Program Basics
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Students may start the Online MPA program in the fall (August) or winter (January) semesters.
Students will not enroll in spring/summer courses.
The Ford School Online MPA is tailored to accommodate the demands of working professionals. The program allows you to complete coursework part-time in approximately 2.5 years. Click here to view a sample course pathway.
Students will typically enroll in 6 credit hours per semester. While most students will complete the program within 2.5 years, it offers flexibility with up to four years to finish the degree.
Yes! Just like the Ford School’s residential MPA, the Online MPA program offers a rigorous curriculum with classes taught by our renowned Ford School faculty. The courses are similar, with the Online MPA program offering the flexibility of evening classes and the ability to study from anywhere.
No, your transcript will read “Master of Public Affairs.”
No, internships, capstone projects, or research assistantships are not required to complete the Online MPA program. However, students are encouraged to explore opportunities for career-enhancing practical opportunities throughout their time in the program.
Online MPA students visit Ann Arbor twice during the program for required residential experiences that include instruction, workshops, and opportunities to connect with faculty and peers. Visit our in-person residencies page to learn more.
Courses will incorporate asynchronous and synchronous learning components throughout the semester. Examples could include watching recorded video lectures, reading articles and case studies, collaborating with peers on a project, and attending live sessions with their instructor and classmates.
Students will engage in dedicated, live class sessions each week. Each course will meet once per week for 80 minutes. The sessions delivered to the Online MPA program are exclusively for the Online MPA.
The program prepares you for leadership roles in public service and policy analysis by equipping you with advanced skills, practical experience, and a global network. The Ford School Career Services team and the strong University of Michigan alumni network further support your career advancement.
See our alumni's impact on people and communities across the world.
Admissions
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Applicants for the Online MPA program should have five or more years of policy-related professional experience. They will also possess a 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or international equivalent.
Applicants must be US citizens or have permanent resident status. The Online MPA program requires participation in two intensive in-person residencies for academic credit on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. Therefore, at this time, the program is open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
A complete application package will contain:
- Ford School application form
- Statement of Goals
- Statement of Impact
- Summary of Quantitative Preparation
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from each degree-granting institution attended
The GRE is not required.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Rackham Graduate School website lists minimum required scores.
Please contact [email protected] with further questions.
The application deadline to begin classes in August 2026 (Fall 2026 semester) is May 1, 2026. Application deadlines are typically May 1 for a fall start and October 1 for a winter start.
The GRE is not required. While some of the online MPA coursework will be quantitative, we recognize that applicants will have worked with quantitative data and analysis in many ways in their education and work. Applicants are required to submit a brief summary of their quantitative and analytical skills. This application component allows you to highlight how your professional experience or education has prepared you to engage with data and analysis in a policy context.
No more than 6 non-University of Michigan graduate-level credits will be accepted toward the degree. These credits cannot have been applied to a previously completed degree program. Accepted transfer credit will typically be counted toward elective coursework.
Students who have completed coursework in Public Policy at UM-Flint or UM-Dearborn can use no more than 9 credits of that coursework toward the Online MPA.
Tuition and financial aid
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For students following the recommended course schedule and planned tuition rates, the estimated total program cost is approximately $48,000 for Michigan residents and $58,000 for non-Michigan residents. For more information, visit our tuition and financial aid page.
Yes. Applicants who live or work in Metro Detroit are automatically considered for the Nancy and Arn Tellem Fellowship and the Skillman Foundation Fellowship when they submit their application. No separate application is required. For more information, visit our tuition and financial aid page.
Yes, Online MPA students may submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for federal loans.
Graduate students must be enrolled in at least four credits each semester to be considered eligible for loans and any other financial aid provided directly through the Office of Financial Aid.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions or to learn more.
Technology and accessibility
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Students will need a reliable internet connection, a computer that meets minimum technical requirements, and access to video conferencing tools such as Zoom.
While much of the coursework can be done at your own pace, there are scheduled synchronous sessions and group activities that require real-time participation each week. Each course includes one required synchronous meeting per week, scheduled in the evening (typically between 7–10 p.m. ET).