH Grad School’s Financial Aid webpage or at Tuition Management System.
Other
What is the MPA Capstone Project?
The Capstone project is the culmination of the student’s graduate work, applying academic insight to practical experience. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the program to real-world situations. Students are paired with an organization in their field of interest and work with community partners to complete a substantial project with the goal of adding value to both the student and the partner organization. View Past MPA Capstones
What kind of professional positions could I pursue with an MPA?
Managerial positions in areas such as the government (federal, state, and local); non-profit and non-governmental organizations; research institutes; foundations; and professional and trade associations; etc. Meet Some MPA Alumni!
Education Awards
The Carsey School is proud to partner with public service organizations nationwide, enabling students to build upon their valued experiences by furthering their public service education and expanding their impact. These graduate school partners offer funding to employees, members, and alumni of their own credentialing programs. Education awards are also available for specific groups. Learn More about Awards
Electives are available in many substantive areas. Topics and courses are added on a continuing basis. In addition, independent studies with leading experts can be arranged to match specialized student interests.
Students may propose additional electives if those electives make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with an academic advisor should inform this choice.
Elective Courses are offered in many Substantive Areas, including:
- Administrative Law
- Art of Negotiation
- Courts and Public Policy
- Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
- Financial Management and Budgeting in Public and Non-Profit Sectors
- Grant-writing for Public and Non-Profit Sectors
- Human Resource Management in Public and Non-Profit Sectors
- International Environmental Politics, Policy, and Law
- International Organization
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- Legal and Policy-Making Environment on Public and Non-Profit Sectors
- Non-Profit Management
- Performance Management in Public and Non-Profit Organizations
- Policy and Program Evaluation
- Public Management Techniques
- Public Opinion and Survey Research
- Security Intelligence Study
- State and Local Government
Departments throughout UNH offer Elective Courses, including:
- Analytics
- Business Administration
- Education
- Health Policy and Management
- History
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Natural Resources
- Political Science
- Sociology
- UNH School of Law