Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPA)
Become a Bold and Transformative Community Leader
100% online and asynchronous
4 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 $673
- 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 two 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, two 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 CareersChoose from Four Concentrations and Two Certificates
The online MPA program offers four concentrations and two certificates for a personalized degree that furthers each student’s individual career goals.
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
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 |
Estimated Tuition
$673 per credit
$24,228 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 MoreWhat 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, 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 ExperienceFrequently 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 $673 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 36 credit hours for a total tuition of $24,228. 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:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts
- A bachelor’s degree
- A 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
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.