Master in Public Administration (Master's)

Drake University places students in Des Moines, a city with connections to the arts, business, politics, and food. The campus offers an open environment for students who want to begin with a clear academic interest or take time to discover a direction. Hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and support designed to help students gain their footing are part of the Drake experience.

Academic options span more than 150 programs across seven colleges and schools. Faculty help students connect classroom learning with research, internships, and other practical experiences. Personalized mentorship is central to the student experience, with faculty available to support students as they work toward their goals. Global perspectives are integrated into campus life through learning alongside students from around the world and opportunities on campus and across the globe.

Community service is also part of learning at Drake. Students, faculty, and staff contribute more than 230,000 hours each year through volunteer work, outreach, and pro-bono service in the Des Moines community. International students can expect a setting that links academic study with local engagement and global perspectives, while the city provides access to cultural, civic, business, and culinary experiences beyond campus.

This programme is designed for working professionals seeking to advance in public and nonprofit leadership. It focuses on developing practical skills in policy analysis, ethical decision-making, and strategic management. Students engage with real-world scenarios through a flexible online format. The curriculum emphasizes immediate application of knowledge in current roles.

Focus areas include Public & Nonprofit Management, CPM-MPA Pathway.

The programme requires 30 credit hours of coursework, delivered entirely online. It includes core courses in public administration and opportunities to tailor studies through career-focused tracks.

Graduates enter roles such as public sector manager, nonprofit manager, or community affairs manager.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or equivalent. No GRE or GMAT is required. International applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores if their degree was earned outside the U.S.

The programme totals about 30 credit hours. 100% online, full-time or part-time, typically completed in under two years. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 64% of applicants.