Liberty vs APUS

Hello,
I'm considering attending a Masters in Public Policy/Administration. The two programs I'm looking at are the MPP at Liberty University and the MPA at American Public University. I want to get some opinions of the pros/cons of these schools/programs. The main reason I'm looking at these two programs is cost - they're both around 10k.

I want to use the degree to transition into a new career in policy analysis.

Thanks...

 

To be honest, between two schools...I would go with Liberty University. I have nothing to against APUS/AMU; however, I would avoid any solely distance learning school even though it is accredited by regional accredited. For the cheaper price on MPA.

University of Montana's MPA with $ 9,216.00
URL: Public Administration - UM Online - The University Of Montana
Require: GRE exam

Valdosta State University's MPA, about $130.00 per credit?
URL: Online Degrees

Here are more: http://www.geteducated.com/online-college-ratings-and-rankings/best-buy-lists/best-buy-master-of-public-administration-and-master-of-public-affairs

 

I would go with a school that has a B&M campus too. Your degree will be likely to carry more weight. APU is a great school, I have heard, but a degree with a B&M presence might serve you better.

 

Kent State University: online MPA in Public Management (33-CH program @ $422 /CH -$13,926 ) or MPA in Public Policy (39-CH program - $16,458) — NASPAA accredited
Master of Public Administration

Notes: Liberty University’s MPP is a 39-CH program ($438 /CH) APU /AMU’s MPA is a 36-CH program ($325 /CH). NEITHER Liberty nor APUS are NASPAA accredited. The Valdosta State MPA is NASPAA accredited; however, the University of Montana MPA is not.

 

Since no one else has yet, I'll bring it up;

The evangelical Christian underpinnings of Liberty University MAY (most definitely not for sure, but MAY) turn-off some prospective employers. Jerry Falwell (founder of Liberty) pissed-off a lot of people over the years, and even though he's no longer with us, the reputation most likely endures. Liberty is absolutely a solid school, but just keep in mind that not all people are thrilled with their conservative Christian basis.

I once considered an MPA degree, so here is another possibility I retrieved from my memory bank;

MPA Online

 

I would go with a NASPAA school. I looked at Troy University (can't believe TekMan missed the chance to promote it!) and it is only about $15K.

 

In my opinion it's a win-win situation and you really can't go wrong here. APUS does have some unique concentrations within the MPA program that may not be found in other programs. Other than that you may want to check out some other programs from other schools mentioned as well.

 

Dr. Randell,

I did not...but the OP is looking for something ~ $10K. Therefore, University of Montana and Voldsta State's programs are cost effective.

 

Tks! The Kent State program looks good and I'm willing to go higher than 10k. However, I'm not interested in taking the GRE.

Liberty would be 250.00 per credit as I'm a veteran.

 

The public perception of Liberty does concern me. However, I really want to focus on policy analysis and there are very few distance MPP programs out there.

 

Thanks Bruce for bringing this up. I realize that many people are Christian but not all. If you can sign off on this then fine. If you're willing to lie then fine. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

http://www.luonline.com/media/9932/BS-ED%20ACSI%20Agreement%20Form.pdf

 

Liberty's program is a MA (Master of Arts) in Public Policy, not a MPP, if the difference in degree nomenclature matters.

 

In context, that seems to be only an entirely optional and voluntary agreement for graduates of Liberty's B.S. in Education to apply for a private Christian teaching certification from the Association of Christian Schools International.

If my understanding is consistent with their current practice, Liberty expects students to agree with a statement of faith only to pursue programs of their seminary.

 

The Liberty program is challenging and allows some flexibility within the curriculum. Whether a school is NASPAA accredited or not isn't really a factor with the government (I'm assuming you're going to seek federal employment after graduation).

Whatever your goals, Like Tekman I do recommend sticking with a campus-based school.

Let us know what you decide

 

But it's clear that the general philosophy pervades the entire school. If you can live with it then that's fine but let's not pretend that it's not, at it's core, an evangelical institution.

 

Oh, absolutely.

 

I concur. It is what it is and you will either love it or hate it.

 

Come on, guys; you are talking as if Liberty is the only faith-based school in the land.
How about, BYU, TCU, SJU......and, I could go on. I received a Masters in Counseling from LU in 1993 and have worked in Private Counseling, as director of a Mental Health Center, in Hospital Counseling, and I am now in private practice. I have not had any negative comments on my degree from LU. And, yes, the diploma is hanging on my wall.
I think most people are interested in one thing: CAN YOU DO THE JOB?

 

That's why I said "MAY" instead of will. I'm glad you haven't encountered any bias against your LU degree, but if you think it doesn't exist, I have to disagree.

In a perfect world, yes. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world.

 

You may also have your resume appear on the desk of a Christian that admires your dedication to a values based education. Your resume cannot be discriminated against on the basis of religion legally.