Master of Public Administration (MPA)

MIVA OPEN UNIVERSITY

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) programme at Miva Open University is thoughtfully designed to prepare individuals with the knowledge and advanced analytical competencies to navigate increasingly complex governance and strategic policy challenges while enabling socio-political transformations.

Tuition Per Session

$850

Tuition Per Semester

$285

Introduction to Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Start your Master’s in Public Administration

Elevate your career and make a meaningful impact in public service. Our MPA programme equips you with the specialised skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic public and private sector environment.

Deepen your understanding of governance, policy-making, and public administration while exploring innovative strategies to address societal challenges. The Miva MPA programme includes a capstone project, where you’ll apply your knowledge to real-world issues. With flexible course options, you can tailor your MPA experience to align with your specific career aspirations and goals in public administration.

Why you should apply :

Learn from expert instructors. Our faculty’s deep expertise in public administration goes beyond theory. They bring real-world insights and practical experience directly to the classroom, enhancing your learning and preparing you for leadership.
Miva integrates advanced technology throughout the programme, offering hands-on experience with tools like Data Analytics and Digital Governance, equipping you with essential skills for modern public administration.
We offer a robust support system, including access to a well-equipped library with extensive research materials, databases, and academic journals. Additionally, dedicated Success Advisors are available to guide you throughout your educational journey.
Our MPA programme fosters a thriving community where you can connect with a diverse group of professionals and future public leaders, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong connections.

Study Level

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Study Duration

3 Semesters

Mode of study

Blended Learning

Tuition Per Session

$850

Tuition Per Semester

$285

Applications for May 2026 admission is ongoing.

Apply before 31st May 2026, to secure your place.

Curriculum

Programme Outline

Our curriculum is designed to provide students with the necessary competencies and insights crucial for success across a spectrum of roles in business management. The course encapsulates a comprehensive range of subjects, including strategic planning, operations management, marketing strategies, financial analysis, human resources, and leadership development.

100 Level

1st Semester

Units

Communication in English I

Identify possible sound patterns in English.
List notable language skills and classify word formation processes.
Construct simple and fairly complex sentences in English.
Apply logical and critical reasoning skills for meaningful presentations.
Demonstrate an appreciable level of the art of public speaking and listening.
Write simple and technical reports.

Principles of Management

Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts related to management knowledge.
Explain the roles, skills, and functions of management.
Identify organisational problems and the processes of decision making.
Describe the complexities associated with management of human resources in organisations.
Apply the knowledge in handling management complexities.

Introduction to Business I

Explain the basic concepts of business.
Recognise the external forces that shape the business environment.
Describe how businesses operate in our modern political, social, economic, and technological environment.
List and explain the important factors in choosing an organisational type.
Explain the role of government in business.

Principles of Economics I

Identify the basic concepts in economics including scarcity, choice, and scale of preference.
Explain the nature of elasticity and its applications, as well as short and long-run production functions.
Discuss pricing of factors of production and market structure consisting of perfect competitive market and imperfect competitive markets.

Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT

Understand the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its application to libraries and Information Services.
Acquire essential ICT skills for information professionals, understand data communication and internet resources in electronic storage systems, and explore web technology resources.
Learn the impact of ICT on modern libraries, along with ethical considerations and challenges related to applying ICT in library settings, particularly in the context of Nigerian libraries.

Introduction to Financial Accounting

Describe the nature and scope of accounting.
Differentiate between bookkeeping and accounting.
Discuss the objectives of financial accounting and appreciate various branches of accounting.
Understand methods of recording accounting data using manual and electronic devices.
Prepare basic accounting records, from primary books to the extraction of trial balances, correct basic posting errors, and prepare bank reconciliation statements.

Introduction to Computing

Explain basic components of computers and other computing devices.
Describe the various applications of computers.
Explain information processing and its roles in society.
Describe the Internet, its various applications, and its impact.
Explain the different areas of the computing discipline and its specialisations.
Demonstrate practical skills in using computers and the Internet.

2nd Semester

Units

Communication in English II

Have a deepened understanding of communication skills both in spoken and written English.
Demonstrate an appreciable level of proficiency in the arts of public speaking, listening, and effective communication.

Nigerian People and Culture

Analyse the historical foundation of the Nigerian culture and arts in pre-colonial times.
List and identify the major linguistic groups in Nigeria.
Explain the gradual evolution of Nigeria as a political unit.
Analyse the concepts of trade, economic, and self-reliance status of the Nigerian peoples towards national development.
Enumerate the challenges of the Nigerian State towards nation building.
Analyse the role of the judiciary in upholding people’s fundamental rights, identify acceptable norms and values of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, and list and suggest possible solutions to identifiable Nigerian environmental, moral, and value problems.

Principles of Project Management

Define the concept and purpose of project management.
Identify the processes and actors in project management.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of key project management methods.
Describe the tools and techniques used in project management.
Identify projects bottleneck and possible solutions.

Introduction to Business II

Identify the various functional areas of business and describe their contribution to the organisation.
Identify the business stakeholders and describe their relationship with the organisation.
Describe the basics of business ethics.
Recognise some of the most common ethical challenges faced by the organisation.
Discuss the many aspects of business functions such as management, finance, accounting, and marketing.
Explain basic principles and practices of contemporary business.
Explain basic management principles.

Principles of Economics II

Discuss the basic concept of functions, index numbers and dependent and independent variables in functions, as well as national income accounting.
Examine circular flow of income with simple two-sector model.
Explain elementary issues on consumption, savings, investment, and government’s revenue, expenditure and roles of domestic money and foreign exchange.

Basic Mathematics

Identify the basic concepts of mathematics and demonstrate a preliminary understanding of mathematical applications in the field of management.
Perform basic computations in algebra, differential, and integral calculus.
Develop problem-solving skills from the mathematical ideas learned.
Distinguish basic mathematics principles and their applications.

Principles of Management II

Describe the management in line with authority and delegation.
Explain elements of organising function.
Demonstrate ability to provide staffing direction.
Explain motivation and performance techniques.
Describe leadership and management systems.

200 Level

1st Semester

Units

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Explain the concepts and theories of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, opportunity seeking, new value creation, and risk-taking.
State the characteristics of an entrepreneur.
Analyse the importance of micro and small businesses in wealth creation, employment, and financial independence.
Engage in entrepreneurial thinking.
Identify key elements in innovation.
Describe stages in enterprise formation, partnership and networking including business planning.
Describe contemporary entrepreneurial issues in Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.
State the basic principles of e-commerce.

Business Statistics

Describe and explain basic statistical concepts, including their empirical applications in a business context.
Interpret the relevance of statistical findings for business problem solving and decision making.
Identify basic probability concepts and probability distributions as an aid to business decision making.
Conduct basic statistical procedures using real business data: estimation, hypothesis tests, ANOVA, linear regressions, time-series analysis, index numbers and basic quality control analysis.

Principles of Business Administration I

Define the various operating elements in the practice of business organisations.
Appraise the basic management functions and how they are interrelated.
Apply knowledge and principles to business scenarios in the areas of accounting, finance, marketing and management.
Demonstrate intellectually the role of the environment to modern business organisations.
Explain forms of ownership, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Current Issues in Global Business

Autonomously plan and manage own learning.
Communicate effectively through essay writing, reflecting and interpreting research findings using appropriate academic language.
Understand and explain key global issues, trends, and challenges.
Challenge the orthodox by demonstrating critical informed thinking on global business issues.
Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas through wide reading and independent thinking in relation to global business issues and trends.
Employ a range of logical and supported arguments in discussing theory and research in the field of global business.
Analyse and interpret evidence from various sources attempting to explain issues around global business and its impact.
Think independently and be able to support a position using informed, logical, supported arguments.

Leadership and Governance

Distinguish and appreciate the different approaches to leadership.
Discuss factors affecting leadership in both private and public sectors.
Evaluate fundamental leadership practices relevant to contemporary organisations.
Assess potential leadership philosophy, traits, skills, behaviour and develop a leadership portfolio.
Define organisational conflict.
Explain the purpose of corporate governance.
Explain the responsibilities and function of a governing board.

Elements of Marketing

Explain the nature and scope of marketing.
Trace the evolution of marketing practice.
Analyse the marketing environment.
Comprehend the marketing mix elements and their application.

2nd Semester

Units

Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence

Know the basic features of philosophy as an academic discipline.
Identify the main branches of philosophy and the centrality of logic in philosophical discourse.
Know the elementary rules of reasoning.
Distinguish between valid and invalid arguments.
Think critically and assess arguments in texts, conversations, and day-to-day discussions.
Critically assess the rationality or otherwise of human conduct under different existential conditions.
Develop the capacity to extrapolate and deploy expertise in logic to other areas of knowledge.
Guide his or her actions, using the knowledge and expertise acquired in philosophy and logic.

Principles of Business Administration II

Identify the important role of human resource in the success of the organisation.
Explain the process of change management.
Describe the relationship between the functional areas of management and decision-making process.
Discuss the banking and financial system, including the securities market and business financing.
Describe the effects and importance of ethical practices in business.
Analyse business situations to identify ethical dilemmas and ethical lapses.

Green Management

Become more aware of how individual behavior, working practices or production methods impact the environment.
Recognise the consequences of rising carbon footprint on the environment and the earth.
Apply the strategies for making a company’s operation, products, and services greener.
Demonstrate how climate change affects the sustainability of businesses.
Describe the incentive available for climate-friendly policies in business and the economy in general.

Introduction to Financial Management

Explain the basic tradeoff between risk and return, and how it applies to various types of financial instruments: stocks, bonds, futures, options.
Apply the concept of time value of money (TVM) and net present value (NPV) in determining the risk premium of a financial asset.
Illustrate the application of the two main models of asset pricing: the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and arbitrage pricing theory (APT).
Analyse a portfolio of securities that maximises return while minimising risk.
Define financial instruments such as bonds, stocks, currencies, and derivatives.
Appraise the money management industry and its key players: pension funds, mutual funds, and hedge.

Quantitative Analysis in Management

Distinguish between different mathematical techniques and applications.
Describe how quantitative analysis theory, techniques, and tools are used to support and facilitate managerial decision-making.
Apply mathematical techniques to problem-solving.
Calculate and interpret numerous statistical values and appreciate their value to the business manager.

Business Environment

Have a comprehensive understanding of business environments and their impact on businesses.
Gain proficiency in analysing and interpreting various environmental factors that affect organisational decision-making.
Identify and explain different types of business environments, including micro and macro environments.
Develop a deep insight into the economic environment, including the nature of the economy, economic factors, and policies that shape business operations.
Grasp the significance of the social environment, exploring the relationship between society and business, the concept of culture, and its implications for businesses.
Comprehend the political and legal environment, different political systems, and the effect of legal systems on business practices.

300 Level

1st Semester

Units

Management Theory

Describe the historical background of the classical and neo-classical management theories and their relevance to the learning organisation.
Describe the functions of management within organisations and theories that apply to the ideal functions of management.
Compare, contrast, and critique the contemporary management theories for an enhanced understanding of management within a modern learning organisation.
Summarise the key functions of management today.
Identify bad management practices.
Apply management theories in evaluating organisations for performance improvement.
Explain how management can use motivation.

Financial Management

Demonstrate the applicability of the concept of financial management to understand managerial decisions and corporate capital structure.
Explain alternative sources of finance and investment opportunities and their suitability in particular circumstances.
Integrate the concept and apply the financial concepts to calculate ratios and do the capital budgeting.
Select and apply techniques in managing working capital.
Describe the common factors influencing dividend policy and applications of options in financial management.
Demonstrate how financial risk is assessed.

Innovation Management

Relate the issues around defining “technology”, “innovation” and “innovation management”.
Describe the techniques widely used in the management of innovation and entrepreneurship and develop practical skills in their application.
Identify the factors for a successful innovation process.
Recognise the importance of innovation management for the firm’s success.
Recognise the diversity of types of innovation, innovators, and innovation settings.
Examine the different forms of protection for intellectual property.

E-Commerce

Define different types of e-commerce systems.
Describe the major business models, drivers, and benefits of different e-commerce systems.
Generate a portfolio of the steps required to start up an online business.
Design components, systems, and processes to meet required specifications for online business and web presence.
Build their own web presence and market it using an online platform.
Appreciate the ethical implications of online business.
Be aware of the legal and security issues in e-commerce.

Business Start-up

Analyse the concept of the entrepreneurial mindset and apply it to the execution of a project from idea generation to feasibility analysis of the project.
Articulate a new venture value proposition and effectively present ideas and concepts.
Develop reflective and analytical skills when evaluating a project.
Determine the feasibility of the business concept through industry, market, trend, and economic analysis.
Develop a business model and strategy for handling competition.

Supply Chain Management

Define the concept of supply chain management and its main elements.
Identify and understand the factors that affect global, regional, and local logistics and supply chains.
Evaluate the core fundamentals of logistics within commerce and the risks associated with the supply chain.
Identify supply chain trends and evolution in domestic and foreign goods supply.
Demonstrate ability to leverage the opportunities embedded in supply chain management at domestic and international levels.
Explain how the supply chain acts as a value chain for competitive advantages.
Identify the different sources of supply chain competitive advantage.

Business Law

Interpret what the Law of Contract is and how to discharge in a contractual environment.
Discuss the sale of goods and sale agreement.
Distinguish the creation of an agency and the making of an Agency Agreement.
Explain business association and cooperation.
Justify alien participation in business in Nigeria.

2nd Semester

Units

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Analyse the concepts of peace, conflict, and security.
List major forms, types, and root causes of conflict and violence.
Differentiate between conflict and terrorism.
Enumerate security and peace building strategies.
Describe the roles of international organisations, media, and traditional institutions in peace building.

Venture Creation

Describe the key steps in venture creation.
Spot opportunities in problems and high-potential sectors regardless of geographical location.
State how original products, ideas, and concepts are developed.
Develop business concepts for further incubation or pitching for funding.
Identify key sources of entrepreneurial finance.
Implement the requirements for establishing and managing micro and small enterprises.
Conduct entrepreneurial marketing and e-commerce.
Apply a wide variety of emerging technological solutions to entrepreneurship.
Appreciate why ventures fail due to a lack of planning and poor implementation.

Human Behaviour in Organisations

Demonstrate the applicability of the concept of organisational behavior to understand the behavior of people in the organisation.
Explain the importance of managing stress and emotions in the workplace.
Discuss appropriate methods and styles of communication in the workplace.
Discuss strategies for managing conflict and negotiation in the workplace.
Explain the process and techniques of individual and group decision-making.
Explain group dynamics and demonstrate skills required for working in groups (team building).
Apply organisational behavior concepts, models, and theories to real-life management situations through case analysis.

Human Resources Management

Have an understanding of the basic concepts, functions, and processes of human resource management.
Be aware of the role, functions, and functioning of the human resource department of the organisation.
Design and formulate various HRM processes such as recruitment, selection, training, and development; performance appraisals and reward systems; compensation plans and ethical behavior.
Examine current issues, trends, practices, and processes in HRM.
Develop the knowledge and skills to resolve human resource management problems in organisations.

Production and Operations Management

Demonstrate an awareness and an appreciation of the role production and operations management play in business processes.
Describe the problems involved in inventory management.
Explain and apply the principles of project management and use a variety of problem-solving techniques to aid in effective decision-making.
Demonstrate how to develop proper facility layout and location strategies.
Explain the importance of quality control and apply techniques to measure quality control.
Explain the importance of forecasting.
Explain the principles underlying materials requirements planning and develop basic materials requirement schedules.

Small Business Management

Explain the scope and nature of small-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Explain SMEs’ characteristics, behavior, and motivations and arrive at informed conclusions relating to current and proposed business futures.
Recognise the nature of the business environment as it affects small-medium enterprises and evaluate business opportunities and threats.
Discuss the relevance of creativity and innovation to SMEs and to the development of business opportunities.
Explain the importance of the contribution of marketing to the success of SMEs.
Describe best practices for facilitating the setting up of business targets, monitoring business results, and continuous improvement.
Illustrate SME development in a rural context, utilising agri-business market development as a model.

Research Methods in Business

Describe the elements of management research.
Explain basic concepts and procedures of scientific business research.
Conduct a literature review and establish a link between your study and the literature.
Develop skills to analyse and interpret data.
Make evidence-based recommendations from a research study.

400 Level

1st Semester

Units

Business Policy and Strategic Management

Explain the concept of policy in business.
Identify the implications of strategy at the corporate level.
Relate corporate policy and strategy in both internal and external business environments.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a business organisation.
Develop business strategies to achieve business objectives.
Define clear approaches to strategic management.
Define the key concepts in the theory of corporate and business strategy.
Explain the concept and processes of mergers, acquisitions & alliances.
Discuss planning and performance.
Analyse the relationship between policy and corporate strategy.

Management Information System

Explain the meaning of management information system.
Describe the use and function of management information systems.
Explain the strategic value of information systems in the organisation.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of MIS basics.
Identify the impact of information systems on the next generation of business enterprises.

Analysis for Business Decision

Explain the basic elements of decision analysis.
Demonstrate an understanding of operational research approach to business decisions.
Apply optimisation techniques to resource allocation.
Explain the concept of inventory control.
Illustrate the concept of project management.
Use different models to create and analyse the risk profile of a decision.
Apply the knowledge of probability judgments to managerial decisions.
Apply the concept of simulation to business decision situations.

Feasibility Report and Business Plan Analysis

Understand the concept of feasibility report and business plan.
Describe pre-investment feasibility study.
Enumerate the key elements in the generation and screening of project ideas.
Demonstrate capacity to evaluate businesses and develop new profitable initiatives.
Demonstrate how to buy a business or start a new venture.
Describe how market analysis works.

Case Studies and Contemporary Issues in Business

Identify important and relevant information for making business decisions.
Utilise appropriate analysis techniques to assess industry and organisational situations.
Generate realistic alternatives for various organisational situations and evaluate those alternatives to determine which will best solve the issue facing the organisation.
Apply and integrate theories from various business disciplines to real-world situations.
Build, foster, and manage effective teams.
Demonstrate effective presentation skills.
Handle challenging questions directly following a presentation.
Demonstrate critical evaluation and critiquing skills.

Business Entrepreneurship

Define the concepts of corporate entrepreneurship.
Enumerate the sources and practices of corporate innovation.
Identify windows of opportunities in business entrepreneurship.
Analyse the structure of corporate entrepreneurial visions and missions.
Describe theories underpinning building new business inside established firms.

2nd Semester

Units

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

Explain the various functional levels of the business environment.
Identify the steps of the corporate planning process.
Appraise business performance.
Assess the impact of environmental changes on strategies and firm performance.
Explicitly diagnose the role of employee and managerial behaviour in the success or failure of a business organisation.

Research Project in Business Management

Understand how to write a research project.
Describe appropriate research methods.
Enumerate the key elements in analysing research data.
Demonstrate capacity to provide recommendations based on research inference.

International Business

Explain the meaning of international business.
Compare the various theories of international trade.
Discuss the terms of trade.
Describe the concept of balance of payment accounting.
Distinguish between international trade and international finance.
Describe the foreign exchange market.
Demonstrate an understanding of the international business environment.

Internship

Demonstrate appropriate workspace behaviors in a professional setting.
Content knowledge appropriate to job function.
Display evidence of increased content knowledge gained through practical experience.
Describe the nature and function of the organisation in which the internship experience takes place.
Explain how the internship placement has enhanced their understanding of the proposed career path.
Appraise the internship experience in terms of personal, educational, and career requirements.

International Management (Elective)

Define and apply management concepts in a multicultural environment.
Describe organisation that has international orientation.
Enumerate the key elements in international human resources management.
Identify the cultural dimensions of international management.
Analyse political risks and manage negotiations and relations in multicultural settings.
Describe leadership in a global context.

Current Issues in Digital Economy and Business (Elective)

Describe the history of the internet.
Explain the potential impact of the digital economy.
Identify technologies for building digital business and manage their implementation.
Develop a digital business vision.
Categorise and analyse a variety of digital business models.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for the Miva Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Entry Requirements for Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Here’s what you need to study for an MPA at Miva University

Five O'level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics.
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second class (Lower Division) in any field.
HND graduates require a Postgraduate Diploma to be eligible.
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 2 years post-bachelor’s relevant work experience. Applicants with lower academic results may generally need to demonstrate a longer duration of work experience.

Careers

Potential Roles for Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Holders

Tuition

Payment Plans

Miva Open University offers a flexible payment plan for its degree programmes. You may choose to pay the year’s fee or per semester.

Tuition Per Semester

$285

/Semester

Tuition Per Session

$850

/Session

Miva Programmes

About Us

MIVA OPEN UNIVERSITY