As a prospective Master of Public Administration (MPA) student considering living in Alabama, there are several positives and opportunities to explore. Alabama offers a rich tapestry of attractions, from its natural beauty to its historical sites and vibrant cultural scene. Students can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the state’s numerous parks, exploring its beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast, or experiencing the thrill of college football games, a beloved pastime in Alabama.
The state is steeped in history, with attractions like the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile providing insights into the state’s role in pivotal moments in American history.
As the state capital, Montgomery offers unique opportunities for MPA students, including internships and networking opportunities in state government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The city is home to the Alabama State Capitol, where students can engage with policymakers and observe the legislative process firsthand.
MPA graduates in Alabama can pursue various government opportunities, including roles in state and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups. With its affordable cost of living and strong sense of community, Alabama provides an excellent environment for MPA students to build their careers and make a positive impact on society.
MPA Programs in Alabama
In Alabama, several well-respected Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs are offered by universities such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Troy University, the University of South Alabama (USA), and Auburn University. These programs are accredited by NASPAA and provide students with comprehensive training for careers in public service. With a focus on leadership, ethics, and policy analysis, these MPA programs equip graduates with the skills necessary to excel in various sectors, including government, nonprofits, and private industry.
In Alabama, there are 9 total institutions offering a graduate degree in Public Administration. An overview of these 9 programs, including accreditation, location, credit hours, and modality, can be found here:
NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs
For an MPA student considering a program in Alabama, NASPAA accreditation holds significant importance. NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence in public administration education. The accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and resources.
Accredited programs must adhere to specific standards, including a focus on ethical behavior, effective governance, and competent leadership in public service. By choosing a NASPAA-accredited program, students can trust that they are receiving a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and prepares them for successful careers in public administration. The State of Alabama has 5 NASPAA-accredited MPA programs, which can be found here:
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 42
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $5,346 (PSR)
Non-Resident Tuition: $16,038 (PSR)
Program Overview:
The program’s mission is to promote effective public service in a global context, fostering civic agency among students. Emphasizing professional skills and adaptability, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in government and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum focuses on collaboration, research, and outreach to instill civic responsibility in students. The two-year program provides networking, research opportunities, and customization through certificates or a dual-degree option with Community Planning. Students come from varied backgrounds, enhancing the program’s diversity.
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Montgomery, AL
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Required
Resident Tuition: $451 (PCH)
Non-Resident Tuition: $1014 (PCH)
Program Overview:
The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s public policy landscape. AUM’s MPA program emphasizes diverse backgrounds and experiences, focusing on teaching, research, collaboration, community engagement, and service to prepare students for leadership roles in public and nonprofit sectors. Key aspects include understanding active citizenship, constitutional norms, and contemporary challenges in public policy and administration.
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $410 (PCH)
Non-Resident Tuition: $820 (PCH)
Program Overview:
The program offers four concentrations tailored to students’ career goals, providing foundational knowledge and leadership skills. JSU’s MPA program stands out for its NASPAA accreditation, ensuring quality education with a focus on student-teacher interaction. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, students receive instruction from subject experts in a conducive, healthy environment.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $368 (PCH)
Non-Resident Tuition: $911 (PCH)
Program Overview:
Accredited by NASPAA, the program produces successful leaders in government, nonprofits, and private industry. Ranked among the top 75 MPA programs in the US, UAB’s program emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, service, and practice. It aims to cultivate ethical, inclusive, and responsive decision-makers committed to advancing the public interest.
University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not required
Resident Tuition: $625 (PCH)
Non-Resident Tuition: $1,660 (PCH)
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is geared towards individuals aiming for careers in government at federal, state, or local levels. The program entails 39 credit hours, including core courses, quantitative methods, electives, a 3-hour internship, and a final portfolio project. Students with significant public sector experience may substitute the internship with an additional elective. There are no separate GPA criteria for different student categories such as in-service or pre-service.
Online MPA Programs
Considering an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Alabama offers several advantages, particularly for students facing geographic constraints, balancing work and family commitments, or seeking greater accessibility to education. Online MPA programs provide flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility is especially beneficial for individuals living in rural areas or those unable to relocate for traditional on-campus programs. Additionally, online programs accommodate busy schedules, enabling students to balance their studies with work and family commitments. By eliminating the need for commuting to campus, online MPA programs save students time and expenses associated with travel.
Furthermore, online education provides access to a wider range of programs and specializations, allowing students to find the best fit for their career goals without being limited by geographic location. Overall, an online MPA degree in Alabama offers convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for students seeking to advance their careers in public administration while managing various life commitments. In addition to the NASPAA-accredited online programs featured above, there are two additional non-accredited universities that offer online MPA programs:
Columbia Southern University
- Orange Beach, AL
- Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $349 (PCH)
Program Overview:
Columbia Southern University offers an online Master of Public Administration program focusing on resolving societal and organizational issues, including ethics and policy. The program equips graduates for careers in public, nonprofit, and private sectors, where they can develop and manage public programs and policies. The next start date is February 21st.
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- Online + Campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $475 (PCH)
Program Overview:
TROY’s MPA degree equips students with executive leadership skills for public and government sectors, covering areas like human resource management, policy analysis, grant writing, and budget management. What distinguishes the program is its focus on global competence and multicultural perspectives. Students engage with diverse viewpoints from around the world, gaining insights for both domestic and international leadership.
Accelerated MPA Programs
Participating in an accelerated Master of Public Administration (MPA) program can be highly advantageous, especially for graduate students in Alabama. Individuals who benefit from accelerated MPA programs are typically those seeking to expedite their career advancement or transition into the public service sector quickly.
For MPA students in Alabama, an accelerated program offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows students to enter the workforce sooner, enabling them to start making a positive impact in their communities sooner rather than later. This is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to pursue public service careers in Alabama, where there may be a high demand for qualified professionals in various government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Furthermore, completing an MPA program quickly can lead to cost savings for students, as they spend less time enrolled in the program and incur fewer expenses associated with tuition, fees, and living expenses. This can be particularly advantageous for students in Alabama, where affordability may be a key consideration in their educational choices.
For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham allows their undergraduate students to take up to four graduate classes, allowing students to finish their dual degree in roughly 5 years. The University of Alabama also has a similar accelerated program for gifted undergraduate students. Troy University also offers a program that stacks additional classes and allows students to complete their degree in as little as 15 months.
Affordable MPA Programs
Tuition affordability is crucial for students considering an MPA degree from an Alabama institution due to various factors, including the student loan crisis and the cost of living. Alabama, like many other states, faces challenges related to rising tuition costs and student loan debt. With the increasing burden of student loans, affordability becomes a significant concern for prospective MPA students, especially considering the future financial impact.
The student loan crisis is a pressing issue nationwide, with many graduates facing substantial debt burdens upon completing their degrees. For MPA students in Alabama, affordability is paramount as they navigate the financial implications of pursuing higher education. Affordable tuition options can help alleviate the financial strain on students and reduce the need to take out excessive student loans, thereby mitigating the risk of long-term debt.
For example, both Troy University and Columbia Southern University offer competitive tuition rates for online-only students at $479 and $345 per credit hour, respectively. For on-campus students, Jacksonville State University offers the cheapest options for both residents and non-residents, at $410 and $820 per credit hour, respectively.
All MPA Programs in Alabama
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Auburn | No | Yes | https://cla.auburn.edu/polisci/master-of-public-administration/ |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Montgomery | No | Yes | https://www.aum.edu/degree/public-administration-master/ |
| Jacksonville State University | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Jacksonville | Yes | Yes | https://www.jsu.edu/mpa/ |
| The University of Alabama at Birmingham | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Birmingham | No | Yes | https://www.uab.edu/degrees/graduate/public-administration-mpa |
| The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Tuscaloosa | No | Yes | https://catalog.ua.edu/graduate/arts-sciences/political-science/mpa/ |
| Troy University | Master Of Public Administration | Alabama | Troy | No | No | https://www.troy.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate/mpa-public-administration.html |
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MPA Degree in Alabama?
New MPA graduates in the State of Alabama have a range of job opportunities across various sectors, including state government, local government, federal government, the nonprofit sector, and other relevant positions. In state government, MPA graduates may find opportunities in agencies such as the Alabama Department of Finance, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, or the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. These roles may involve policy analysis, program management, budgeting, and administrative duties.
Local government entities such as city governments, county governments, and regional planning commissions also offer job opportunities for MPA graduates. Positions may include city managers, budget analysts, program coordinators, and community development specialists.
In the federal government, MPA graduates may pursue careers with agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Additionally, the nonprofit sector in Alabama provides opportunities for MPA graduates to work with organizations such as United Way, the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, or local community-based organizations.
One notable example is Condoleezza Rice, who earned an MPA from the University of Denver. While Rice is not originally from Alabama, she has strong ties to the state, having served as Provost of Stanford University and later as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.
