Online MPA Curriculum

As a student, you may select electives to develop professional expertise and pursue a certificate in either Public Policy or City and County Management. Each certificate can be completed within the 40 total units (41 for pre-service students) of the degree program.

Public Policy
The USC Price Certificate in Public Policy exposes students to policy issues of global interest, while fostering analytical skills built around the most forward-looking methodologies useful for advocacy, legislative impact, government policy setting and implementation across a spectrum of institutions.

City and County Management
The USC Price Certificate in City/County Management is designed for students interested in acquiring the foundational training to advance a career in public service leadership. Working with top faculty and mentors, students gain professional skills and knowledge to achieve career aspirations managing and leading at the forefront of change.

Your Capstone is not just another course—it’s your gateway to making an impact. This is where theory meets action, as you collaborate with senior leaders in public policy and government to develop real-world solutions for communities in need. It’s your chance to apply everything you’ve learned and build hands-on, practical skills that will serve you throughout your career.

As the pinnacle of the Master of Public Administration online program, the capstone brings students together in teams of three to four to consult with real clients, delivering valuable research and strategic insights. You’ll have the opportunity to work with senior decision-makers from local and state governments, nonprofit organizations, criminal justice systems, federal agencies, private sector firms, and leading public sector service providers. Along the way, you’ll sharpen key “soft skills” like consulting, advising, and effective communication, all while expanding your professional network.

By the end of the course, you and your team will produce a comprehensive project report and a communications briefing for your client, where you’ll present your findings, answer their questions, and propose actionable solutions.

The most outstanding capstone project will be honored with the prestigious Haynes Award at our annual Price School Awards Ceremony—along with a cash prize and well-earned recognition of your hard work and innovation.

Our program features two immersive, in-person residencies—one at the beginning and one at the end—that offer you the unique opportunity to build practical skills while connecting face-to-face with peers, faculty, and alumni.

Held on USC’s vibrant Los Angeles campus, these residencies go beyond the classroom. You’ll engage in hands-on, intensive sessions led by expert faculty, collaborating with fellow students and alumni on real-world challenges. Outside of class, you’ll enjoy social events and networking opportunities, forging meaningful connections within the Trojan Family and our dynamic campus community. These residencies are your chance to experience USC firsthand, strengthen your professional network, and make lasting memories.

Get ready for an exciting, in-person experience at USC with our three-day Professional Residency! Held on campus each Fall, this event is not just an essential part of your MPA journey—it’s mandatory for graduation. Over the course of Residency, you’ll dive into educational seminars led by our expert faculty, including sessions on digital literacy, communication and writing techniques, research, and quantitative methods. Beyond the classroom, you’ll have unique opportunities to network with fellow students, faculty, and alumni, while enjoying USC’s vibrant campus life—including football games and other campus activities! This is your chance to meet faculty members, your advisor, your personal cohort coach, and connect with alumni. There is an opportunity to tour the campus, grab some Trojan gear at the bookstore, and soak in all that USC has to offer!

The Capstone Residency, held during commencement week, is the culminating event of your MPA journey—a time to showcase your skills and celebrate your hard work! You’ll collaborate with peers to prepare and present your best work, tackling real-world problems in front of expert judges. It’s a highly competitive and rewarding experience, where top-tier analysis and presentation skills are recognized with engraved USC medals, worn proudly at graduation. Beyond the competition, this is your final chance to deepen connections with classmates and alumni, reinforcing the powerful USC Price network that will support you long after you leave campus.

Professional Residency
September 19 – 21, 2025