Online MPA

Continue your public service beyond the military

The Master of Public Affairs at the O’Neill School is uniquely suited for members of the military looking to continue serving as leaders in their communities. With our top-ranked program, you’ll develop the skills needed to address society’s complex, interconnected problems.  

The added flexibility of our Online MPA allows you to earn your degree at your own pace. Take as little as one class at a time, pause when needed, and complete coursework during the hours that work best for you. You’ll join a diverse cohort including veterans and other members of the military who are actively serving across the globe.  

75% of O’Neill master’s students receive funding packages of at least 25%

Competitive funding packages are available to assist in making our top-ranked school affordable. 

Take the first step

Benefits and support for active-duty military and veteran students

Indiana University is proud to support more than 500 veterans and nearly 750 military spouses and dependents. The Center for Veteran and Military Students is dedicated to helping you navigate GI Bill benefits and other tuition assistance programs supported by IU, including the Yellow Ribbon Program. This resource will help you determine eligibility and how to apply.  

In addition, the O’Neill School supports IU’s flexible enrollment program and offers the following: 

If you are a veteran or military student, select your qualifying military status in the application for admission and O'Neill will waive all application fees. No application payment required! Questions? Email oneillgd@iu.edu.

The O’Neill School may waive the experiential component of your degree (if applicable) and award a credit reduction based on years of service attained prior to the start of an O’Neill master’s program. Up to a nine-credit hour reduction is possible, depending on years of service and the limits set by your degree program.

O’Neill will guarantee a reduction to in-state tuition rates for veteran and military students provided the applicant is not eligible for or not selected to receive an award through the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is administered by IU's Center for Veteran and Military Students.

Command and Staff College MPA Benefits
CDET CSCDEP graduates will receive a total benefit of 18-credit hours* for their military experience and CSCDEP work that can be used towards the 48-credit hour Master of Public Affairs (MPA).

  • Six credit hours of course credit for coursework completed through the CSCDEP, which will count in a specialized concentration/focus area.
  • Twelve additional credit hours for mid-career credits. (The 12-credit hour waiver will waive the three-credit hour Capstone course and nine credits of elective coursework.)

*This is inclusive of any credit already awarded for completion of the Certificate programs.

Command and Staff College Certificate Benefits

CDET CSCDEP graduates will receive six credit hours of course credits toward the Public Management and Nonprofit Management certificates for their work with the CSCDEP, which would leave a requirement of nine credit hours of graduate credit in required courses to receive the certificate.

US News and World Report ranking

Top-ranked curriculum

O’Neill is home to one of the nation’s top Master of Public Affairs programs.

  • #1 MPA among public universities
  • #2 MPA among public and private universities  
  • #1 Environmental Policy & Management 
  • #1 Nonprofit Management 
  • #1 Public Finance & Budgeting 
  • #1 Public Management & Leadership  
  • #4 Health Policy & Management  
  • #5 Public Policy Analysis  
  • #7 Local Government Management  
  • #10 Social Policy  
  • #20 Urban Policy  

—U.S. News and World Report, 2025–26

99%of reporting 2023-24 master's students went into employment, service, military, or continuing education upon receiving their degree