Master of Public Administration and Leadership
November 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Enhance your leadership skills with the Master of Public Administration and Leadership
This online leadership master’s degree will provide you with the tools to be a more effective leader and make an impact on the issues that matter to you. The online Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL) is a public administration degree designed to prepare mid-career professionals to lead their teams, organizations and communities to a better tomorrow.
The MPAL curriculum is created for students who want to:
- Deepen their knowledge about how people, organizations and the government interact to implement policy and provide services.
- Expand their spheres of influence with a strong network of professionals.
- Enhance the ways ideas and concepts are presented to turn them into strategies for action.
Why pursue an executive master of public administration at Ohio State?
As a student at The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs, you will join a vibrant community of public service leaders. Here, you will collaborate with classmates from diverse backgrounds to learn and grow together. MPAL courses are designed to provide greater understanding of management, leadership and public policy so that graduates can lead teams to tackle complex societal problems. Additionally, our alumni extend across Ohio, the United States and abroad. United by our commitment to make positive and lasting impacts on the world, Glenn College alumni work in research, government, business, international relations, NGOs and nonprofits.
Supporting military students
If you’re military-affiliated and pursuing graduate studies at Ohio State, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs’ Service to Service program is here to guide you as you take on your next mission. This program provides tailored career resources, academic support, and mentorship opportunities to help you achieve your goals while advancing your career in public service.
2024 Incoming Class
Designed for mid-career professionals, MPAL offers a unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a diverse group of peers. Our students bring a wealth of experience to the classroom, with an average of 12.5 years of post-baccalaureate professional experience. In 2024, Ohio State welcomed 25 new students from across 7 states, all eager to make a positive impact and become more effective leaders.
- Navy Pilot
- Assistant Prosecutor
- Chief Operating Officer
- Director of Student Engagement, Activities, Leadership and Wellness
- Technology Service Manager
- Academic Program Services Specialist
- Firefighter
- Director of Communications
- Assistant Director International Programs
- Financial Management Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Standards Coordinator
- Contract Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you submit your contact information, a dedicated Enrollment Advisor will connect with you shortly to provide more details about this online program, provide one-on-one guidance, and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the application process.
One of the benefits of completing this online certificate is that your journey can continue with the online Master of Public Administration (MPA) or the Master of Public Administration Leadership (MPAL). 100% of the certificate’s credits can be applied into one of these programs.
The MPAL program was designed to accommodate full-time employees. All classes can be taken asynchronously, so that you can complete the coursework on your own time. However, on occasion, a class may schedule synchronous sessions two to three times per semester to allow deeper engagement between the instructor and students. These sessions are always planned in advance and made to accommodate student schedules as much as possible.
The MPAL program values diverse academic and professional backgrounds. If you have three or more years of relevant pre-bachelor’s experience, we encourage you to reach out to an enrollment advisor. They will help guide you through the process and assess your qualifications, but any decisions regarding eligibility will be determined by the program after reviewing your specific situation.
The MPA program is designed for early-career professionals or recent graduates seeking further education to advance their careers. It’s also ideal for those wanting to switch to the public or non-profit sectors. The MPA requires 52 credit hours and can be completed in 4 semesters full-time or 7 semesters part-time. The In-Career MA and MPAL programs are for working professionals with at least 3 years of relevant post-baccalaureate experience for eligibility. The In-Career MA is an in-person program for mid-career professionals, sharing the same core curriculum as the MPA but with a credit reduction due to work experience. It requires 38 credit hours and takes 5 semesters part-time. The MPAL is an online program focused on management and leadership, helping mid-career professionals advance their careers. It requires 32 credit hours and can be completed in 5 semesters part-time.
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Military Transition Assistance to Civilian Careers with Ohio State’s Service to Service Program
What’s the Difference Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning?
Related Programs
Whether you’re exploring professional development opportunities or building a strong foundation for a pursuing master’s degree, our graduate certificates offer in-demand skills in a flexible format. 100% of credits transfer to our online Master of Public Administration and Leadership or Master of Public Administration program.
All graduate certificates require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
Advance public management skills and prepare for leadership roles. Learn more about the Public Management Graduate Certificate
Lead nonprofits to create meaningful change in your community. Learn more about the Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate
Learn to skillfully navigate the federal policy environment. Learn more about the Federal Policy and Management Graduate Certificate.
Advance into administrative roles within criminal justice organizations. Learn more about the Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Certificate.
Navigate the complex legal and policy landscape of cybersecurity while implementing effective organizational strategies.
Learn more about the Cybersecurity Law, Policy and Management Graduate Certificate.
Academic Calendar
The MPAL program offers both Spring and Autumn terms. To enroll in the Spring term, please submit your application by the November 15 deadline. For Autumn enrollment, the application deadline is in June.
Academic Calendar
The MPAL program offers both Spring and Autumn terms. To enroll in the Spring term, please submit your application by the November 15 deadline. For Autumn enrollment, the application deadline is in June.
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission to this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3+ years of post-baccalaureate experience in administrative or analytical roles, with evidence of increasing responsibility over time. Experience is assessed on an individual basis and may include:
- Administrative:
- Managing personnel decisions, such as hiring, supervising, or evaluating staff.
- Overseeing day-to-day program or organizational operations.
- Formulating or managing budgets within an organization.
- Analytical:
- Conducting research and preparing reports to support organizational decision-making.
- Holding a previous master’s degree.
- Administrative:
To ensure you meet these criteria, please be prepared to submit a current resume before starting your application. Our Enrollment Advisor’s are here to help guide you through the process if you have questions about your qualifications. Bringing this experience into the MPAL program offers a dynamic learning environment where you can expand your knowledge and gain valuable insights from a diverse cohort of peers.
For your application, you will be required to submit:
- College transcript(s) from all institutions attended
- Minimum 3.0 GPA highly recommended. If you have a GPA under a 3.0, it is strongly encouraged to provide additional evidence of academic success.
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- 3 letters of recommendation
2024 Incoming Class
Our students bring a wealth of experience to the classroom, with an average of 12.5 years of post-baccalaureate professional experience. In 2024, Ohio State welcomed 25 new students from across 7 states, all eager to make a positive impact and become more effective leaders.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
As boomers hold a significant portion of public sector jobs and fill many managerial leadership roles, the need for qualified professionals to advance into these vacancies is critical upon their retirement. This online leadership degree is positioned to effectively prepare you to step into essential positions within the public sector.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Work Activities
Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Set goals and deadlines for the department. Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $64,740
- Mid Level: $108,390
- Senior Level: $200,010
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.2%
Related Careers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- General and Operations Managers
- Project Management Specialists
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Work Activities
Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required. Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation. Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $68,860
- Mid Level: $136,550
- Senior Level: $227,590
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.7%
Related Careers
- Compliance Officers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Management Analysts
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Work Activities
Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter. Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments. Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $86,490
- Mid Level: $161,700
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
16.5%
Related Careers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Credit Analysts
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Loan Officers
- Personal Financial Advisors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Economics and Accounting
- Administrative
- Mathematics
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems. Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes. Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,790
- Mid Level: $140,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.5%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Work Activities
Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff. Confer with labor relations managers to develop internal communications that keep employees informed of company activities. Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $78,880
- Mid Level: $138,520
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.9%
Related Careers
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Management Analysts
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Marketing Managers
- Public Relations Specialists
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Work Activities
Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement. Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products. Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,420
- Mid Level: $102,950
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Administrative Services Managers
- Chief Executives
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
- Industrial Production Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
What They Do
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Work Activities
Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls. Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation. Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $60,510
- Mid Level: $87,930
- Senior Level: $134,640
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
3.9%
Related Careers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Financial Examiners
- Financial Managers
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Economics and Accounting
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
What They Do
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
Work Activities
Gather financial documents related to investigations. Interview witnesses or suspects and take statements. Prepare written reports of investigation findings.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $46,420
- Mid Level: $80,190
- Senior Level: $151,780
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.2%
Related Careers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Financial Examiners
- Intelligence Analysts
- Lawyers
- Private Detectives and Investigators
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
What They Do
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Work Activities
Validate known intelligence with data from other sources. Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases. Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $54,160
- Mid Level: $93,580
- Senior Level: $159,410
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
2.3%
Related Careers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Security Engineers
- Penetration Testers
- Private Detectives and Investigators
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Work Activities
Gather and organize information on problems or procedures. Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures. Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $59,720
- Mid Level: $101,190
- Senior Level: $174,140
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Data Scientists
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Project Management Specialists
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
What They Do
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Work Activities
Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency. Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems. Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $73,710
- Mid Level: $206,420
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.5%
Related Careers
- Compliance Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Public Relations Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The MPAL curriculum is built to help you solve real-workplace problems and gain organizational leadership skills through hands-on leadership and management courses. Dive deeper into a specialization that fits your professional interests with tracks, including Public Management, Criminal Justice Administration and Policy, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management and Cybersecurity Law, Policy, and Management.
Learn more about each specialization track you have the option to pursue in the MPAL program.
The Public Management specialization is designed to provide you with advanced managerial and leadership competencies. As a graduate of this specialization, you will be prepared to tackle complex organizational challenges, make informed strategic decisions, and optimize operational performance. You will develop the ability to set priorities, manage projects effectively, and leverage data to drive decision-making and employee development.
The Criminal Justice Administration and Policy specialization is designed to develop your managerial expertise as a future criminal justice leader. In collaboration with the Department of Sociology, this specialization provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including its structure, challenges, and policy implications. As a graduate, you will be prepared to analyze crime trends, evaluate correctional practices, and develop data-driven solutions to complex criminal justice issues.
The Public Policy specialization will develop you into a skilled policy analyst. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the policymaking process, economic principles, and program evaluation. This specialization equips you to assess policy effectiveness, conduct in-depth analysis, and contribute to evidence-based policy solutions.
The Nonprofit Management specialization will provide the essential skills for you to lead and manage successful nonprofit organizations. By focusing on organizational performance, financial management, fundraising, and marketing, you will develop the expertise necessary to drive impact and achieve mission-driven goals.
Within this specialization you will learn cybersecurity fundamentals, covering topics like data, software, and network security, as well as human and societal factors. You’ll then deepen your expertise through core courses in cybersecurity law, policy, management, and data governance, gaining the skills to design secure systems and manage risk.
Prepares you for roles such as action-oriented administrators, managers and leaders within a democratic system of governance. Through online readings, videos, and exercises you will explore the context of public sector management and leadership. Provides exposure to the full curriculum plan and solidifies the work-based project that will span the degree program.
Negotiation skills have been identified as critical for effective, successful public management and leadership. Explores the major concepts and theories of negotiation to improve negotiation skills. Through readings, role play exercises and class discussion, you will develop an understanding of individual negotiation styles and core approaches to negotiation and dispute resolution.
This course will present a diverse set of models and skills to analyze and guide decisions in operational and managerial settings by drawing on scholarship from economics, psychology, sociology, political science, and management. Provides opportunities for managers to practice how to identify common biases and logical fallacies and employ skills and techniques to compensate for them.
Focuses on planning and financial decision-making in public and nonprofit organizations. It provides a higher-level understanding of government and nonprofit budgeting processes.
Managerial Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations with focus on internal operations, processes, and resources; human resource management, information technology; other aspects of internal capacity.
This course will provide the knowledge and tools necessary to analyze data. You will learn about fundamentals of statistics to conduct analysis, and develop an understanding of program evaluation and research design in order to evaluate the quality of analyses conducted by others and communicate findings. Work on applied project related to your job that culminates in a Capstone project.
This course builds on the core curriculum that you have completed in the program. You will integrate the fundamental knowledge and skills gained in the MPAL curriculum and further apply them to relevant workplace situations.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
Renowned experts in their fields, our faculty bring real-world knowledge and research to the classroom so that you can immediately apply what you are learning in the workplace to gain experience and make an impact.
Dr. Megan LePere-Schloop
Associate Professor
Professor Megan LePere-Schloop is a leading expert in public and nonprofit management. Her work, recognized with prestigious awards, has been published in top academic journals including Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly (NVSQ), the Journal for Public Administration Research and Theory (JPART), and the International Review of Administrative Sciences, and informs real-world practices. In the classroom she incorporates insights from her own professional management experience, emphasizing active learning and the practical application of theory.
Christi Bartman
Senior Instructor
Todd Suddeth
Senior Lecturer
“The COVID-19 pandemic hit in my second semester and exposed us to many examples of public leadership in times of crisis. My professors used current events, data and crisis-decision making throughout their teaching. The projects in their classes often asked us to use a real-life decision we had to make in our own jobs because of the pandemic. This hands-on experience demonstrated public management theories and best practices in real time.”
AnnaBell K., MPAL Graduate
"My mission is to become a federal law enforcement officer and this program sets me apart in that field because it will give me the leadership skills I need to be successful in that field."
"When comparing programs, the MPAL degree through the Glenn College at Ohio State stood out because it had leadership as a cornerstone of the curriculum. Not only do students learn the fundamentals of administration within the public sector such as budgeting and contracts, but they are also taught what good leadership entails."
"The MPAL program has already opened new career options, and I have met a wonderful diverse group of people. The ability to engage and share experiences with peers across the country through the MPAL is something I truly appreciate and value."
"I was most impressed by the breadth and depth of experience held by my peers in the program. Together, we learned from one another’s diverse backgrounds and created a life-long network of professionals across the county."
"I have really liked the specialization track courses: Project Management and Performance Management. Parts of the foundational courses were well done as well. The classmates have been amazing and it has been a real highlight of the program."
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student or 8 credit hours each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Part-Time – Estimated Cost Per Semester | Full-Time – Estimated Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $829.75 | $4,978.5 | $6,638 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 | $261 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100 (per semester) | $100 | $100 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200 | $200 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
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