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Master of Public Administration

Unlock Your Ability to Serve

You know the need for strong public servants in government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and not-for-profits is greater than ever. Norwich University’s online Master of Public Administration program will help you develop the key public administration skills you need to effectively manage a demanding and evolving system. You will gain a broad foundation in areas such as organizational leadership and change, strategic planning, ethics, and financial management and data analysis.

Connect with professionals from around the world. Your values-based education will be delivered in a flexible online platform so that you can complete coursework at your own pace. Norwich faculty is dedicated to your success – Norwich faculty includes former and current leaders in the military, and heads of city, state, and federal departments; criminal justice organizations; and nonprofits as well as respected researchers and scholars.

It is time for you to help build better cities and towns, stronger government and more successful not-for-profits. With your degree from Norwich, you will build your exit portfolio, which is designed to show your skills, competency and application of program concepts to real-world challenges.

You, at Norwich

Learn from a faculty of active scholars with doctorate degrees.

Customize your studies based on your career goals and personal interests.

Develop essential skills relevant to not only careers in history but also in business, law, education, and government.

Improve your historical insight, research, writing, analysis and presentation skills.

Apply to one of four start dates per year.

Benefit from a university recognized as offering Best Value with respect to high academic quality and low net cost of attendance, according to the U.S. News & World Report.*

*Rankings are based on undergraduate programs and on students who recieved the average level of need-based financial aid.

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

Program & Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237    
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

 

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency. 
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

Please Note:  All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

Norwich’s online MPA program curriculum is composed of six courses, each of which is delivered over 11 weeks for a total of 36 credit hours. Students master one course at a time, to create a strong foundation of knowledge and context for future topics.

Our graduates can:

Implement solutions to real-world administrative challenges immediately.

Demonstrate a broad foundation in areas such as organizational leadership and change, strategic planning, ethics, and financial management and data analysis.

Leverage critical leadership skills that build the foundation for public administration in nearly any sector.

Concentrations available: 

  • General/Non-Specialized
  • Criminal Justice & Public Safety
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection & Cyber Crime
  • Energy Management
  • Fiscal Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Organizational Leadership Management
  • Public Sector Leadership & Crisis Management
  • Procurement & Government Contract Management
  • Project Management
  • Supply Chain Management

To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the MBA program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.

Online Master's

2024-25 Tuition and Fees

When applying for a graduate program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $698; $550 (military; veteran; first responder) 

Financial Aid Resources

2024-25 Tuition and Fee Schedule

Master's Program

Rate Per Credit 2024-25Tuition Additional Expenses Total
$698; $550 (military; veteran; first responder) $3,300-$4,188 /term

Technology - $350/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation Application Fee - $150

$22,200-$27,528

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

15

Students

Maximum number of students per class

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

Scott Moore headshot

I was able to apply the knowledge and experience gained from my strategic studies coursework to our actual mission set.

Scott Moore

'22 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

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Michelle's photo

I have been promoted to the job that I wanted but didn’t think I could have the opportunity to get previously.

Michelle Tavares

'18 Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership

Read Story
Paul Caron headshot

In order to become a multidimensional leader in today’s Army, I knew that pursuing my degree was a must. Obtaining this degree from Norwich University would ensure that I was set up for success after the Army.

Paul Caron

'12 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

Read Story
catherine_murtagh-schaffer image

I didn't choose Norwich; it chose me. I liked Norwich's unique military history, which I thought would provide a different perspective on world views.

Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer

'22 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story
Michael Blair headshot

The leadership program was a natural fit as an officer in the Air Force, helping me become a better leader now and in future opportunities after the military.

Michael Blair

'19 Master of Science in Leadership

Read Story
Scott Moore headshot

Scott Moore

Michelle's photo

Michelle Tavares

Paul Caron headshot

Paul Caron

catherine_murtagh-schaffer image

Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer

Michael Blair headshot

Michael Blair

Faculty & Staff

Our online Master of Public Administration gives you the opportunity to learn from a faculty of experts. Our faculty includes former and current leaders in the military, and heads of city, state, and federal departments; criminal justice organizations; and nonprofits as well as respected researchers and scholars in areas ranging from white-collar crime to public health policy. We have an in-house instructional design team that work hand-in-hand with program faculty and staff to ensure an efficient and interactive online learning experience in each course.

Careers & Outcomes

Career Opportunities for Master of Public Administration Graduates

Today’s public administrators must be strategic and flexible to respond to the needs of their communities, navigate complex ethical and legal issues, and operate within increasingly limited budgets. Luckily, these skills are well-compensated. The average mid-career Master of Public Administration holder earns $62,142 per year, and Norwich Master of Public Administration graduates have noted earning more than $90,000.

A degree from Norwich’s online Master of Public Administration program can help you advance within your current organization or serve as the foundation for a variety of careers in nearly any sector.

Our graduates work in a variety of roles, including*:

Career Roles

  • Analyst
  • City Engineer
  • Community Social Services Assistant
  • Deputy Chief
  • Development Administrator
  • Community Intervention Specialist
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Public Works
  • District Director
  • District Division Chief
  • Executive Director
  • Field Director
  • Force Management Officer
  • HR Specialist
  • Investigator/Detective
  • Joint Operations Center Officer in Charge
  • Lead Fire Inspector
  • Lieutenant
  • Operations Manager
  • Owner/Senior Consultant
  • Parks and Recreation Director
  • Payment Management Branch Chief
  • Program Examiner
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Regional Director
  • Regional Team Manager
  • Senior Budget Analyst
  • Streets Foreman

Our alumni have held positions at top organizations, including*:

Government

  • Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
  • De Leon Springs State Park
  • Department of Defense
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Massachusetts Senate
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Coast Guard
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Postal Service
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • Vermont Agency of Human Services
  • Vermont Army National Guard
  • Vermont State Police

Public Sector

  • Broussard Police Department
  • Carlisle Early Education Center
  • City of Los Banos
  • City of Maple Valley, WA
  • County of San Joaquin
  • Dartmouth Police Department
  • Indiana Secretary of State
  • Milwaukee County Housing Division
  • Ministry of Education Spain
  • Phelpf Company
  • Raynham Police Department
  • Southwest

Nonprofit Sector

  • Alzheimer's Association, Washington State Chapter
  • Burlington County Board of Social Services
  • Capstone Community Action Head Start
  • Grassroots Vermont
  • Public Health Management Corporation
  • Tri County Community Action Programs Inc.
  • Salvation Army
  • Save the Children
  • Veterans Inc.

Read more about our MPA student outcomes.

*Source: Data represents responding MPA graduates from Norwich University's Residency Graduate Survey, fielded June 2017 and June 2018. Total numbers of graduating students was 67, with a response rate of 78%. Unknown placement of graduating students is 22% (15 students did not respond).

Student Consumer Data - Graduation Rates for Master of Public Administration