Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The McGeorge School of Law Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares professionals for successful careers in management and leadership positions and as advocates for change in making and implementing public policies. The 30-unit core curriculum emphasizes the foundations of public action based in statutes and regulations, value clarity, competencies in strategic leadership, analytical skills required for public management, and systemic change. Students may also elect an additional 6 -12 units for a concentration as a basis for launching a career or developing expertise in a field of their interest. To offer maximum flexibility, students are admitted and may begin studies in fall, spring, or summer semester. The McGeorge MPA has four distinctive attributes: Prepares students to capably make and effectively implement public policy decisions. Graduates will understand and develop the skills to master various aspects of governance, including the use of formal authority and competencies of governments, roles of non-profits and businesses, and citizen engagement, while acknowledging the demographic, economic and cultural factors that shape possible actions. Graduates will be ready to advance their career in a wide range of public service organizations, including government agencies, non-profit and other nongovernmental organizations, private sector firms, and advocacy groups. Offers high impact areas of concentration. Students can choose a concentration in areas such as health, water and natural resources, judicial administration, state or local government, public finance, or they can create a customized specialization specific to their needs and interest. Only program in the nation offered by an accredited law school. The McGeorge School of Law is the only accredited law school in the nation to offer a Master's degree in Public Administration. McGeorge has been serving the state, nation, and beyond since 1924 and is proud to build on its relationships and reputation to help students advance their public service careers. Curriculum supplemented with real world experience. McGeorge MPA faculty members are highly effective in educating and supporting public professionals and bring decades of experience in strategic leadership roles, either advising or managing public institutions. In class, students engage in spirited policy discussions with the faculty and learn about innovative management approaches from these experienced professionals, who impart their knowledge based on their own real world experiences in their fields of expertise.