Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA) | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
 
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Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

Transform your leadership and drive change with the Ford School's Online MPA – a flexible, accessible, and hands-on degree for emerging leaders
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The Ford School Online MPA is for you if you're:

  • Driven to make a practical impact and tackle real-world challenges.
  • Committed to public service and improving societal well-being.
  • Eager to advance your career, switch sectors, or take on new leadership roles.

Coming January 2026!

Starting in January 2026, the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Ford School of Public Policy will offer a graduate degree program specifically created for distance learners like you. This Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is designed to help you confidently sharpen leadership and analytical skills, build new capabilities to speak the language of policymaking, expand your professional network—and ultimately increase your impact on the communities you care about.

Program Benefits

  • Evening classes and flexible scheduling for busy professionals. Start the Ford School's Online MPA program in January or August.

    Earn 30 credits through 12 required courses and 3 electives tailored to your interests. Sharpen your skill set with interactive online classes on public policy creation and analysis, public sector and nonprofit leadership, economics, policy writing, ethics, negotiation, financial management, political analysis, and more.

    Participate in two essential in-person workshops—each held over an extended weekend—to build strong cohort bonds and connect with Ford School faculty, staff, and peers. Experience the vibrant and historic University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus.

    Enhance your career with specialized skills in policy creation, leadership development, and financial management. 

    Online MPA students have access to orientation, faculty, intentional individual career services, and academic advising.

  

 

 

 Explore the advantages of the Ford School Online MPA

Top ranked policy school

The Ford School is a nationally recognized leader in quantitative policy analysis, political and ethical analysis, social policy, communication, and leadership. All coursework reflects our deep commitment to public service and policy engagement.
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Prominent and accessible faculty

Ford School faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized experts in vitally important policy areas. They're deeply engaged in the world of practice. And they're enthusiastic teachers and mentors.
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The Michigan difference

Leaders are made at the world-class University of Michigan. Connect with a close-knit community of ambitious peers and expert faculty, and join a powerful alumni network. This collaborative environment will push you to excel and elevate your potential to advance the public good.
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Proven record of developing local leaders

Our alumni work all across the globe, addressing policy challenges in education, health care, energy and environment, urban revitalization, foreign affairs, and many other fields.
Alumni profiles

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Interested in more? Take the next step to take charge of your career.

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