PROGRAM START DATES
Summer 2025
Classes start on May 12, 2025 and July 7, 2025
Fall 2025
Classes start on Aug. 27, 2025 and Oct. 22, 2025
Format
- Online
Credit Hours
- 36 with up to 27 hours in transfer credits possible
Cornerstone University and the Master of Public Administration degree are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Boldly Influence Nonprofit Organizations With an MPA Online Degree
Lead your existing or future organization to greater levels of community impact with an accredited nonprofit focused Master of Public Administration degree. Demand is growing for practical, knowledgeable, ethical solutions from leaders who possess advanced training through a public administration master’s degree that specializes in the nonprofit sector.
With an accredited online MPA from Cornerstone University, deepen your knowledge and skills in public administration with a program firmly grounded in Christian principles that can help you serve the nonprofit and public sector as a leader. Why choose Cornerstone University?
- Expand your expertise in applied public policy foundations, organizational leadership, organizational behavior, data and research analysis, budgeting, and financial management.
- Specialize in nonprofit leadership with a concentration focused on human resource management, marketing and outreach, fundraising, change management and governance.
- Expert faculty will mentor and guide you with real-world marketing insights and best practices blended with Christ-centered foundations.
- Flexibility for working professionals is essential, so courses are 100% online.
- Affordability. One of the most affordable private, nonprofit degrees in the region.
- Transfer up to 75% in previous credits. No GRE or GMAT is required.
Expand Your Impact With an Accredited Master in Public Administration Online Degree From Cornerstone University
With over 80 years of experience in traditional and online higher education, Cornerstone University has prepared nonprofit and government leadership professionals who serve with skill, character, and distinction in nonprofits, government agencies, and ministries, lifting families and communities. Our Master of Public Administration online degree is accredited by the respected Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Our distinguished faculty offer extensive nonprofit and government agency experience to help you develop the applied knowledge and skills you need.
A Cornerstone degree is distinctive through our commitment to provide an excellent academic real-world marketing education taught from a Christian worldview. Our mission is to prepare bold, Christ-centered leaders who will solve tomorrow’s challenges and grow in their faith and influence for a lifetime. What can you expect from a Cornerstone experience?
- Leading nonprofit faculty experts with real-world experience who offer one-on-one student support and mentorship throughout your growth journey.
- Networking through collaborative online learning environments and on-campus event opportunities.
- Accelerated admissions so you can start sooner.
- Free student support resources, including writing and math.
- A team of knowledgeable advisers to guide you from application to graduation!
- Choose from over 75 in-demand degrees, certificates and concentrations to customize the learning you need to fit your public service career goals.
Admission Requirements
- Application
- A completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA from an accredited institution
90%
Of students work full time while pursuing a degree.
78%
Graduation rate for master’s degree programs.
100%
Of faculty members are professing believers of Jesus Christ.
Core Courses, Concentrations and
Learning Outcomes
Foundations of Public Policy
This foundational course introduces students to the concept of the nonprofit sector in America and to the sector’s development over time. This is the social and legal environment surrounding nonprofit organizations, which provides both support and restrictions. Emphasis is given to the public policy framework of government partnerships with nonprofit organizations and to similarities and differences between secular and faith-based nonprofits.
Organizational Leadership
This course presents an overview of leadership concepts and theories with an emphasis on their applications within organizations. Special emphasis will be given to motivation, leadership styles, work environment, teamwork, and social behavior on decision-making, communication and leadership effectiveness within organizations.
Research Methods
An examination of research methods available for data-driven decision making within organizations. Focus is placed on the systematic process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to answer a specific organizational issue. The course will also introduce students to basic descriptive and inferential statistical tools.
Organizational Behavior
The study of the behavior of individuals and teams within public organizations based on current theory. Emphasis is given to understanding, predicting, motivating and changing work-related behaviors in organizations. Key topics include organizational structure, understanding culture, power, diversity, leadership and communication within the organization.
Financial Management
A study of the key accounting and finance principles that provide leaders with a better understanding of the financial aspects of organizations. Topics include interpretation and analysis of financial statements, budgeting, time value of money and financial planning.
Nonprofit Strategic Leadership
This course explores the theories and practice of nonprofit leadership. Topics include strategies for improved leadership within a team-based context, managing interpersonal conflict, and effective mission-based strategy.
Marketing & Outreach
This course focuses on marketing strategies and principles necessary for nonprofit growth in today’s economy. Emphasis will be placed on developing a marketing strategy, brand development, collaborative partnerships and digital communications
Human Resource Management
A survey course that examines the concepts and practices of human resource management. Topics include recruitment, training and development, compensation, managing volunteers, and employee relations.
Advancement & Fundraising
This course covers the principles and best practices of fundraising including fundraising strategy and sources of funds. It will also consider the importance of donor relations, confidentiality, and legal and ethical considerations in fundraising.
Governance: Boards & Structures
This course discusses the elements of board governance in nonprofit organizations and the structures of these types of organizations. This includes understanding the roles of the board, executive director, and other staff, along with an examination of the ways in which organizational structure shapes these roles.
Capstone: Assessment, Planning, & Change Management
This course is the capstone for the program and provides an emphasis on experiential learning within an organization. The focus of the class will center on a project connected to an organizational need related to assessment, planning, and change management. Pre-requisites: all other courses in the program except for Governance: Boards & Structures.
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Possible career paths with an MPA:
Opportunities
- Chief Operating Officer
- Data analyst
- Development Coordinator
- Executive Director
- Financial Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
- Policy Manager
- Public Relations Manager
Related Programs
Our programs incorporate a range of opportunities to advance your career and influence both at the master’s and doctoral levels. Here are some other pathways related to a Master of Public Administration.
