About this Program

The MPA program prepares students for careers as professionals in public service and provides students who have considerable experience in the public sector an opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge, skills and abilities, enables them to advance their careers. The MPA develops individuals' competencies in public sector management, public policy analysis, and public decision-making processes. Our graduates hold positions as city managers, program planners, policy analysts, and managers in federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit agencies.

Program Highlights

  • #15 Most Affordable Online Colleges for MPA Degrees, 2019 – OnlineU.org Take classes on campus or online

  • Take classes on campus or online

  • Taught by ODU faculty with expertise in nonprofit and public management, public-private partnerships, public procurement and contract management, citizen participation, dispute resolution, economic development, and more

  • NASPAA accredited by the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Public Administration
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Urban and Regional Planners

$74,350 Median Salary

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Chief Executives

$196,050 Median Salary

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

$127,690 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,530 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Public Administration at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Public Administration program in Public Administration should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following:

  • Transcripts of all previous college work. During the admissions process, you may submit unofficial transcripts, but you will berequired to provide official transcripts after admission;

  • A written statement describing how your experience in work and other settings and your choice of graduate study in public administration will lead to achieving your career goals. The statement must be cogent and have a good demonstration of writing ability; this should be considered a writing sample (1000 wordmaximum length).

  • A resume that includes your education and any/all work experience (the GRE is no longer required).

  • Minimum of two letters of recommendation from academic sourcesand/or employment supervisors. Please do not provide letters from friends, co-workers, or family.

  • For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS.; conditional admission is not offered.  

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to graduate students at Old Dominion University. Financial aid may be available in the form of University fellowships, tuition grants, and research assistantships. The MPA program offers graduate research assistantships each semester. In addition to the financial aid offered by the University, graduate students may be eligible for aid and student loans administered by other agencies. For information about part-time employment, scholarships, and student loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Academic Program Coordinator

2084 CONSTANT HALL
NORFOLK, 23529

Graduate Program Director

2096 CONSTANT HALL
NORFOLK, 23529