Distance MPA - resume questions etc.

Hello,

My first post here, so go easy on me....

I am considering two different distance MPAish programs.

The first is from a local state school here in California (CSULB) this is a straight MPA from their school of public admin/policy. It commences in January and would cost about 18K for 22 months.

The other is from DePaul, in Chicago, and is a MS in Public Service Management. The program doesn't begin again until next Fall (I missed the boat, didn't even know this program existed) and would cost about 30K for the two year program.

So here are my questions - I live in Southern California (relatively close to CSULB, but I am willing to pay more to do the distance program as the commute would be terrible, and I have a professional job, family, etc) so I am wondering if the CSULB MPA will show up on my resume in a better light considering I am from the area and it wont "look like" I did a distance class, or if I shouldn't be too concerned about that and go with the program that is in a different state so it looks like I varied my education.

My BS is from another California State School (Fullerton) and is obviously also pretty local.

Is it worth 12K to have DePaul on my resume? Or is it smarter to do the less expensive school so it doesn't look like I did a distance program? The other consideration is that I may do a PhD in the future, USC's program for Public Policy is incredible and relatively local.

Help!

 

1) Stay local if you can. You never know when it might be helpful to use the library/other school resources (like the gym).
2) Don't worry about it (besides, the MPA nomenclature is the standard).
3) Go with the more affordable program unless there is some clear reason why paying more will get you more.
4) FYI - There are othe MPA programs around that might be even less expensive. APU comes to mind.

just my opinion

 

thanks so much for the feedback. APU has some interesting online courses, but not a true MPA (and they're more expensive - almost 20K total)
CSULB Is also a Tier 1 school and accredited with the NASPAA.

I think I just confirmed it for myself! CSULB it is.

 

Here is a list of NASPAA schools that offer online MPA degrees. I was thinking about it at one point and had it down to Troy and UIS-Springfield. I think the local option is one of the best choices also
NASPAA - National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration