Overview

The Public Administration programme at Oakland University provides a rigorous academic foundation for individuals aspiring to lead within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This Master of Public Administration (MPA) focuses on strengthening leadership capacity, problem-solving skills, and ethical public service values.

The curriculum is designed to accommodate diverse academic backgrounds, requiring no specific undergraduate prerequisites for admission. Students benefit from small class sizes and a supportive environment that emphasises community engagement and technical expertise. The programme is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Why Public Administration at Oakland University?

Oakland University offers a highly flexible learning experience, including a 100% online programme option that caters to working professionals. The institution is known for its commitment to diversity and its focus on practical, evidence-based decision-making. Students can choose from five distinct specialisations to tailor their degree to specific career goals.

The programme maintains strong links with local government and nonprofit organisations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities. Facilities such as the Public Affairs Research Laboratory (PARL) support advanced analysis and research. Teaching is delivered by experienced faculty who prioritise accountability and the promotion of ethical administration in all organisational settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22428 per year
National fee: USD 22428 per year
Local fee: USD 19972 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of a 20-credit core foundation followed by 12 elective credits. Students may choose to focus their electives within a specific concentration or remain as a generalist. Modules may include:

Court Administration
Criminal Justice Leadership
Healthcare Administration
Local Government Management
Nonprofit Organization and Management

Careers with Public Administration

Graduates of the Public Administration programme are well-prepared for diverse roles across various levels of government and the third sector. Alumni frequently secure positions in city management, policy analysis, and economic development. The skills gained are also highly transferable to the private sector and higher education administration.

Recent graduates have found employment with organisations such as the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, various municipal departments, and the American Red Cross. Common job titles include City Manager, Development Coordinator, Finance Assistant, and Executive Director. Many graduates also choose to pursue further doctoral-level education or specialised certifications.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Government and Nonprofit Accounting

Public Budgeting and Finance

Human Resources Management for the Public Sector

Quantitative Methods in Public Administration

Public Sector Information Systems Management

Program and Policy Evaluation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Rochester Hills, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 603 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

MPA essay

Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0

Online Application for Admission to Graduate School

Official transcripts providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, OR a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a college or university of government-recognized standing

Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned a degree (beginning with the first baccalaureate) and for all enrollment in graduate-level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree

International university transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service

Two official and original Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms

Proof of English language proficiency

International supplemental application and supporting documentation must be submitted before international applicants can be issued the Certification of Eligibility (I-20)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Out-of-State

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19972 USD / year

≈ 19972 USD / year

Living costs

Rochester Hills

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rochester Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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