Skip to content

Online MPA – Spatial Analysis Concentration

non profit administration around table discussing project

Advance Your Career

100% online coursework

Practical experience

Global perspective

Learn More Today

Complete the form to learn more about this program.

  • Duration 2-3 years
  • Cost per Credit $673
  • Credit Hours 12

Program Benefits

  • Gain skills to advance your career
  • Become an expert in Geographic Information Systems
  • 100% online format, eight-week terms
  • No GRE required and no application fee
  • Affordable tuition

Uncover Location-Based Insights

Study, explore, and understand geospatial information with a concentration in Spatial Analysis within Calvin University’s online Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration. Supported by expert faculty, you’ll build the skills necessary for a successful career in spatial analysis and graduate prepared to solve real-world problems in the public and nonprofit sector. Learn how to communicate visually and gain practical experience with Calvin’s Christian, liberal arts curriculum.

With 100% online, asynchronous coursework, Calvin offers the flexibility to study on your schedule. Access the virtual learning environment to interact with learning materials from anywhere and experience online instruction that matches the quality of classroom learning.

Career Outlook: Advance in a Growing Field

Upon completion of your online MPA with a concentration in Spatial Analysis, you will be prepared to bring expertise in geographic information systems to your career in public service. Individuals with spatial analysis skills work as urban and regional planners, public works directors, public policy analysts, and more.

Potential career opportunities for graduates of the online MPA in Spatial Analysis:

  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Public Works Director
  • Public Policy Analyst

Urban and Regional Planner1

$78,500/year

Urban and regional planners have a critical role in the building of communities. These professionals produce land management plans and work with local communities and government officials to ensure developments meet the needs of local populations. People who work as urban and regional planners must be skilled in research, data analysis, and collaboration.

Career Outlook

Curriculum: Courses in Spatial Analysis

The online MPA with a concentration in Spatial Analysis requires the completion of 36 total credit hours, including the 12 credit hours of study you will gain an advanced level of understanding for geographic information systems and geographical analysis.

Course Spotlight: GEO 560 Geographic Information Systems and Cartography

This course focuses on geographic information systems (GIS) and the art and science of mapping for spatial analysis. Map-design techniques and visual communication using GIS vector and raster data forms will be explored, as well as a variety of methods for analyzing spatial relationships. Topics include those of the physical world and landscape, social justice, poverty, and a significant end-of-semester project. This course has a lecture and lab component, and lab work will give practical experience to students using the ArcGIS suite. Students will complete a GIS project tailored to their disciplinary interest.

View Courses

Course Spotlight: GEO 563 Spatial Demographics

This course provides an introduction to demography and geographical analysis. Specific attention is given to the study of social, economic, and health statistics as they change over time and space, which illustrate the changing structure of human populations. Readings in demographic research and a GIS-based semester project will comprise the second half of the course.

More Specialization Options

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the MPA does not require an entrance exam. Learn more about admission to the program.

Prior work experience is not required. Explore admission to the program.

You can complete the program in as little as two to three years. The concentration requires 12 credit hours, which can be completed within the 36 credit hours necessary to earn an MPA. To learn more about the curriculum, view our courses page.

No field hours are required to complete the MPA concentrations. For more information on our curriculum, visit our courses page.

The MPA program is only available online. This allows you to study in the times and locations best for you throughout the entire program without any requirements to come to campus.

Tuition is $673 per credit hour. To complete the MPA, you’ll need 36 credit hours for a total tuition of $24,228. Your concentration will fulfill 12 of these credit hours. Review our tuition page for more information.

Visit our FAQ page