USC Price School of Public Policy

Master of Public Administration

The MPA program at USC Price is designed to prepare leaders in government at all levels, as well as nonprofits for public service. Our goal is to engage and solve the complex problems of the diverse society in which we live. We value diversity and collaboration across sectors in achieving this goal.

photo of Professor Terry Cooper Professor Terry Cooper
Interim Director, Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program

MPA Program

Mission of the USC Price School MPA program:
The USC MPA program’s primary mission is to educate professionals to assume leadership positions for public service and to improve the state of the art in the governance and management of public and nonprofit organizations.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program offers a professional education designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a career in public management or in related public and private firms. Established in 1929, the MPA program at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is one of the oldest and most distinguished programs of its kind in the United States. USC Price is rated sixth overall among public affairs schools nationwide and ranks sixth for the public management/administration specialty, according to U.S. News & World Report. The MPA program is a two year full-time program and a three year part-time program.

Unique Features of the MPA Program

Some of the program’s specific strengths include:

  • A management, analytical, and policymaking focus that prepares students to pursue their individual interests and concentrate in one of many specialized fields
  • A full-time faculty of exceptional diversity and strength
  • An active part-time faculty of noted professionals
  • An 80-year history of leadership in professional and academic fields
  • Paid internship opportunities
  • An extensive alumni network
  • An advisory board comprising leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors
  • MPA Labs – enriching workshops that develop professional skills and knowledge about a broad range of social issues
  • A facility in Sacramento – the USC State Capital Center – that gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of complex state-local and state-federal relationships
  • The option to complete the entire MPA degree or take courses at the USC State Capital Center
  • New in Fall 2011 – The option to complete the entire MPA degree online. To learn more about the program go to Master of Public Administration