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Graduate Testimonials: Online MPA

Insights, Advice and More from Online MPA Graduates

The online Master of Public Administration from 蜜柚视频 delivers the expertise you need to lead nonprofits, public sector teams and state and local government operations. To learn more about what OHIO鈥檚 MPA can mean for your career, explore our student testimonials. Hear from recent graduates about the online student experience, courses, faculty, professional benefits and more.

Study a Comprehensive, Career-Driven Curriculum

Online MPA combines theoretical learning with practical application in areas like public budgeting, policy analysis and strategic leadership to ensure you鈥檙e ready to excel in the workplace.

Director, Montgomery County ADAMHS
Tristyn Ball, Online MPA 2019

"While there are many highlights of my experience at 蜜柚视频, one that stands out is the development of the final paper for my portfolio. I was able to choose a topic that was centered on my professional work and take the time to research an area that I found to be incredibly interesting.

If you plan to work in government or have a government-adjacent role, contracting with the public sector or advocating for public policy reform, this program will bring much clarity and understanding to your work. While individuals can attend training and learn through experience, my opinion is that nothing prepares public servants for their role in the same way as an MPA. The online program at 蜜柚视频 is a step above.

The MPA program was the perfect complement to my work. At the time, I was positive my role would not intersect with finance, and my career goals could not have been further from a CFO role. As my career has transformed, I work with budgets on a daily basis as a department director. From writing state and federal grants to ensuring my organization鈥檚 grantees are on track to meet their goals, public budgeting is an integral competency."

Director of Development 鈥 Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
Christine Dunn, Online MPA 2020

"When I decided to further my career, 蜜柚视频 was one of the first places I considered because of their reputation for excellence. Since I reside out of state, online learning made access to 蜜柚视频's resources and its professors possible. The online MPA courses were structured in a way that I could immediately apply new skills in the workplace and provided opportunities for growth, enabling me to expand my career scope.

I wish I鈥檇 taken the leap earlier in my career. I鈥檓 also an ordained pastor, and there are many aspects of building community and program efficiency that are useful in parish ministry as well.

Learning about public-private partnerships and examining these partnerships through case studies in the online MPA program has been incredibly beneficial in my current role. I serve at a human services relief organization that regularly participates in the execution of public-private partnership grants and programs. Having had the opportunity to examine these types of partnerships, I feel I am more effective at ensuring the success and delivery of services.

The depth and breadth of the online MPA program are widely applicable to many fields. Take the leap!"

Vice President, Marketing Services - Resource International, Inc.
Kristen J. Hosni, Online MPA 2023

鈥淭he Online MPA program helped me build greater confidence in my leadership abilities. Additionally, the coursework in policy analysis, public budgeting, and crisis management has directly benefitted my current role. Since graduation I have led the development of an emergency action plan for my company, worked on fee proposals for public agency clients, and worked on internal manuals.

Every faculty member was responsive and supportive throughout the program. Even though the program I took was online, they went above and beyond to create a classroom-like experience which I appreciated.

I鈥檓 honored to join the Steering Committee for Columbus' first public participatory budgeting initiative. Participatory budgeting gives citizens a say in how public funds are used, and I鈥檓 excited to support its design, engagement, and evaluation. My online MPA strengthened my understanding of public administration and community-centered governance, and I鈥檓 grateful for the chance to apply that knowledge in this process. 

You truly can't go wrong choosing 蜜柚视频. The quality of the coursework, the supportive and dedicated faculty, and the networking opportunities will help you maximize your return on investment.鈥

Head of Amazon Global Military Affairs, Amazon
Charlotte La Belle, Online MPA 2019

鈥淭his program gave me the skills to navigate high-stakes public-private partnerships in a way that is meaningful and impactful. It gave me a unique perspective as a for-profit leader to be able to manage partnerships with nonprofits and drive a successful bottom line for my business, while filling critical gaps for the nonprofit partners that we work with every day.

During this program I was an active-duty Army officer, and the instructors worked with me every step of the way to ensure that I was able to meet deadlines and requirements, even when my job made it hard for me to access [the] internet or complete coursework early. They made it incredibly easy for me to navigate course materials while  working full time. Since graduation five years ago, I have remained in contact with my professors, and they have offered mentorship and guidance as needed.鈥 

Executive Director, Accountancy Board of Ohio, Certified Public Manager, AMA Certified Professional in Management
Donna Oklok, Online MPA 2024

鈥淗aving worked in the public sector for my entire career, I found that OHIO's online MPA program broadened my strategic perspective, expanded my leadership skill set and refreshed my ability to systematically research and communicate outcomes.

I had the opportunity to complete work on higher-level evaluation, data analytics and program assessment in a manner that helped me integrate rigorous, data-driven decision making 鈥 something that can get lost in the day-to-day public sector workload.

The faculty and staff were excellent and responsive to students' needs, their intentions and interests. Dr. Ruhil especially was a great resource with data analytics and Dr. Jolley in the policy arena. Other MPA students were supportive and provided insight into their piece of the public administration world.

The online MPA program is worth the time and effort. You will gain access to skills, tools and perspectives that will guide you through the complexities of policy shifts, program assessment, budgeting, inclusive governance and collaboration. As a tenured public employee, I found the program complemented my experience and added to my toolkit and professional evolution. I would recommend this program to anyone seeking a high-level, comprehensive education in public administration.鈥

Lauren Patterson, Online MPA 2025
Lauren Patterson, Online MPA 2025

"The Online MPA program at 蜜柚视频 offered me an applied curriculum that connected theory to practice. Upon graduation, I was delighted that I could use the knowledge immediately in my role. The classes largely emphasized real-world policy analysis, budgeting, leadership and evaluation within the context of current public-sector realities. I also appreciated the opportunity to tailor some assignments to my workplace and experiences. 

The policy courses at 蜜柚视频 came at just the right time, as we were updating fundraising policies, including donation acceptance and naming, at my workplace. I was able to suggest helpful amendments and share best practices, which really added value to the process. It also made me realize this was a skill gap in our team, and the Online MPA program gave me the tools to help fill it. 

I鈥檓 similarly grateful for the support I received at 蜜柚视频. My MPA journey was unique, as I faced a cancer diagnosis shortly after starting and needed to pause my studies. During that time, the faculty and staff at the Voinovich School offered both personal and professional support that truly made a difference. It may sound clich茅, but I never felt like just a number in the Online MPA program. I was seen and known by my instructors, even in a virtual setting. 

If you鈥檙e thinking about pursuing an Online MPA degree, I say go for it! It鈥檒l give you the skills to succeed in public service while you make a real impact professionally. You will challenge yourself and graduate with a deeper understanding of how to serve your community and contribute to the public good."

Disaster Relief Coordinator, North Carolina Department of Commerce
Luz Sanabria-Reyes, Online MPA 2024

鈥淥HIO鈥檚 online MPA program gave me valuable skills that I've been able to apply in my career in disaster response and recovery. I learned how to evaluate and analyze public policies, which has been crucial in assessing disaster response strategies and identifying areas for improvement. For example, I鈥檝e applied policy analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster recovery efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that recovery initiatives meet the needs of affected communities.鈥

City Manager, Chardon, Ohio
Benjamin R. Young, Online MPA 2024

"The online MPA program gave me an invaluable foundation in public management for my career in local government. I gained transferable skills such as KPI measurement and reporting, public engagement strategies and partnership applications.

Whether it's designing inclusive public forums or developing measurable service outcomes, the tools I gained in the online MPA continue to shape my leadership approach and enhance the effectiveness of the organizations I serve.  

One of the most impactful skills I acquired through the online MPA program at 蜜柚视频 is the ability to lead and manage with intention. The program also emphasized personal leadership development, which has been transformative in my career.

The online MPA helped me not only lead more effectively but also support and empower my team in ways that align with their own strengths and motivations. These insights have been especially valuable in my transition to City Manager.

The MPA program is a great program for anyone who wants to grow as a public leader and make a real impact in their community.

If you鈥檙e working in public service or have real-world experience, you can use those experiences in your projects and assignments. I also appreciated that the curriculum struck the right balance between academic foundations and hands-on, applicable skills. I walked away with tools I could use immediately in my role."

Prepare for Success as a Leader in Public Administration

Because the online MPA program is grounded in practical application and real-world skill development, you鈥檒l graduate ready to make an impact as a skilled expert in public administration. Learn more by visiting the online MPA careers page.

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