Earn Your Master of Public Administration
Online or Hybrid | Learn On Your Schedule
Transform Your Public Service Dedicated Career
At Golden Gate University, our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed by industry experts to prepare you for meaningful, service-oriented leadership roles within a variety of organizations. Throughout your MPA, you’ll gain advanced knowledge in key areas of public administration, including city and urban planning, financial management, human resources, organizational development, community engagement, social justice, and more.
Whether you’re passionate about government, education, healthcare, or nonprofit leadership, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and strategies needed to excel in your career and make a positive difference in your community.
Program Overview
Online or Hybrid Courses
36 Credits
STEM Designated Degree
Taught by Industry Leaders
3 Concentrations Available
No GRE/GMAT Required
Elevate Your Career with an MPA
MPA graduates are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for public administration professionals is expected to grow 9% over the decade, much faster than average.
Common career paths for Master’s in Public Administration graduates include:
- Director of Advancement
- Urban or Regional Planner
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Community Development Manager
- Healthcare Administrator
- City Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Communications Director
- Education Administrator
The direction and encouragement from Golden Gate University teaching and support staff proved to be an integral part of earning my degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the MPA program will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practice of:
- Ethics, accountability;
- Policymaking and intergovernmental relations;
- Leadership and organizational resilience;
- Business and community engagement;
- Public finance and budgeting;
- Law and social justice;
- Urban planning and innovations;
- Law enforcement and security;
- Human resource management and labor relations; and
- Policy research, analytics, and communications.
Why Choose GGU?
Learn from Working Scholar-Practitioners
GGU faculty members are working professionals in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms that serve these sectors. Benefit from their real-world experience and insights as you prepare for leadership roles in public service.
San Francisco — A Hub of Public Innovation
Immerse yourself in a city known for its innovative approaches to social issues. San Francisco’s rich tradition of government-sponsored programs and public resource utilization provides a unique backdrop for your studies.
Flexible Lifestyle
We offer online and hybrid degree programs that are designed for busy adults. With 3 start terms per year and convenient 15-week courses, you’ll be able to manage your schedule the way you want while you balance school with work, family, and life.
World-Class Education
We’re committed to providing adult learners with the best education available. Our programs are accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and GGU is consistently ranked as a top university for working professionals.
About Golden Gate University
At GGU, our mission is to help you build a brighter foundation for your future through higher education. As one of California’s oldest private and nonprofit universities, Golden Gate University has been focused on providing practical, career-focused degrees to working adults since 1901.
Over the past 25+ years, we’ve evolved to meet the needs of nontraditional students by offering flexible online and hybrid programs in the growing fields of business, finance, law, technology, taxation, and accounting.
Our location in the heart of San Francisco’s high-tech and financial district provides you with access to some of the world’s biggest companies — even as an online or hybrid student. Whether you’re ready to finish your degree, make a career change, qualify for a new job, or simply set yourself up for future success, Golden Gate University is here to help you make your goals a reality.
70K+
GGU Alumni Worldwide
98%
of Grads Recommend GGU
60+
Degrees Designed
for Working Professionals
Important Notice for Oregon Residents
Due to state regulations, residents of Oregon are not permitted to enroll in online master’s degree programs offered by out-of-state universities if the program is fewer than 30 units. As a result, Oregon residents are not eligible to enroll in this program.
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Golden Gate University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
To learn if GGU is allowed to offer online education in your state, click here.
