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Public Administration, M.P.A.

College of Arts and Sciences

Prepare to serve in government and nonprofits through rigorous study of public administration and policymaking, minutes from the seat of state government.

Whether you are transitioning to a public service role or aiming for career advancement, our accredited master’s degree program in public administration will help you build your professional network and gain valuable experience through internships and a capstone project. An accelerated MPA is available to USC undergraduates.

Program Highlights

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    Accredited Program

    Learn in a program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

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    Career-ready Graduates

    Benefit from our program's job placement rate, which typically exceeds 90 percent, with graduates working in government and nonprofits.

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    Emergency Management

    Add highly marketable skills to your resume with a concentration in emergency management and planning.

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    Advanced Options

    Expand your opportunities with additional education from a joint degree program in law, social work or public health.

What You’ll Study

Courses include organizational theory and practice, human resource management, public finance, public policymaking, public data analysis, and public ethics and accountability. Learn from scholars and practitioners in public policy and administration, gain experience in an internship, and analyze a contemporary public problem with a capstone project.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Management

    Directing and overseeing the activities and resources to achieve specific goals

    Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Policy Analysis

    Evaluating policies for effectiveness and impact, identify areas for improvement, and inform decision-making

  • Decision-making Expertise

    Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to make informed and effective decisions

    Administration

    Overseeing operations, managing resources and implementing policies for efficient and effective organizational functioning

    Organizational Skills

    Planning, prioritizing and managing tasks and resources to achieve specific objectives

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Project Manager
  • Public Administrator
  • Politician
  • Policy or Budget Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Outreach Coordinator

Workplace Settings

  • Government
  • Military
  • Nonprofits
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Law

The M.P.A. program allowed me to explore the unique intersection between law and government with the guidance of top-notch faculty. Campus is just steps away from the state’s capital, and students are provided excellent opportunities to work in and learn from government agencies.

Kennon McFalls
Portrait of Kennon McFalls

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