The levels of complexity, interdependence, and systemic risks of the world today are vastly different from the world of the past. An MPA or graduate certificate in public affairs prepares O’Neill School graduates to confront the challenges of tomorrow with the knowledge and skills to solve problems and lead. Our graduates use what they know across all sectors of society—public, nonprofit, and private.
The value of an O’Neill degree
Common questions about O’Neill Online
We believe high-quality programs like ours must be available online in today’s changing world. Professionals in public affairs and many other fields routinely turn to online education like the O’Neill School’s because of its flexibility and rigor. We are one of the first schools to bring a quality curriculum and faculty together for students who might be unable to access our residential programs.
The programs are noteworthy for many reasons. Students interested in acquiring an internationally recognized degree or certificate can do so from anywhere in the world with O’Neill Online. Students have the latitude to construct a curriculum that meets their professional goals. Students will also become part of two networks of professionals, one united by the online experience and another, larger group with connections to O’Neill. And, our distinguished faculty helps make this and other things possible.
Diversity is a hallmark of our online student body. We plan for cohorts of students across demographic and geographic spectrums. This diversity alone presents many opportunities for learning and networking. Our students do share some characteristics—among them experience, a clarity of purpose, and an interest in making a difference in their lives and the lives of others as a result of their O’Neill education.
The big-picture outcome for many students will be the doors their new degree can help open as they build careers of increasing responsibility and challenge. Given their commitments to public service, students will take a great deal of satisfaction from mastering the knowledge and skills that permit them to better solve problems and lead their organizations.
Our courses are taught by our world-class faculty and experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge to the virtual classroom. Students will typically complete a class over a 16-week semester. They will be able to complete a certificate in a year and the MPA in three years, but they will also have opportunities to move at a faster or slower pace to fit their personal situations.
At the O’Neill School, we know from years of teaching working professionals that balancing work and education can be challenging. An advantage of online education is that students can better fit their course participation into their work and family lives. The format does not eliminate the need to invest time, but it makes the experience easier to manage.