Traditional Master's
Overview of program
To earn your MPA, you’ll complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, all conducted entirely online. This includes 21 hours of core requirements, where you’ll expand your understanding of fiscal management, public policy and leadership principles.
You’ll also complete:
- An internship
- A comprehensive exam
- A research component
For the final 12 hours of your degree requirements, you will select one primary area of concentration. You’ll earn a graduate certificate when you complete these courses.
Concentration areas
You will select from one of these areas as your primary focus for your MPA.
![Skyline view of downtown Springfield, Missouri](https://www.MissouriState.edu/PSP/_Files/00_MPA/MPAToutsEconomicDev.jpg)
![Three local leaders reviewing and discussing local development plans.](https://www.MissouriState.edu/PSP/_Files/00_MPA/MPAToutsLocalGovernment.jpg)
![](https://www.MissouriState.edu/PSP/_Files/00_MPA/MPAToutsPublicMgmt.jpg)
![MSU students sitting at tables in Strong Hall where international flags are displayed.](https://www.MissouriState.edu/PSP/_Files/00_MPA/MPAToutsPublicPolicy.jpg)
![A classroom of MSU students discussing a model of a city.](https://www.MissouriState.edu/PSP/_Files/00_MPA/MPAToutsPublicSafety.jpg)
If you’re unsure whether an MPA is right for you, these certificates are also available independent of the program.