A Top Midwest Regional University
Dordt University is ranked number six on the “Regional Universities (Midwest)” ranking released by the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and is the top-ranked school in Iowa in the category.
Master of Public Administration
Meet the increasing needs of your community with an advanced degree from Dordt University, the Christian university known for student engagement. This program provides solid, credible expertise to professionals working in the public and non-profit sectors.
Courses are 100% online with both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Cohorts start each fall.
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Program Options
REQUIRED COURSES FOR ALL EMPHASES
- MPA 501 Introduction to Public Administration
- MPA 511 Organizational Theory
- MPA 512 Leadership
- MPA 513 HR Management
- MPA 522 Budgeting and Public Finance
- MPA 531 Quantitative Analysis and Program Evaluation
- MPA 532 Policy Analysis
- MPA 580 Jurisprudence and Lawmaking
- Ideal if you are looking to work in government administration at the local, state, or federal level.
- Providing flexibility, this emphasis will allow you to choose a combination of four specialized coursework of either the General Administration, Police Administration or Nonprofit Administration emphases.
COURSES
- MPA 541 Public Relations
- MPA 515 Project Management
- MPA 516 Crisis Intervention
- MPA 521 Government and Bureaucracy
- Will prepare you for a management role in law enforcement.
- Unlike a master’s degree in criminal justice, which typically focuses on theoretical knowledge, Dordt’s MPA program focuses on practical skills such as hiring employees, managing budgets, evaluating programs, and shaping institutional culture.
COURSES
- MPA 542 Contemporary Policing
- MPA 543 Advanced Criminal Procedure
*choose two additional courses from the general administration or nonprofit administration emphases.
- Will prepare you for management roles in nonprofit organizations of all sizes.
- Through this program, you will gain vital skills for nonprofit work, such as grant writing and nonprofit law.
COURSES
- MPA 552 Grant Writing and Fundraising
- MPA 553 Nonprofit Law
*choose two additional courses from either of the general administration, police administration, or nonprofit administration emphases.
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“With Dordt’s Reformed perspective, students will identify and analyze current structures and trends in light of God’s Word.”
–Dr. Abby Foreman, co-director of the program
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Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program.
Tuition and Fees
About Dordt University
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt University is a Christian university committed to helping you serve in the real world—right now, today.
Dordt University is ranked number six on the “Regional Universities (Midwest)” ranking by 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and is the top-ranked school in Iowa in the category. The mission of Dordt's Christian community is to equip students to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all areas of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more, visit our admissions requirement page.
The MPA program requires 36 credits. The courses are a combination of general public administration courses, emphasis-specific courses, and electives that deal with relevant, challenging issues.
A typical plan of study takes about two years to complete, with students taking one 6-week course at a time. Some opt for a slower pace, completing the program in four years.
No. All of the courses are completed online.
The MPA program is approved by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ready to take the next step?
Dordt, a Christian university in Sioux Center, Iowa, has been ranked a top college in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education. Dordt draws students from all over the country and the world. As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.