MPA Online Program

ONLINE master of arts in

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Administration professional speaks to a colleague.

ONLINE

MPA PROGRAM

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) online degree from Claremont Lincoln University helps you build nationally recognized professional competencies for leadership roles in the nonprofit and government sectors. By specializing in one of four concentrations, you will learn to build sustainable communities through public service, develop strategic innovation for collective impact, hone advanced practices of public finance, or manage and lead complex systems.

The MPA program’s curriculum emphasizes professional competencies and applied knowledge. MPA students develop resource stewardship and facilitative leadership abilities in public policy and governance. Applied learning opportunities encourage students to develop equitable, cross-sector solutions to complex societal problems.

program Overview

a laptop to state the Online Master of Arts in Social Impact can be taken entirely online
100% Online
Program Length
TUITION

  • Asynchronous format

  • Interactive learning platforms
  • Discussion forums facilitated by world class faculty

Full-time: 13 months*
Part-time: 26 months

*Full-time status (2 courses per term) must be maintained to complete your master’s degree in 13 months.

$19,800

Financial Aid may be available

Tuition & Financial Aid Info>

Admissions Requirements

MPA online program admissions requirements:

  • A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

  • Submission of university transcripts

  • Current resume or CV
  • No GRE or GMAT Required
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA (provisions acceptance may be granted for GPAs under 2.5)
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MPA Online Program Courses

Based on nationally recognized professional competencies for scholar-practitioners, the online MPA curriculum balances relational and analytical courses to encourage the application of new knowledge.

  • Public Leadership and Governance
  • Program Management and Scenario Building
  • Policy Development and Analysis
  • Introduction to Public Finance
  • Urban Sustainability
  • Civic Engagement and Complex Social Issues
  • Invitation to Inquiry: Foundations of the Claremont Core®
  • Strategic Communication: Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Activating the Core: Research Methods
  • Applying the Core: CLU Capstone

MPA Online Program Concentrations

An MPA concentration offers specialized coursework that students can cater to their interests and professional goals. CLU offers concentrations focused on leadership, public finance, sustainable communities, and strategic innovation.

  • Advanced Management and Leadership in Complex Systems

  • Scenario Planning for Public Administration (3 units)
  • Regional Planning (3 units)

  • Advanced Practices in Public Finance

  • Innovative Funding Strategies for Social Change (3 units)
  • Legal Frameworks for Public Administration (3 units)

  • Sustainable Communities through Public Service

  • ChangeManagement in Complex Organizations (3 units)
  • Building Networks and Coalition Building (3 units)

  • Strategic Innovation for Collective Impact

  • Innovative Funding Strategies for Social Change (3 units)
  • Masterplans and Policy Evolution (3 units)

2024-2025 Student Catalog>

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of your MPA, you will be able to:

  • Develop strategies to lead a government or nonprofit organization so that it can achieve long term comprehensive and equitable goals.
  • Assess the political environment (local, regional, national, or global) and develop strategies to achieve specific goals.
  • Analyze and develop policy alternatives to create and implement impactful public policies.
  • Facilitate collective action to achieve solutions that respect and include diverse stakeholder perspectives and achieve equitable results.
  • Integrate ethical, equitable solutions to social, economic, and/or ecological problems across business, government, and civic sectors.

Faculty

A team of professional educators with a wide range of experience in public leadership and civic engagement contribute to your learning environment at Claremont Lincoln University. Here are just a few you may meet:

Manny De La Torre, EdD, Dean of Academic Innovation & Strategic Program Development

Antonia Castro Graham, MPA

Eddie Gordon, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Enrique R. Silva, PhD, Teaching Faculty

George “Mac” McCarthy, Ph.D.

Heather Hannon, MA, AICP, Teaching Faculty

Jenna Martin, JD, Teaching Faculty

Karen Versuk, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Suzanne Beaumaster, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Diego Lomelli Trejo, MA, Teaching Faculty

Yonhui Um, JD, Teaching Faculty

ONLINE MPA Career OUTCOMEs

As a graduate of the MPA online program, you will be prepared to approach your career from a new perspective. The skills and competencies this degree offers you can apply to roles in a variety of capacities, including the following:

  • Nonprofit CEO • $194,280*

  • City Budget Analyst • $83,620*

  • Policy Analyst • $64,248**

  • Urban Planner • $81,800*

  • City or County Manager • $94,882**

  • Fundraising Manager • $119,200*

  • Administrative Services Manager • $106,470*

  • Emergency or Crisis Manager • $83,960*

  • Nonprofit Research Analyst • $74,680*

  • Grant Writer • $80,050*

  • Program Manager • $91,196**

  • City Housing Administrator • $53,959**

*Median annual salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023
**Average annual salary data from Payscale as of 2024

CLU IS THE UNIVERSITY OF THE LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

Claremont Lincoln University is the university of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a non-profit global thought leader solving social, environmental, and economic challenges. Together, we are mobilizing leaders worldwide to tackle the most pressing climate, land, water, finance, housing, infrastructure, and other issues.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Master’s students can complete the 36-credit online MPA program in as little as 13 months by completing two courses per term. The part-time track of one course per term can be completed in 26 months.

The 36-credit MPA online program includes nine credits of Claremont Core courses, 18 credits of MPA courses, and six credits in the concentration. Graduate students also complete a three-credit capstone project.

An MPA degree offers advanced preparation for public administration leadership roles, including in the nonprofit sector. During the MPA online program, graduate students strengthen their coalition-building, policy development, and change management abilities to take on diverse challenges in the nonprofit and public sectors.

You can apply for the MPA online program at CLU by submitting a free online application. Enrollment advisors will walk you through the process, which includes submitting official transcripts and a resume or CV. CLUdoes not require GRE or GMAT scores.

MPA graduate Matthew Soloman

Student SPOTLIGHT

Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers. Explore their stories of success.

“I left school to go be a rock star, became a filmmaker, and wound up doing consulting and conflict resolution.”

Matthew Solomon, MPA '22

Student Spotlight>

Apply to the MPA ONLINE PROGRAM TODAY

Ready to join the online MPA program? Submit your free application today to enroll at CLU and advance your education.