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University of Southern California

Master of Public Administration Online (MPA-OL)

MPA Online Student Experience

Our students are a force for change.

Join us and advance your career — and the institutions we depend on — in the USC Price MPA Online program.

Michi Slaughter

“I like that the curriculum is catered to real world situations that you can use in public administration.”

Michi Slaughter has served the City of Los Angeles for nearly 20 years, primarily with the LAPD, where she was a Senior Systems Analyst.

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Vance Jarrard

“The MPA was a great way of enhancing my overall, well-rounded government background.”

Vance Jarrard is a legislative advocate for the North State Building Industry Association, representing more than 500 member companies in the home building industry in Northern California.

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Lynly Leeper

“At the end of all of the research I did, I came away with the fact that USC’s MPA program was far and away the best program in the United States.”

Lynly Leeper is Chief Financial & Operational Officer for Ysleta Independent School District – one of the top 30 largest school districts in Texas.

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Student Experience Stories View All

Read: Q&A: Leaving a Legacy in Public Service with T’Ante Sims

Q&A: Leaving a Legacy in Public Service with T’Ante Sims

T’Ante Sims is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in higher education and nonprofits. Now enrolled in the USC Price Master of Public Administration Online program, T’Ante is preparing to step into a new chapter of leadership—one shaped by legacy, passion for service, and a commitment to transformation. He shares what motivated…
Read: MPAOL Capstone Research Shows ‘Safe Parking’ Can Help Homeless

MPAOL Capstone Research Shows ‘Safe Parking’ Can Help Homeless

In the search for shelter and privacy, some unhoused people turn to living in vehicles, lining the streets of cities. Many American cities impose harsh restrictions on these practices in order to appease nearby residents and businesses. In recent years, however, some cities have chosen to take a different approach. Rather than responding with restrictions,…
Read: Navigating the First Generation Student Journey at USC

Navigating the First Generation Student Journey at USC

As a first-generation college student pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, you’re part of a growing community reshaping leadership in public service. With 22.5% of USC’s 2024 Class identifying as first-gen, the university has built robust support systems to help students overcome their unique challenges, access resources, and…
Read: The Power of the Trojan Family: Building a Network of Change

The Power of the Trojan Family: Building a Network of Change

At the USC Price School of Public Policy, we’re not just educating future leaders, we’re cultivating a powerful network: the Trojan Family. This community extends far beyond our Los Angeles campus, and is made up of current students, alumni, and professionals who share a passion for driving positive change in public policy, public administration, health…

Featured Article

MPAOL Capstone Research Shows ‘Safe Parking’ Can Help Homeless

In the search for shelter and privacy, some unhoused people turn to living in vehicles, lining the streets of cities. Many American cities impose harsh restrictions on these practices in order to appease nearby residents and businesses. In recent years, however, some cities have chosen to take a different approach. Rather than responding with restrictions,…
Read: MPAOL Capstone Research Shows ‘Safe Parking’ Can Help Homeless

Price Perspectives

See what our MPA Online program alumni have to say.

Woman wearing a navy collared shirt and silver necklace smiling.

[The MPA Online program] has made me feel more confident in the breadth of knowledge it is that I have, and it’s really expanded my network in ways that I could not have done on my own.

Priscilla Hung, Co-Director of Move to End Violence

Man wearing black-rimmed glasses in a mauve sweater vest.

[The] Trojan Network begins with you. It starts with building those relationships in these classes. This program provides those opportunities and that foundation that you can really get to know other people in your classes.

Jivin Seward, Facilities Manager for the USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Man wearing a navy suit.

Those detailed foundational elements that USC provided for me and gave me a really robust understanding of, that’s how I approach any new problem or initiative in the cities.

Christopher Himes, Assistant City Manager at Manassas Park, Virginia

Woman with shoulder length brown hair smiling.

Through the MPA program, I was able to put theory into practice and develop approaches to tackle some of these challenges that really help you foster a better understanding of what does success look like and also promoting that development.

Paola Najera, Global Communications at Visa

Ready to get started?

Whether you’re a working professional looking to make a social impact or a passion-driven individual looking for a career shift, our nationally ranked MPA Online program provides valuable education and experience that will help you advance in your career.

Apply Now