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Evening classes for busy professionals. Start the Ford School's Online MPA program in January or August.
Sharpen your skill set with 30 credits through interactive online classes on public policy creation and analysis, public sector and nonprofit leadership, economics, policy writing, ethics, negotiation, financial management, political analysis, and other relevant topics.
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.
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 busy, working professionals
Apply now!
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.
Not ready to apply yet? Submit your contact information in this form, and someone from our admissions team will get in touch with you. By adding your details, we’ll also add you to our OMPA contact list so you receive important program updates, event invitations, and reminders about application deadlines.
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
Online MPA
As a mid-career professional, I was keen to avoid a prolonged gap in my professional journey and sought a concise program that would equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to chart a new course in my career.”
Sandy Su (MPA '21)
Su was an experienced non-profit professional working in the humanitarian and development sectors in her home country of Myanmar. With aspirations to work internationally, she needed to expand her resume beyond her localized experience. She is now a consultant with CARE USA and lives in New York, NY. *Residential MPA program participant
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Explore the advantages of the Ford School Online MPA
Request more information
Take the next step
Interested in more? Take the next step to take charge of your career.
MPA Alumni
Impact
Research & impact stories
Have any questions?
Dustin Castro
Associate Director, Recruiting and Admissions
2234 Weill Hall
735 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
Contact