
Masters in Public Administration
San Francisco, USA
DURATION
21 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Mar 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 1,660 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* tuition is based on an average enrollment for the academic year (fall and spring semesters)
Introduction
Prepare for a career in public sector leadership with career-oriented coursework and a robust network of alumni professionals. In the University of San Francisco's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, you will develop efficient management skills and leave prepared for an effective career in public service.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the MPA with an emphasis in Health Services Administration programs provide mid-career and aspiring professionals with an opportunity to obtain advanced managerial education applicable to a broad range of organizations in the public sector, nonprofit, and healthcare industries.
Our Accreditation
The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Admissions
Curriculum
Major Requirements (38 units)
The On-Campus MPA curriculum is comprised of 38 units. There are nine core courses, four units each, and one elective course at two units.
Required (36 units)
- PA 711 - Nvg & Neg Fld Prct of Pub Admi
- PA 713 - Mng Prac, OB, & HR
- PA 720 - Core Vl Driven Ldrshp & Ethics
- PA 723 - Mng Budgets, Finance & Econ
- PA 732 - Public Policy Analysis & Imple
- PA 738 - Info Tech and E-Trends
- PA 744 - Strategic Planning
- PA 770 - Quant Method & Big Data
- PA 780 - Prg Eval and Monitoring
Elective (2 units)
Complete one from the following:
- PA 749 - Leading Across Sectors
- PA 762 - Social Determinants of Health
- PA 784 - PA Academic Global Immersion
- PA 785 - Strategic Communications
Program Outcome
- Be ethical, compassionate, and effective leaders with the skills necessary to humanely manage public organizations
- Engage with government and nongovernmental sectors broadly to identify collaborative solutions to societal needs driven by evidence-based solutions
- Identify, collect, and analyze the evidence appropriate for developing equitable policies and implementing effective public service strategies.
Scholarships and Funding
We offer a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming students on a competitive basis for up to $10,000 to highly selective applicants to support their first-year study in the program. All applicants, both U.S. and international students, are considered for these scholarships when the applications are reviewed. There is no separate application for this type of financial assistance. Applications received before the Priority Date will receive preferred scholarship consideration.
The Dean's Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship grants recipients compensation for research and conference travel. Additional benefits include the Dean's Scholar kickoff and reception, connection with other Dean's Scholars and with leaders across the college, and the chance to serve as program representatives to USF donors and Development initiatives.
To be considered for the $15,000 Dean's Scholarship towards their first year of tuition, students must apply by the program's priority deadline.
Double Dons Scholarship
USF Alumni and current students can be awarded the USF Double Dons Scholarship upon admission. The scholarship covers 20% of the program tuition, and may not be stacked with other USF scholarship awards. Exceptions may apply.
Double Dons on MyUSF
On-Campus Student Employment
Enrolled students can apply for student employment opportunities on campus to earn additional income towards tuition or day-to-day expenses. International students are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 35 hours during the summer period and intersession.
Non-USF Financial Aid
Applicants can also seek out non-USF financial aid to fund their graduate education.
Public & Administration Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to select MPA students who show exceptional leadership in government service and community management.
Lieutenant Barbara Hammerman Memorial Scholarship
Lieutenant Barbara Hammerman served the citizens of San Mateo with distinction for 21 years as a member of the San Mateo Police Department. She championed the rights and protection of the vulnerable in our society. Barbara was a trailblazer who fought courageously for women’s rights. She was the first openly gay officer hired by the San Mateo Police Department, the first woman in the County to ride on the motorcycle unit, the first to establish random Child Seat Restraint Checkpoints at schools, and the first to establish drunk-driving checkpoints in the City. She consulted high schools on drug trends, trained probation officers on signs and symptoms of drug abuse, and was the first narcotic detective in San Mateo's history to receive the prestigious Narcotics Officer of the Year award. Barbara received her Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Leadership from the University of San Francisco, and her Master’s in Leadership from St. Mary’s College. This award is given in Barbara’s name because of her commitment to leadership and to serving others.
Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated superior academic and/or professional achievements, and outstanding talent or commitment to extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Merit Scholars should also fully embody the USF mission to change the world for the better. The University of San Francisco School of Management greatly values diversity and offers merit scholarships to applicants from regions and countries around the globe that embrace regular interaction with different cultures and societies.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for professional success in career positions in public, private, and nonprofit agencies.
Each year we survey MPA graduates to confirm where and how they are applying their education. A substantial proportion work in state and local government. Social service agencies, private sector contractors, and healthcare systems are significant employers as well.
Employers
Recent graduates and alumni of our MPA program are employed in administrative and management positions at all levels of government, health service organizations, public safety, and nonprofit agencies.
- American Cancer Society
- Bay Area Air Quality Management District
- California State Assembly
- California State Senate
- City and County of San Francisco
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Pentagon Force Protection Agency
- Public Utilities Commission
- UC San Francisco Medical Center
- U.S. Department of Justice
Job Titles
- Business Operations Manager, Senior
- Chief Financial & Operating Officer
- Deputy Public Administrator
- Director of Program Management
- Investigative Analyst
- Labor Relations Representative
- Legislative Consultant
- People and Operations Manager
- Policy & Communications Analyst, Senior
- Public Information Officer