Online MA Degree Courses in Public Administration

An MA in Public Administration is a specialized 2-year master's degree program in the field of arts and humanities. It focuses on analyzing and implementing public policies and management of the public sector. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge about public administration of the State, Public sector, and Public Private interface to the students. This specialization prepares students to address and evaluate public policies, and social-political issues, and design effective policy interventions.

The postgraduate program in MA in Public Administration takes two years to complete.  The curriculum offered by different universities or colleges generally equips students with essential knowledge and skills in governance, public policies, and public sector management. It also blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications preparing students for leadership roles in government, non-profits, and international organizations.

MA in Public Administration can be pursued through four different modes of study:

• Full-Time MA: This is the traditional way to pursue the course which lasts usually for 24 months. This is ideal for students who are seeking a comprehensive, immersive education experience with networking opportunities. 
• Hybrid MA: This remote learning is a combination of online and in-person classes. This offers flexibility which still provides some face-to-face combination. For students or working professionals who are looking for a flexible schedule but still value occasional interaction, this is perfect for them. 
• Online MA: This MA program is conducted entirely online through virtual classes, allowing flexibility to study from anywhere. It also includes recorded sessions, webinars, and online study materials.

Online MA in Public Administration courses offer tangible benefits. These include:

• Flexibility: Offering a work-life balance, an online MA in public administration program offers the freedom to study anywhere and anytime.
• Convenience: Students can access course materials and recorded lectures, allowing for self-paced learning. 
• Cost-effective: Compared to a traditional on-campus program, an online MA in Public Administration is more reasonably priced.
• Standard Curriculum: The subjects and syllabus included frequently meet the same standard as an on-campus program. 
• Networking: Through webinars and other interactive sessions, students will get the opportunity to network with peers, professors, and industry professionals. This can open the door to internship or job opportunities.
• Accessibility to vast resources: Students can access digital libraries, e-books, e-journals, etc.

The online MA in Public Administration program syllabus is divided into four semesters, which include different core and elective subjects. Although the curriculum may vary concerning different institutions, it generally includes topics that are related to the functioning of government and public organizations.

First-Year MA in Public Administration Syllabus

MA in Public Administration subjects of 1st year help students gain knowledge of the basics of administration, public policy, and computer applications.

Semester 1 Subjects

• Public Personnel Administration and Human Resource Management
• Financial Administration
• Organizational Behavior Option A/Indian Constitution Option B
• Politics and Administration (f) Political theory

Semester 2 Subjects

• Comparative Public Administration
• Public Administration and Computer Applications
• Environmental Policy & Administration
• Business Administration

Second-Year MA in Public Administration Syllabus

MA in Public Administration subjects of 2nd year provides progressive knowledge related to administrative issues in the urban, rural, and other sectors.

Semester 3 Subjects

• Organization & Administrative Issues
• Financial Management 
• Administrative Thought 
• Industrial Relations & Labor Laws 

Semester 4 Subjects

• Urban Local Administration 
• Social Welfare Administration
• Rural Local Administration
• Insurance Sector Administration

MA in Public Administration Elective Subjects

• Administration, law, ethics and governance
• Local self-government
• Indian administration
• Human resource & public administration
• Internal security in India
• Public sector management 
• Comparative public administration

Indian institutions offering online MA in public administration have different eligibility criteria for native and foreign applicants.

MA Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

• 50% in any undergraduate degree from a recognized university 

MA Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Students

• 50% in any undergraduate degree from a recognized university 
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for students whose medium of study was not English.

The fees for an MA in Public Administration vary according to the institution and the specific features of the online program. In general, the online MA in Public Administration program is cost-effective in comparison to a traditional on-campus program. The average tuition fee for the entire duration ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 600000.

The process to gain admission to MA in Public Administration varies from college to college. Interested students in top-rated institutions need to either take relevant exams or seek provisional merit list results. Following is the general step-by-step procedure for a general admission process:

• Registering: The eligible candidates need to fill out an application on the college admission portal.
• Submission: After completing the admission form, the students are then required to submit essential documents. This may consist of photographs, 10th,12th, and graduation, and a legal identification card duly attested in the admission form.
• Payment: The course fee must be paid through the website payment gateway.
• Admission confirmed: Selected candidates are contacted by college authorities for admission and are provided with seat allotment.

Various educational institutions offering MA in Public Administration program conduct admission on a merit basis. Some may conduct entrance examinations. These might include state-level and central-level examinations. Here is a list of the most common entrance exams that one can take:

• CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test)
• BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test)
• IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
• JMI Test (Jamia Milia Islamia Test)

Graduates with an MA in Public Administration are well-equipped with advanced knowledge in various areas including policy, law, business, finance, and management. This qualification makes them desired candidates in government, private, and non-profit firms. Some popular job profiles are:

MA in Public Administration Jobs in the Government Sector

• Policy Analyst
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Legislative Analyst
• City Manager/Administrative
• Public Relations Specialist

MA in Public Administration Jobs in the Non-Profit Sector

• Nonprofit Director/Executive Director
• Grant Write/Manager
• Program Manager

MA in Public Administration Jobs in International Organizations 

• International Development Specialist
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator

MA in Public Administration Jobs in the Private Sector

• Consultant
• Budget Analyst
• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Students graduating with an MA in Public Administration program can pursue jobs in several private companies as well as various government and non-profit organizations. Some top recruiters in the country include:

• Air India
• Smile India 
• DLF
• Child Rights and you 
• Morris Media
• Give Foundation
• Godrej
• LEPRA India
• India Bulls
• Pratham

There are many colleges and universities in India that offer online MA in Public Administration programs. This is most suitable for working professionals and individuals who cannot attend as a regular student due to financial restraints. The admission process is generally simple and does not require any examination.  

Top Private Colleges for MA in Public Administration

• Dr. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute

Top Government Colleges for MA in Public Administration

• Bharathidasan University
• Delhi University School of Open Learning

MA in Public Administration equips students with leadership, administrative, and financial skills. These help them to deal with challenging real-world scenarios. Due to this versatile and multitalented career skill, one can find a job in multiple sectors in India and abroad. 

A postgraduate degree in public administration opens doors to many opportunities. Students can work in education, banking, insurance, and central and state public enterprise offices. In the government sector, they can also work as a civil servant, state PCS officers, audit officers, SBI PO, customs inspectors, and social workers.

One can also choose to work in any private firm or non-profit organization. 

MA in Public Administration also opens up the opportunity to work with international firms. These jobs are generally associated with humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, International Red Cross, etc.

Depending upon an individual’s skills, knowledge, expertise, and specialization the annual salary depends. In general, a graduate with an MA in Public Administration earns roughly between the range of INR 2 lakh to INR 8 lakh. 

Why study for an MA in Public Administration?

An MA in Public Administration can help an individual to enhance leadership, management, and administrative skills. This can aid in advancing a career in public management, policy-making, and the non-profit sector. 

Who should pursue an online MA in Public Administration Course?

An MA in Public Administration is best suited for individuals who want to make up a career in government agencies, humanitarian organizations, public administrations, or in non-profit organizations.

Can one get an MA in Public Administration while working full-time?

Yes, the online MA in Public Administration program is specifically designed for working professionals. Students can access the lectures, modules, and other activities at their own comfort and ease. 

Does a student find it easier to study public administration?

If one has an interest in government policies and administration, then public administration topics and subjects are generally very easy to understand. 

What are the skills required for an MA in Public Administration?

The basic skills required for students pursuing an MA in Public Administration are:

• Communication skills
• Team Management
• Flexibility
• Organizational Skills 
• Interpersonal abilities
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership Analysis
• Problem-Solving