Skip to content

Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA)

Become a Bold and Transformative Community Leader

100% online and asynchronous

6 Concentrations

Liberal Arts Foundation

Global Perspective

Learn More Today

Complete the form to learn more about this program.

  • Duration 1–3 years
  • Cost per Credit $660
  • Credit Hours 36

Program Benefits

  • Strengthen your leadership and administrative skills through our distinctively Christian program
  • Transfer up to nine credit hours and graduate in as little as one year
  • Choose from three graduate certificate options or pursue a full master’s degree with a specialized concentration to fit your public or nonprofit sector career goals

Make a Difference With an Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration

The MPA program embodies Calvin’s mission to provide a faith-based, liberal arts education to those looking to make a positive impact in the world. The 100% online program offers unique concentrations, three optional certificates, and a wide range of electives so you can craft your educational experience in a way that works best for your life and career. The MPA curriculum incorporates practical skills and a sense of inquiry. Graduates of Calvin’s MPA program excel in state and local government administration, nonprofit administration and community engagement, and spatial analysis.

Asynchronous courses combined with personal support allow you to further your education while maintaining personal and professional commitments. Complete the program in 1–3 years, ready to make a difference.

Advance in Growing Careers that Make an Impact

The online master’s program at Calvin University prepares you for change-making careers that are in high demand. For example, employment of social and community service managers will grow 15% between 2020 and 2030,1 and that’s just one of the many career fields our graduates pursue. Find more roles you’ll qualify for with a Master of Public Administration degree.

Explore Careers

Choose from Six Concentrations and Three Certificates

The online MPA program offers six concentrations and three certificates for a personalized degree that furthers each student’s individual career goals.

Master of Public Administration Certificate Programs

Choose a certificate in Nonprofit Administration or Public Administration to advance as a leader in your field with the high-value skills and knowledge sought by top employers. Complete your certificate in 9 months and transition into the master’s program to finish your MPA.

Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA): Nonprofit Administration and Community Engagement Concentration

The online MPA Nonprofit Administration and Community Engagement concentration is designed to produce highly qualified graduates equipped with skills in community leadership, economic and community development, and transformational self-leadership.

Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA): State and Local Government Administration Concentration

The online MPA with a concentration in State and Local Government Administration explores topics in public management, economic and community development, and local politics to equip students with the skills necessary to become transformational community leaders.

Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA): Spatial Analysis Concentration

The online MPA with a Spatial Analysis concentration is intended for public administrators who want to bring expertise in geographic information systems to their careers in public service. Grounded in virtue-driven GIS knowledge and skills, attention is given to spatial data collection and processing, urban and demographic geographies, and foundational cartographic communication.

Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA): Health Services Administration Concentration

The online MPA with a concentration in Health Services Administration explores global health and ethical issues within the healthcare system to prepare you for success in a variety of health services leadership careers.

Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA): Law Enforcement Management and Leadership Concentration

The online MPA with a Law Enforcement Management and Leadership concentration prepares graduates with knowledge and skills in leading organizations, law enforcement policy, and media and society.

Online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA): Program and Policy Analysis Concentration

The online MPA with a concentration in Program and Policy Analysis will prepare you to become a leader in your community with training in statistical analysis, program evaluation, and data visualization.

Christ-Centered, Career-Focused Coursework

Flexible Curriculum

Global Perspective

The 36 credit hours of coursework in the online degree program provide you the flexibility you need to map your future through diverse electives and concentrations. Because public and nonprofit administration professionals work across a range of organizations, we know you need options. Our experts will help you create a degree plan that works for you.

Here’s a sample of MPA course titles:

  • Management and Organizational Behavior
  • Nonprofit Financial Management
  • Local Politics and Government
  • Issues in Law Enforcement Policy and Practice
View Complete Curriculum

Apply to Earn Your Online Master’s Degree

No GRE/GMAT Required

No Application Fee

To apply for Calvin’s online master’s program, you’ll need:

A completed application
A bachelor’s degree
A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (consideration will be given to candidates with a 2.8 – 3.0 GPA with work experience and other qualifications, contact an Admissions Counselor for more information)
Official copies of transcripts from all institutions attended
View the Application Process

Estimated Tuition

$660 per credit

$23,760 total estimated tuition, not including fees

Financial aid available

We understand that paying for your degree can be an investment. You’ll have a dedicated tuition planner to discuss your finance options so your education is affordable.

Learn More

What You’ll Learn

The Master of Public Administration program allows you to acquire the skills you need in a flexible online environment. You’ll graduate prepared to make an impact in your chosen organization and field.

Program Outcomes

In the online MPA program, you will learn to:

  • Articulate and apply a Reformed Christian vision for public service across government, society, and the church
  • Participate in, and contribute to, the policy process
  • Analyze and synthesize data and think critically to solve problems and make evidence-informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment
  • Lead and manage in the public interest
  • Communicate and interact productively and in culturally responsive ways with a diverse and changing workforce and society at large

Faculty Spotlight

Mark Hessler

Mark Hessler, Program Director

Education

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) – Criminal Justice – Grand Valley State University (1993)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA) – Grand Valley State University (1999)

Academic Interests

  • Public and Nonprofit Administration
  • Public Management and Policy
  • Local Politics and Government
  • Management and Leadership
  • Law Enforcement Policy and Practice
  • Law Enforcement : Leading Organizations, Structure, Culture, and Change
  • Security Studies
  • Criminal Justice

Teaching Focus

  • Public and Nonprofit Administration
  • Local Politics and Government
  • Public Policy
  • Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Leadership, Policy and Practice

Research and Scholarship

  • Public and Nonprofit Leadership: Service, Influence, and Transformation
  • Issues in Law Enforcement policy and practice
  • Criminal Justice and Security Studies

Your Support Network

All of our instructors and staff are dedicated to your success. With diverse experience and a commitment to students, our faculty will support you every step of your journey. Their real-world experience is reflected in the classroom curriculum, ensuring that you’ll graduate prepared for the challenges and opportunities of public and nonprofit administration.

Online Learning That Fits Into Your Life

The program engages all areas of life. At Calvin, we believe that learning comes from doing, and we maintain our commitment to practical, hands-on application and experience for online students.

Embrace the flexibility of an online program coupled with individualized instruction.

Online Student Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 1-855-474-8346.

You can complete the program in as little as one to three years. To learn more about the curriculum, view our courses page.

Tuition is $660 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 36 credit hours for a total tuition of $23,760. Review all tuition costs.

The first step is to start your application. Find out more about admissions requirements.

The requirements for the online program include:

Explore admissions requirements in detail.

You’ll complete up to 12 courses to earn the Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration degree. View the courses.

No. There are no entrance exams required. Learn more about admission to the program.

Visit our FAQ page