Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration develops collaborative, innovative leaders who manage complex organizations and serve the public good, at home and abroad.

Lead organizations to enhance the public good.

With a Master of Public Administration, you will grow to become a transformative leader of organizations that serve the public good — whether by solving community problems, providing services, or promoting social justice. Ranked No. 4* in the nation, our MPA enhances skills for a career in management and engages you in research on how organizations function. Hands-on learning, professional workshops, and career development services ensure that your MPA will be a launching point for a meaningful career in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.

*US News and World Report: 2024 Best Graduate School Rankings – Public Affairs Programs

Why choose Price?

Our MPA offers cutting-edge knowledge on organizational leadership, analytical toolsets, and development of managerial expertise through certificates and specializations.

James Irvine & Domestic Student Scholarships

Domestic students who apply by our December 15th deadline and are admitted to the MHA, MNLM, MPA, MPP, MPPDS, or MUP program are automatically eligible to receive scholarship funding.

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MPA Students

MPA Curriculum

MPA Admission

MPA Online

City County Management Fellowship

Degree Time to Completion and Completion Rates

Students who enter the MPA program have extremely high completion and retention rates, with most students completing the degree in two years*. See below chart for details.

*An Academic Year is defined as the fall term of the given year through the following summer term.

MPA alumni are leading and making change within a variety of organizations around the world.

• Management Analyst
• Management Analyst
• Director of Development & Grants

See All MPA Alumni Careers

“When researching MPA programs, I desired a rigorous curriculum that would challenge me as a researcher, writer and public servant. The MPA program at Price exceeded my expectations, requiring me to rise to the occasion and raise my criteria of good-quality work. The program well prepared me for leadership, not only as a public employee, but also as a global citizen. Faculty advisors, my cohort coach and my peers were always helpful, informative, and inspiring and made my time in the program enjoyable, even through challenges.”

Lindsay McElwain

Management Analyst

City of Rancho Cucamonga

“The MPA curriculum combines theory with real-life applications, providing students with the opportunity to leverage their studies and concurrently work with real clients to tackle complex challenges through collaboration and problem-solving. I know my Price degree has provided me with the foundations necessary to further my career in local government as a well-rounded public servant.”

Melanie Franceschini

Management Analyst

City of Newport Beach

“At USC Price, I gained invaluable skills to advance the public good. The world-class professors shared their research insights and lessons from the field to help MPA students like me translate knowledge into action. I had an exceptional experience and recommend the USC Price MPA program wholeheartedly!”

Michael Schumer

Director of Development & Grants

Bay Ridge Center

Financial Aid

Numerous financial aid opportunities are available for grad students.

Community Impact Scholarship

Apply Now!

USC Price is pleased to announce the Price Community Impact Scholarships for incoming masters students who plan to enroll in one of the following on-campus programs: MHA, MIPM, MNLM, MPA, MPP, MPPDS, and MUP.

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MPA Students Choose Their Classroom

Two Modalities to Choose From

MPA in Los Angeles (On-The-Ground)

The Master of Public Administration program is intertwined with Los Angeles, a living laboratory and the largest government center in America outside of Washington D.C.

MPA Online

No matter where you are, complete your Master of Public Administration program remotely. Our face-to-face video classes foster flexible learning, with certificate and residency options to enhance your experience. Designed for the working professional, our MPA online degree offers the same curriculum and instruction as the in-person MPA, while offering on-campus experiences unique from other online programs.

A Customizable Public Administration Program

• Choose between a two year full-time program and a three year part-time program.

• Self-designed focus areas or specializations: local government management, nonprofit management, health management, public financial management and international management.
  
  
• Gain certificates in city/county management, public financial management, nonprofit management and policy, homeland security and public policy, social innovation, international policy and planning, social justice, and arts leadership.

Learn from Expert Teachers, Mentors and Peers

Get Direct Experience

Contact Us

Program Director, Juliet Musso
Associate Professor
Vice Dean for Graduate Programs
[email protected]