Maharshi Dayanand University Online Master of Arts (MA) Public Administration: Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Recruiters and Faculty

Accredited with grade A+ by NAAC

Updated on May 03, 2025

Shibam Kumar

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak offers a two-year Online Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Public Administration through its Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE). The program is organized into four semesters, following the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). This program is designed to provide students with extensive knowledge of administrative theories, practices, and processes, while cultivating leadership skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and effective communication. The curriculum includes core subjects such as Administrative Theory, Indian Administration, Comparative Public Administration, Financial Administration, Development Administration, Research Methodology, Human Resource Development, and Social Welfare Administration. Students will also delve into specialized topics like Labour Welfare Administration and Disaster Management.

Eligibility for this program requires a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. The course aims to boost students' engagement in governance processes, deepen their understanding of administrative procedures, and prepare them for careers in public service and administration. It also emphasizes research skills and social awareness through workshops and outreach campaigns. Each semester entails theoretical examinations and assignments that contribute to the total marks for each subject. The program is tailored to equip professionals with the skills needed to navigate administrative environments while addressing modern challenges such as globalization and ethical governance.

MDU Online MA Public Administration Course Highlights

The course highlights for the Online MA Public Administration at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) are given below:

Course Name	Online MA Public Administration
Full-Form	Online Master of Arts in Public Administration
Level of Study	Post-Graduation/Master’s
Duration	2 years (4 semesters)
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor Degree or any relevant discipline from a recognized University with 45% marks
Entrance Exams	No entrance exams
Admission process	Merit-Based (Online)
Course Fee	INR 12,800-18,300
Top Recruiters	ICICI Prudential, Vodafone, Airtel, IBM, OYO Rooms, Just Dial

What is an Online Master of Arts (MA) in Public Administration?

An Online Master of Arts (MA) in Public Administration is a postgraduate-level program aimed at equipping students for leadership positions within the public and nonprofit realms, concentrating on governance, policy evaluation, and management of organizations. Some key points about Online MA Public Administration has been given below:

The program generally requires 30-36 credit hours, which includes required courses, elective options, and a capstone project. Depending on the school and the student's schedule, it can usually be finished within 12-24 months.
It is completely online with adaptable schedules, making it suitable for working individuals or anyone looking to juggle studies with other obligations.
Participants develop skills in areas such as budgeting, assessing programs, managing personnel, analyzing policies, and strategic leadership.
Graduates can work as city manager, executive director of a nonprofit, coordinator of public affairs, research analyst, or administrator in government.

Why pursue an MA Public Administration from Maharshi Dayanand University?

The benefits of pursuing Online Master of Arts (MA) Public Administration from Maharshi Dayanand University CDOE have been given below:

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) is a renowned institution, received an A+ grade by NAAC and secured the 35th position in the NIRF rankings 2024 ‘State-Public University’ category, which guarantees high-quality education and learning.
MDU's online degree is approved by UGC and holds the same value as traditional degrees, making it highly regarded by leading employers in both the public and private sectors.
The MA Public Administration program is available online, offering convenience for working professionals and students to manage their academic responsibilities alongside other obligations.
The university provides cost-effective tuition fees and scholarships, including the Haryana State Merit Scholarship, ensuring that higher education is within reach for everyone.
The program features an intuitive Learning Management System (LMS), providing access to recorded lectures and study materials to enhance the learning experience.
MDU focuses on skill enhancement through its Career Counselling and Placement Cell, which organizes workshops, soft skills training, placement events, and various activities to prepare students for employment opportunities.
The curriculum is structured to address key subjects such as administrative theories, organizational principles, financial management, and grievance resolution, equipping students with thorough knowledge for careers in public service roles.
Students receive placement support from the university, leading to increased interview chances and career advancement.

MDU Online MA Public Administration Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for enrolling into an Online MA in Public Administration from Maharshi Dayanand University CDOE are as follows:

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised university
Candidates must have secured an aggregate of 45% marks in their bachelor’s degree (42.7% for SC/ST/Blind/Visually and Differently Candidates of Haryana)

MDU Online MA Public Administration Syllabus/Curriculum

The syllabus for the Online MA in Public Administration at Maharshi Dayanand University CDOE is given below:

Semester-I	Semester-II
Administrative Theory-I	Administrative Theory-II
Administrative Thought-I	Administrative Thought-II
Comparative Public Administration-I	Comparative Public Administration-II
Financial Administration-I	Financial Administration-II
Indian Administration	State Administration

Semester-III	Semester-IV
Development Administration-I	Development Administration-II
Research Methodology-I	Research Methodology-II
Human Resource Development-I	Human Resource Development-II
Social Welfare Administration-I	Social Welfare Administration-II
Labour Welfare Administration-I	Labour Welfare Administration - II

MDU Online MA Public Administration Admission Process 2025

The admission process for enrolling into Online MA Public Administration at Maharshi Dayanand University CDOE:

Step 1: Go to the official MDU CDOE website and sign up using your phone number and email to receive your login information.

Step 2: According to UGC guidelines, create an Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) ID and Distance Education Bureau (DEB) ID if needed. Provide the required information as requested on the site.

Step 3: Log in to the site and complete the application form with your chosen course and necessary details. Upload the required documents, including your matriculation certificate, senior secondary examination certificate, detailed marks card from your last qualifying examination (bachelor’s), character certificate, and any relevant reserved category certificates.

Step 4: Pay the application fee as specified by the university.

Step 5: Submit the application form and print both the fee receipt and application form for your records. Await confirmation from the university regarding your admission.

Step 6: Once you receive the final admission confirmation, pay the tuition fee as directed by the university to reserve your spot. After your payment is confirmed, you will receive an admission offer letter via email, along with the Learning Management System (LMS) credentials.

MDU Online MA Public Administration Fees

The fees for Online MA Public Administration at Maharshi Dayanand University CDOE is given below:

	For Non-Haryana	Annual Fee for(i) SC/ST category of Haryana only(ii) Working defence personnel upto the level of JCO (having no financial aid/scholarship)(iii) University employees/wards/ spouse
Annual Fee	INR 9,150	INR 6,400
Total Course Fee	INR 18,300	INR 12,800

MDU Online MA Public Administration Exam Pattern

The exam pattern for Online MA Public Administration at Maharshi Dayanand University CDOE is given below:

First Semester
Paper Code	Nomenclature	Term End Examination (Theory)	Assignment	Total Marks	Credit	Exam Time
20PUB21C1	Administrative Theory - I	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
20PUB21C2	Administrative Thought – I	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
20PUB21C3	Indian Administration	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
20PUB21C4	Comparative Public Administration - I	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
20PUB21C5	Financial Administration - I	80	20	100	4	3 Hours

Second Semester
Paper Code	Nomenclature	Term End Examination (Theory)	Assignment	Total Marks	Credit	Exam Time
20PUB22C1	Administrative Theory - II	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
20PUB22C2	Administrative Thought – II	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
20PUB22C3	State Administration	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
20PUB22C4	Comparative Public Administration - II	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
20PUB22C5	Financial Administration - II	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
20KGENF1	Moral Education	40	10	50	2	2 Hours
20URM01	Media & Society	80	20	100	3	3 Hours

Third Semester
Paper Code	Nomenclature	Term End Examination (Theory)	Assignment	Total Marks	Credit	Exam Time
21PUB23C1	Development Administration-I	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
21PUB23C2	Research Methodology-I	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
21PUB23A1	Human Resource Development-I	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
21PUB23B1	Social Welfare Administration-I	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
21PUB23C1	Labour Welfare Administration-I	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
21ENV02	Disaster Management	80	20	100	3	3 Hours

Fourth Semester
Paper Code	Nomenclature	Term End Examination (Theory)	Assignment	Total Marks	Credit	Exam Time
21PUB24C1	Development Administration-II	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
21PUB24C2	Research Methodology-II	80	20	100	5	3 Hours
21PUB24A1	Human Resource Development-II	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
21PUB24B1	Social Welfare Administration-II	80	20	100	4	3 Hours
21PUB24C1	Labour Welfare Administration-II	80	20	100	4	3 Hours

How does MDU deliver the Online MA Public Administration program?

MDU utilizes a mixture of live and pre-recorded lectures, which can be accessed through its user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS). This blended learning method enables students to interact with the course content at their own pace while participating in live sessions.

What kind of support is offered to online students at MDU?

MDU provides a comprehensive range of support services for online learners, including access to recorded lectures, guidance from qualified faculty, and a dedicated LMS. These resources are aimed at facilitating an effective and smooth educational journey.

Are there opportunities for practical experience within the Online MA Public Administration program?

Yes, MDU prioritizes experiential learning by providing opportunities for internships, field placements, and research activities within government entities, nonprofit organizations, and policy research institutes. These experiences enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge practically and expand their professional networks.

What career services does MDU offer for online students?

MDU's Career Counseling and Placement Cell assists students in upgrading their skills and staying informed about job market trends, recruitment strategies, and scholarship opportunities. The cell organizes a variety of events such as workshops, lectures, and job placement initiatives to aid students in their career growth.

How does MDU ensure the quality of its Online MA Public Administration program?

MDU upholds high educational standards by presenting a curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The program is designed to equip graduates for leadership and management positions in the public sector, ensuring that the online qualification is recognized similarly to a conventional degree.