Online Master of Public Administration: Frequently Asked Questions

The path to career security and success begins by asking the right questions. These are just a few of the most common questions asked by new Master of Public Administration students at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU). If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact an admissions advisor right away by calling 855-275-1088 or you can request more information.

What are the admissions requirements for the online Master of Public Administration?

Before you can begin graduate coursework at NDNU, you must meet these minimum requirements:

• Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
• Work experience is preferred.
• Have satisfactorily completed undergraduate coursework in introductory statistics, political science, psychology and sociology with a grade of “C” or better in each course.

Can international students participate in the program while living outside the United States?

Yes. In fact, Notre Dame de Namur University welcomes international students to its online Master of Public Administration program, and no U.S. visa is required to earn the  online degree if students do not plan to reside in the United States during study. In addition to the admissions requirements above, international students must meet additional criteria. For more information, see our international students page.

How long will it take to earn the online Master of Public Administration?

NDNU’s online Master of Public Administration is a 12-course, 36-credit-hour program. If you adhere to the recommended course schedule, you should earn the online graduate degree in about two years, just as our on-campus program students do.

What types of support are available to online students?

At NDNU, providing a welcoming, accessible and encouraging environment to all students is one of our founding principles. That dedication to service-oriented education extends to online students as well. All of the support systems for on campus students are available to online learners, from admissions advising and academic support to career counseling and professional development. Every online NDNU student is paired with a dedicated advisor who will make sure your educational and professional goals stay on track.

How do I attend online classes? Do I have to be at my computer at a certain time each day?

As an online student at NDNU, you’ll log on to a powerful online learning system to complete assignments and exams just like you would in a traditional college course. Through lively discussion forums, you’ll also interact frequently with other students and professors. Coursework can be accessed online anytime, day or night, but assignments must be completed by the due dates set up by each professor.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available to those who qualify through a variety of public and private sources. To find out more about available financial aid options, qualifications and the application process, please see our Tuition and Financial Aid page. To discuss tuition rates and various payment options, call 855-275-1088 to speak with an admissions advisor or request more information.

I can’t decide between a career path in the public or private sector. Can an MPA still be the right degree for me?

Absolutely. Demand for leaders with an MPA degree is growing in all sectors of the economy. Private-sector, for-profit firms such as pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, private schools and colleges, and government contractors, are actively seeking the specific type of administrative and management skills that a Master of Public Administration degree offers. In addition, an MPA is still the go-to degree for those seeking leadership roles in government, public school systems, health care organizations, law enforcement, and various other types of public organizations.

How do I get started?

Your journey to greater personal and professional success begins by calling  855-275-1088 to speak directly to an admissions advisor. Or, you can request more information, and we’ll reach out to you. If you already know Notre Dame de Namur University is the right place to earn your Master of Public Administration, you can go ahead and begin the online application process.