100% Online Master’s Degree in Public Administration & Affairs (MPAA)
Earn Your Master’s in Public Administration and Affairs Online and Lead with Influence
The online Master’s in Public Administration and Affairs (MPAA) degree from Merrimack College provides a flexible and convenient pathway for civic-minded professionals to enter or advance their careers in the public sector.
Designed for working professionals, students will acquire practical skills in public administration, organizational leadership, ethics, communication, data analysis, public policy, and more, gaining the ability to address complex problems and craft innovative solutions for communities of all sizes. Students also have the option of earning a concentration in Governmental Management or Public Policy.
The projects and coursework in this program were specially designed by faculty and industry experts to align with the skills and competencies hiring managers are seeking. Graduates from the Master’s in Public Administration and Affairs (MPAA) program move into careers with influence as government relations managers, nonprofit directors, lobbyists, representatives, and many more.
Yes! Tell me more about Merrimack’s Public Administration & Affairs degree!
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022, Obtained August 2022
What Skills Will You Develop?
To earn your Master’s in Public Administration and Affairs degree, students will complete 4 required foundational courses as well 4 additional electives, for a total of 32 credit hours. Students can also explore the possibility of using their elective credits to complete a concentration in Government Management or Public Policy.
GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION
Choose three of the following:
- Urban Management & Policy
- Emergency & Disaster Management
- The Public Executive
- Government, Business & Society
PUBLIC POLICY CONCENTRATION
Public Policy: Theory & Evaluation And two of the following:
- Immigration Policy
- Cyber Security & Policy
- Government, Business & Society
REQUIRED courses
Electives
What Our Students Are Saying:
“This program helped me find my passion for local government and I’m thankful I took the jump. I was not really sure what my next step was after undergrad and the Master’s of Public Affairs and Administration led me to where I am now and I’m super thankful.”
“I felt supported by all staff, and they wanted all of us to succeed and to me, that is important in a graduate-level program. Most students are juggling more things than just school and the supportive environment allows everyone to succeed.”
“I had a really good experience. It was very tough, I was working full-time, I was a mother, but it was manageable and the instructors were really one of a kind. It was great.”
“If working with those in need is something that you are passionate about and you want the knowledge, the tools, and the skills to make the world a better place, this is the right degree to get.”
Discover the Merrimack Difference
Where Can Your Public Administration and Affairs Degree Take You?
Potential career paths for graduates of the Master of Public Administration and Affairs include:
Political Scientist
Fundraising Manager
Facilities Manager
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022, Obtained August 2022
A TOP GRADUATE SCHOOL
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally, and professionally — so that you graduate as a confident, well-prepared leader.
- U.S. News & World Report 2022 #34 Best Regional Universities North
- U.S. News & World Report 2022 #41 Best Value Schools
- U.S. News & World Report 2022 #3 Most Innovative Schools
- The Princeton Review 2022 Best Northeastern Regional College
- Forbes Magazine 2019 Top 10 Most Innovative School – Regional Universities North
- Money Magazine’s Best Colleges Most Transformative College 2019



