Master of Public Administration (MPA) online graduates from the University of Southern California go on to have a variety of impactful careers. With a strong foundation in public policy, management, and analytical skills, USC Price MPA online graduates are well-equipped to take on leadership roles in the public sector. Discover four career trajectories that showcase the versatility of a MPA from USC Price:
1. City manager: shaping the future of urban governance
What is a city manager?
City managers serve as the operational backbone of municipal governance, translating legislative policies into actionable public services while balancing fiscal and community needs. They oversee daily operations ranging from budget management, to coordinating multi-agency initiatives like disaster response plans and infrastructure projects1.
How are city managers compensated?
City manager pay can vary widely based on the size and location of the city. According to USC Price experts, salary for city managers can vary between about $75,000 and $750,000 per year.
How does USC Price prepare you?
USC Price’s MPA program offers a Certificate in City/County Management, providing specialized training in local government administration.
After receiving his degree, MPA online alum Christopher Himes went on to be an Assistant City Manager and now serves as a Township Manager. Reflecting on his experience, he states, “the combination of the quantitative part, the statistical analysis part, the things that lead into making decisions at the local government level, the program supported all of those key areas. And in fact, having specific courses around local government, to me, just all of that encased together created just the perfect situation.”
The program’s capstone project allows students to work on real-world challenges faced by local governments, preparing them for the complexities of city management. The capstone project is the “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.”
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Find Out More2. Program analyst: driving efficiency in public projects
What is a program analyst?
Program analysts serve as operational architects in public service, translating policy into measurable community impact. Many go on to work at local, state or federal agencies.
MPA Online alumni Bryce Steeves, shapes the future of transportation through his work at the Federal Transit Authority by managing federal funds allocated to grantees for public projects aimed at improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Professionals like Steeves blend technical expertise with community engagement, conducting cost-benefit analyses and ensuring compliance with federal equity mandates.
MPA Online alumni and senior analyst for the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Godfrey Gozos, notes, “The program taught me that every decision we make as public administrators has an effect on anyone and everyone in the community.” USC Price courses, like Essential Statistics for Public Management, combined with real world application during the capstone project train analysts to balance quantitative rigor with human-centered solutions—skills Gozos applied directly in his own capstone project on small business support systems.
How are program analysts compensated?
While program analyst salaries can vary, they can be very competitive. The base salary in the United States ranges from about $56,828 to $139,462 per year, according to Indeed in April 2025. In Los Angeles, the median total pay for program analysts is $117,000 annually, according to Glassdoor in April 2025, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this field.
How does USC Price prepare you?
USC Price’s MPA online program equips future program analysts with a diverse skill set essential for government roles. Students learn to evaluate and improve the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of various government programs and policies. The curriculum emphasizes data analysis techniques, policy research, and program evaluation methodologies. Through hands-on projects and real-world case studies, students develop expertise in conducting cost-benefit analyses, interpreting complex regulations, and assessing program outcomes. The program also hones critical thinking and communication skills, enabling graduates to present findings and recommendations to stakeholders effectively. This comprehensive approach prepares analysts to tackle multifaceted challenges across different government sectors, from social services to environmental initiatives.
3. Public information officer: bridging government and community
What is a public information officer?
Public information officers (PIOs) are the strategic communicators for government agencies and organizations. They serve as the critical link between complex public initiatives and community understanding. PIOs don’t just disseminate information; they craft narratives that shape public perception and drive civic engagement. Beyond crisis management, PIOs develop comprehensive communication plans, spearhead public awareness campaigns, and cultivate relationships with journalists to facilitate media coverage2.
How are public information officers compensated?
In Los Angeles, public information officers can earn salaries ranging from about $47,330 to $129,439 per year, according to Indeed in April 2025. Senior officials serving in roles which direct public information earn up to $200,000 depending upon the size of their organization and the complexity of their position.
How does USC Price prepare you?
The MPA program at USC Price emphasizes effective communication skills, public relations strategies, and crisis management techniques. These skills are essential for Public Information Officer careers, where one must navigate complex public communication challenges.
While not a PIO, MPA online alumni Keith Regan utilized these same skills as the State Comptroller of Hawaii. Following the devastating wildfires in West Maui, he managed logistics and warehousing for emergency supplies, ensuring they reached those in need. He also assisted volunteer services working to restore the region.
4. Legislator: from elected officials to legislative staff
What is a legislator?
A legislator is an elected official serving in a legislative body—such as a state assembly, house or senate member or a Member of Congress—responsible for crafting, debating, amending, and voting on laws. Their core duties include representing the interests and values of their constituents, holding hearings, overseeing budgets, conducting oversight on executive action and agency activities and engaging with public policy matters. Essentially, legislators play a pivotal role in shaping governance, public budgets, and legal frameworks within their jurisdictions.
Legislative staff, on the other hand, are the engine that drives the deliberative bodies. Legislative staff can be very senior, including roles like Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, or very close to the district such as District Director, Advance and Security, Constituent Services personnel.
Compensation: from legislative assistant salaries to elected legislator salaries
In the U.S., Indeed reports that legislative assistant salaries average around $62,000, with a high of roughly $105,087. Regional differences can be significant. According to ZipRecruiter, the City of Los Angeles averages closer to $70,000 a year and can reach up to $130,000 per year. Advancing legislative staff and senior staff salaries can range from $150,000 to more than $200,000 depending upon the legislature.
By comparison, elected legislators’ compensation varies dramatically by state with New York and California typically having the highest salaries. According to the California Department of Human Resources, members of the state legislature have a salary of $132,700. Recent legislative compensation shifts include South Carolina and Kansas increasing salaries according to AP News.
How does USC Price prepare you?
As part of the Sol Price School of Public Policy, the USC MPA online program offers coursework relevant to those interested in legislative careers. As a result, nearly 50% of our graduates work in the public sector (based on 2023 enrollment data).The school’s Certificate in Public Policy exposes students to policy issues of global interest, while fostering analytical skills useful for advocacy, legislature, and government work.
Luke Evslin, who received his MPA online in 2020 with a Certificate in Public Policy, has served on the Hawai’i State House of Representatives since 2021. He focuses on issues relating to housing, income inequality, and climate change.
USC Price MPA – a world of opportunities
The career opportunities for USC Price MPA graduates are as diverse as they are impactful. The rigorous curriculum, hands-on experiences, and extensive network provided by USC Price’s MPA program equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel in the public sector.
Whether you aspire to be a program analyst driving efficiency in federal projects, a city manager orchestrating municipal success, or a legislator solving complex issues, the USC Price MPA program provides the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career in public service.
Learn more about our Master of Public Administration Online.
1 Indeed: What Does a City Manager Do? (Duties, Salary and Skills)
2 Indeed: What Is a Public Information Officer? (With Job Duties and Skills)
