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Master of Public Administration

Lead Where it Matters Most 

The need for skilled, ethical public servants has never been greater. Governments are navigating unprecedented complexity. Non-governmental organizations are scaling to meet global crises. Nonprofits are being asked to do more with less. The question isn't whether strong leaders are needed; it's whether you're ready to be one of them.

At Norwich University, we've been preparing leaders for public service since 1819. Our Master of Public Administration graduates go on to lead city and state agencies, direct nonprofit organizations, manage federal programs, and shape the communities they serve. They don't just fill roles, they transform them.

Built by practitioners, for practitioners. Norwich faculty aren't just scholars, they're former and current leaders in military service, city and state government, federal agencies, criminal justice, and nonprofit management. When you learn from them, you're learning from people who have sat where you're sitting and led where you're headed.

Your degree. Your portfolio. Your proof. You'll graduate with an exit portfolio that demonstrates real competency in organizational leadership, strategic planning, ethics, financial management, and data analysis. Evidence you can show an employer on day one. If you've spent years in service, military, government, or community, Norwich was built for someone like you. This is your next step.

What our alumni say: "With my increased confidence from completing this program, I know I can hold a leading role within a nonprofit and, maybe someday, run one." — Emma Kaplan

Check out our other Alumni Testimonial, Career Opportunities and Course Concentrations. 

Alumni Testimonial  Career Outcomes Concentrations

Norwich’s Public Administration Graduate Certificates:

Use your certificate towards a master's degree.

Not ready for the full Master's degree program yet? The 12 graduate-level credits earned from one of our online graduate certificates can be applied toward the Master of Public Administration program. Take the next step in your academic journey on your terms.

Norwich’s public administration certificate programs include:

Next Graduate Session Start Dates:

FALL: August 31, 2026

WINTER: November 23, 2026

SPRING: February 22, 2027

Next Graduate Session Application Deadlines:

FALL: August 21, 2026

WINTER: November 13, 2026

SPRING: February 12, 2027

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

Emma Kaplan headshot

With my increased confidence from completing this program, I know I can hold a leading role within a nonprofit and, maybe someday, run one.

Emma Kaplan

'22 Master of Public Administration

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Dan Bastie headshot

The program seemed like a perfect combination of a tradition I could be proud of and a modern educational platform I could manage in my day-to-day craziness.

Dan Bastie

'21 Master of Public Administration

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Natalie Elvidge headshot

Using my research abilities and findings, I was immediately able to apply my capstone research to my work and personal interests. As a wellness ambassador for the State of Vermont, I have been able to use my research as a tool and motivator.

Natalie Elvidge

'16 Master of Public Administration

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Christopher Tucker headshot

Norwich is unique because alumni are encouraged, and expected, to go forward upon graduation and apply the knowledge and skills gained to benefit society.

Christopher Tucker

'15 Master of Public Administration

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Benitha's photo

The faculty provided a learning experience that was student-centered and rich with support. I believe that I am well prepared to take on the new challenges ahead in my career as a nurse educator because of the education that I gained at Norwich University

Benitha Garrett

'15 Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership

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Emma Kaplan headshot

Emma Kaplan

Dan Bastie headshot

Dan Bastie

Natalie Elvidge headshot

Natalie Elvidge

Christopher Tucker headshot

Christopher Tucker

Benitha's photo

Benitha Garrett

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.

All Faculty & Staff

Career Outcomes:

Public service is not just a career; it is a calling. And the organizations that serve our communities, cities, and country need leaders who are prepared to meet that responsibility with skill, integrity, and purpose. A Norwich Master of Public Administration equips you to lead across government agencies, nonprofits, and public organizations, where the work is demanding, the stakes are real, and strong leadership makes all the difference.

  • Administrative Services Manager

    Directs and coordinates the supportive services of government agencies, nonprofits, and public organizations, overseeing facilities, records management, budgets, and day-to-day operations. A strong match for Master's in Public Administration graduates stepping into leadership roles across public and nonprofit sectors. The median annual wage for administrative services managers was $108,390.

    Administrative Services Manager Careers
  • Nonprofit & Community Service Manager

    Coordinates and supervises programs for organizations that support public well-being — from social service agencies and community health organizations to veteran support nonprofits and humanitarian groups. The median annual wage for social and community service managers was $78,240.

    Social and Community Service Manager Careers
  • Budget Analyst (Government & Public Sector)

    Helps government agencies and public organizations plan their finances, evaluate spending requests, and ensure funds are used efficiently and in compliance with regulations, a critical role at every level of public administration. The median annual wage for budget analysts was $87,930.

    Budget Analyst Careers

Admissions 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: 1-888-409-1480  
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.

 

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.).

 

SHRM
Norwich University's online Master of Public Administration Human Resource Leadership Concentration is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

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.*
    • Duolingo - a minimum score of 110 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
ATTN: CGCS
158 Harmon Drive
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: 1-888-409-1480
Email: learn@norwich.edu

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: $550 - $698
Additional fees & military discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Program Requirements

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. At the end of the program, you will know how to implement solutions to real-world administrative challenges immediately, and leverage critical leadership skills that build the foundation for public administration in nearly any sector.

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For full course listings, requirements, and registration information, head to the Norwich University Course Catalog.

Summer Immersion Courses – ​​​Berlin, Germany

Norwich Online is thrilled to announce that this summer 2026, we are holding two graduate-level courses with a one-week immersive in-person instruction in Berlin, Germany. These courses are available to current Norwich Online students

 

Hybrid Warfare

Throughout the course, participants will engage in an intensive, hands-on, cumulative exercise in which they will develop and test offensive and defensive hybrid campaign strategies, analyze information and influence operations, and apply structured frameworks for risk and escalation management. Topics include megatrends and concepts and theories of hybrid warfare, offensive and defensive toolkits, intelligence preparation, institutions and laws, mapping vulnerability, and the role of cyber and information operations in modern conflict.

Students enrolling in this course can take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit Norwich’s Berlin, Germany campus. While in Germany, participants will engage in a simulation exercise that applies hybrid warfare frameworks within a European context. This hands-on activity will help them hone their decision-making skills, enhance leadership abilities, and put into practice the knowledge gained throughout the course.

Following this exercise, students will participate in an after-action report to reflect on their performance in Berlin, including factors such as participation, leadership, decision-making, application of key principles, metacognitive awareness, and mastery of course objectives.  

This innovative hybrid course is dedicated to the critical study of Hybrid Warfare and its application within today’s complex security landscape. The dynamic program spans 11 weeks, featuring 10 weeks of engaging, instructor-led asynchronous online learning and a week of immersive in-person instruction in Berlin, Germany.

Participants will delve into the multifaceted nature of hybrid conflict, exploring it as both a dynamic and contested field of scholarship and a practical toolkit used by both state and non-state actors to achieve strategic objectives without crossing the line into open warfare. Rather than portraying hybrid warfare as a rigid doctrine, this course emphasizes the themes of ambiguity, competitive strategies, and informed decision-making.

The deadline for applying for the summer seminar is April 30, 2026. Accepted students may use this seminar as a capstone replacement or elective, depending on eligibility and approval from the Academic Director. There is also a $3500 fee to cover the cost of the Berlin experience.

Graduate programs with eligible students include:

View the Application

Global Strategic Leadership

In partnership with Helmut Schmidt University (HSU), this 11-week graduate seminar delves into strategic leadership in complex global environments and examines the growing threat of disinformation to global security.

Throughout the program, participants will enhance their skills in executive communication, decision-making under uncertainty, and cross-cultural leadership, all while gaining international academic experience. Plus, you will tackle real-world strategic issues related to global security and disinformation.

The program will conclude with an immersive, one-week in-person workshop in Berlin from July 28 to August 3. Here, you will join a dynamic German-American cohort, focusing on cross-cultural collaboration, virtual teamwork, systems thinking, and strategic leadership, all through the lens of national and international security. This is a unique chance to learn from global experts and build international relationships that will enhance your leadership skills.

Enrollment is limited to 10 Norwich students and 10 Helmut Schmit University (HSU) students. Graduate programs with eligible students include:

The deadline for applying for the summer seminar is April 30, 2026. Accepted students may use this seminar as a capstone replacement or elective, depending on eligibility and approval from the Academic Director. There is also a $3500 fee to cover the cost of the Berlin experience.

This is a unique opportunity to expand your global leadership abilities, gain hands-on experience in international security, and collaborate with peers from around the world.

View the Application