Public administration is in demand in the Lone Star State because Texas has an extensive state and local government system that manages public functions. Public administrators are problem-solvers who meet complicated challenges in serving the public good. In Texas, some positions available to those with a master’s in public administration include management analyst, city manager, county treasurer, finance director, and economic development administrator. With over 150 state agencies and 254 counties, the job outlook for public administrators is bright in Texas. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analyst jobs should increase more than 10% by 2032 – much faster than the national average. Thankfully, the state of Texas has many approved master’s in public administration college and university programs that will help prepare future public administrators for a career in the state.
MPA Programs in Texas
There are 28 master’s in public administration or public affairs programs offered by colleges and universities in the state of Texas. This includes both online and campus-based programs. In Texas, most MPA programs are accredited by either the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The NASPAA-accredited MPA programs based in Texas will be discussed in the following section of the article, but first, here’s a quick overview of the non-NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of Texas.
Baylor University
- Waco, TX
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy and Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
In-person at the Waco campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs $82,266. This does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPPA program at Baylor prepares students for careers as public managers, researchers, scholars, and teachers. Students can choose between three capstone options to complete their degree: Graduate Internship, Professional Paper, or Master Thesis.
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online or in-person at the Beaumont campus.
Tuition: Tuition for the entire program is approximately $12,315 for Texas residents and $28,061 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Lamar University MPA program caters to graduate students interested in a broad range of careers in public service, from managing government agencies to leading nonprofit organizations. Students may earn six semester hours by completing a Master’s Thesis.
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
36 Credits
Online only.
Tuition: $320.25/credit for 36 units is approximately $11,529 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The online MPA program at Sam Houston State University offers a core curriculum covering a wide range of competencies combined with a Disaster and Emergency Management concentration. This unique focus helps public and nonprofit professionals attain the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
St. Mary’s University
- San Antonio, TX
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
In-person at the San Antonio campus.
Tuition: $1,099/credit hour for 36 credit hours is approximately $39,564 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Administration program at St. Mary’s University aims to prepare its students to become capable civil servants. Students have the option to specialize in General Public Administration or Urban Management.
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: For Texas residents, tuition is about $11,630 for the entire program, and for non-residents, it is $26,750, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
SFA’s online MPA program combines academic expertise with real-world experience so students can apply knowledge to practice. Students can engage in internships, special research projects, and graduate assistantships.
Strayer University-Texas
- Cedar Hill | El Paso | Fort Worth | Killeen | North Dallas | Northwest Houston | San Antonio, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
54 Credits
Online only.
Tuition: The entire program costs $20,000, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The online MPA degree at Strayer is designed for professionals seeking to commence or enhance a career in public service. Students learn to manage various aspects of public and nonprofit agencies – from workforce and assets to budget and public relations.
Sul Ross State University
- Alpine | Del Rio | Eagle Pass | Uvalde, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $13,092 for Texas residents, and $27,780 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The SRSU MPA emphasizes teaching students both the foundational theoretical approaches of public administration and current approaches to finding solutions for government administration. This program is a good fit for individuals currently employed in or preparing for administrative careers in public service.
Tarleton State University
- Stephenville, TX
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online, hybrid, or in-person at the Fort Worth campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $14,934 for Texas residents and $29,658 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Tarleton State MPA program emphasizes hands-on learning grounded in real-world experiences. Many of the students are full-time professionals, which provides ample networking opportunities in the field. The program offers two options for graduation: a thesis track and a non-thesis track.
The University of Texas at Tyler
- Tyler, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: In-state tuition is $16,164 for the entire program, but for out-of-state residents, it is considerably more at $53,568, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The UT Tyler MPA is a professional degree program for students preparing for mid- or upper-level management positions in public and nonprofit organizations. The program’s specializations include General Administration, Urban and Regional Planning, Research and Evaluation, and Healthcare Administration.
The University of Texsas of the Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: Approximately $14,075 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
UTPB’s MPA program seeks to prepare its students for middle and upper-level management and leadership positions. Students may choose one of three focus areas during their studies: Education, Nonprofit, or Healthcare.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Affairs
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online or in-person at the Edinburg campus.
Tuition: Approximately $15,999 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The UTRGV interdisciplinary Master of Public Affairs program equips graduates with the skills to advance into more rewarding government and nonprofit positions. The program offers two concentrations: Public Administration and Public Policy and Global Security Studies and Leadership.
University of North Texas at Dallas
- Dallas, TX
- Online + Hybrid + Campus
Program:
Public Leadership Master’s Degree
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online, hybrid, and in-person at the Dallas campus.
Tuition: In-state tuition costs residents about $11,207 for the entire program and non-residents $26,319, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The UNT Dallas master’s degree in public leadership combines research and the practical experience of working and collaborating within local communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This highly regarded program offers students four concentrations: Administrative Leadership, Nonprofit and Community Leadership, Public Health Leadership, or Emergency Services Administration.
University of St Thomas
- Houston, TX
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy and Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online and in-person at the Houston campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs approximately $18,000, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
UST’s MPPA program prepares graduates for various public service leadership positions. Students can choose from multiple elective courses, including public budgeting and comparative public policy.
Wayland Baptist University
- Plainview, TX
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online program, but some courses are offered in-person at the Plainview campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs approximately $19,044, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
WBU offers an MPA for students pursuing a career in the public sector. Students at WBU can choose from one of several specializations, including Government Administration and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
West Texas A&M University
- Canyon, TX
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: The entire program will cost about $14,900 for in-state students and $16,600 for out-of-state students. This does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA at WTAMU is intended for students seeking opportunities for career advancement within government and nonprofit agencies. Students may focus on a specific concentration, such as Rural Government Administration.
NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs in Texas
There are currently thirteen NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of Texas. NASPAA accreditation acknowledges that a master’s degree program in nonprofit or public administration, policy, or affairs has undertaken a rigorous peer review process conducted by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA). The following list provides a good overview of all the NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of Texas.
Texas A&M International University
- Laredo, TX
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 42 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: For Texas residents, tuition is about $16,037 for the entire program, and for non-residents, it is $36,638, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at TAMIU aims to prepare students seeking careers in the public and nonprofit sectors to lead and manage public agencies, programs, and projects. The MPA program offers a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management.
Texas A&M University
- College Station, TX
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Service and Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 48 Hours
Online only.
Tuition: For Texas residents, tuition is $26,862 for the entire program, while for non-residents, it is only slightly higher at $27,456, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree at TAMU is a 2-year program that provides students with a solid foundation in management, leadership, and research methods. Students may select a track in Public Management, Nonprofit Management, or Public Policy Analysis.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Available in hybrid and in-person formats at the Corpus Christi campus.
Tuition: For Texas residents, tuition is $4,884 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $10,652. Therefore, the entire program should cost Texas residents about $9,768 and non-residents $21,304, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at TAMU Corpus Christi is designed to meet the needs of full-time employees hoping to attain their degree through part-time study. Each student may select one of three program tracks: Healthcare Administration, Public Safety, or Nonprofit Management.
Texas Southern University
- Houston, TX
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration and Executive Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours:
MPA: 48 Hours
EMPA: 36 Hours
Online or in-person at the Carson campus.
Tuition: For Texas residents, the total estimated cost of the on-campus MPA program is about $14,300, and approximately $27,187 for non-residents. The total program cost for the EMPA, which is delivered online, is roughly $10,724 for Texas residents and $23,613 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
(MPA) – The MPA program at Texas Southern seeks to educate students in public administration’s history, competencies, and quantitative skills needed by public administrators to become skilled and productive public and nonprofit employees. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of planning and management as major instruments in improving the administration of cities and metropolitan regions.
(eMPA) – The eMPA program is geared toward mid-career professionals across the public and nonprofit sectors who wish to pursue an MPA degree but cannot physically attend in-person classes.
Texas State University
- San Marcos, TX
- Hybrid + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 39 Hours
Hybrid and in-person at the Round Rock or San Marcos campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs approximately $13,937 for Texas residents, and $30,318 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Texas State strives to cultivate practical, research-oriented students for careers as practitioners guided by democratic values, integrity, and service. The program offers three different pathways to graduation. Students may choose the thesis option, comprehensive exam pathway, or the applied research project as their culminating experience.
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online or in-person at the Austin College of Waco campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $21,494 for Texas residents and $30,187 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Texas Tech combines classroom learning and practical application. Classes are at night and meet once per week to allow students to work during the day. Students can choose from four areas of emphasis: Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Environmental Policy and Administration, and Healthcare Administration.
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, TX
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 39 Hours
Online or on-campus in Arlington or at various city office locations across Mansfield and Grand Prairie.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $9,933 for Texas residents, and $34,197 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at UT Arlington is Texas’s largest enrolled accredited program. The program offers students three options to complete the degree: on-campus, online, or city cohort—the city cohort option is a unique partnership between the City of Grand Prairie and UT that allows current employees to earn their MPA.
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Affairs
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 48 Hours
In-person at the Austin campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $23,584 for Texas residents, and $45,328 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Affairs at UT Austin offers students one of two ways to earn their degree: a two-year, full-time residential program in Austin or a 15-month track that includes living and working in DC during the student’s final semester. Both programs provide a foundation for understanding policymaking’s analytical, economic, political, and management principles.
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Affairs and Master of Public Policy
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours:
MPA: 36 Hours
MPP: 36 Hours
In-person at the Richardson campus.
Tuition: Both the MPA and MPP programs cost about $25,384 for Texas residents and $47,943 for non-residents.
Program Overview:
(MPA) – The Master of Public Affairs degree program at UT Dallas provides students with the training and expertise they need to succeed in nonprofits, think tanks, as well as national, state, and local governmental agencies. A thorough understanding of nonprofit and public management qualifies students to take leadership positions in all organizational environments.
(MPP) – The Master of Public Policy program offers students an interdisciplinary education designed to develop the skills necessary for success in both the public and private sectors. Through this program, students at UT Dallas gain a strong foundation in public policy processes, applied economics, statistical analysis, and effective communication.
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Online or in person at the El Paso campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $17,312 for Texas residents and $21,259 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at UT El Paso is an interdisciplinary program designed to emphasize the skills, knowledge, values, and behaviors essential for students to become successful public servants. The program includes several concentration options: Public Policy Management, Urban and Regional Planning, Leadership, and Nonprofit Administration and Governance.
The University of Texas at San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours:
39 Hours
42 Hours for students without prior work experience.
In-person at the San Antonio campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $18,932 for Texas residents, and $36,864 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
UT San Antonio’s MPA program enables a diverse body of pre-service and mid-career students to serve their organizations and communities better. Although this program does not offer an official emphasis track, students must take 12 public administration electives credits, providing ample opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest.
University of Houston, Hobby School
- Houston, TX
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 38 Hours
Online and in-person at the Houston campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $16,026 for Texas residents and $35,786 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at the Hobby School of Public Affairs prepares graduates to manage complex projects and serve the public through collaboration, innovation, and strategy. The curriculum is designed to help those looking to enhance their management skills and take on leadership roles in the public sector.
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Credit Hours: 36-40 Hours
In-person at the Denton campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs will vary as this program may be completed with 36-40 credits, but assuming 40 credits, then it will cost Texas residents about $18,270 and non-residents $35,070, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at UNT is highly regarded regionally and nationally for its local government management concentration. However, the program also has strong specializations in public finance, nonprofit management, human resource management, and emergency management.
Online Masters in Public Administration Programs in Texas
There are 20 online MPA programs in the state of Texas, including six NASPAA-accredited programs that were highlighted above. The 100% online MPA programs include those offered by Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F Austin State University, Strayer University-Texas, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University, the University of Texas at Tyler, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of North Texas at Dallas, University of St Thomas, Wayland Baptist University, West Texas A&M University, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Houston, Hobby School.
Accelerated MPA Programs in Texas
For many professionals with big plans, time is of the essence. Luckily, the state of Texas has several accelerated MPA programs. These include the MPA programs at Lamar University, Tarleton State University, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of St Thomas, Wayland Baptist University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Houston, Hobby School.
These programs offer the option to complete the program in as little as 12 months, and most have online options.
Affordable Masters in Public Administration Programs in Texas
In terms of affordability, the majority of the most affordable MPA programs in the state of Texas are those offered by public institutions. The MPA programs at the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, at $9,993 and $10,652 for the entire program for Texas residents, are the most affordable. Other affordable programs include Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F Austin State University, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, University of North Texas at Dallas, West Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, and Texas State University.
No GRE Required Masters in Public Administration Programs in Texas
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools across the United States. However, not all MPA programs in the state of Texas require applicants to take the GRE as a condition for admission. The MPA programs that do not require the GRE in the state of Texas include Strayer University-Texas, Sam Houston State University, Tarleton State University, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of North Texas at Dallas, Wayland Baptist University, West Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, The University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at El Paso, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of North Texas.
All MPA Programs in Texas
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue with an MPA Degree in Texas?
Considering its expansive geography and large population, a place like the state of Texas needs an extensive network of administrators at the local level to work behind the scenes to help communities operate. Public administration specialists are integral parts of the human infrastructure that helps Texas function, from city managers to budget analysts who secure funding for programs.
According to Salary.com, the following are some of the average salaries for careers one can pursue with an MPA in the state of Texas:
| CAREER | MEDIAN SALARY IN TEXAS |
|---|---|
| Budget Analyst | $63,404 |
| City Manager | $110,760 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $83,749 |
| Policy Analyst | $65,967 |
| County Administrator | $114,646 |
