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
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#15 Most Affordable Online Colleges for MPA Degrees, 2019 – OnlineU.org Take classes on campus or online
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Take classes on campus or online
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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
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NASPAA accredited by the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development 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
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Social and Community Service Managers
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.
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
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.
Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following:
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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;
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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 (100-word maximum length).
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A resume that includes your education and any/all work experience (the GRE is no longer required).
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Minimum of two letters of recommendation from academic sourcesand/or employment supervisors. Please do not provide letters from friends, co-workers, or family.
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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.
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Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
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.
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