Program
Public Administration, MPA
Format
Online, Hybrid
Total Units
36
Requirements
No GMAT or
GRE Required
Fall ’25 Early Application Deadline
July 13
Offered by the oldest public administration department in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) is for working students interested in a thorough understanding of the processes, issues, policies, and practices associated with the management of inclusive, diverse, and equitable public service and nonprofit organizations at the city, county, state, federal and international levels of governance. The MPA will introduce students to real-world, real-time knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a managerial or executive role within such organizational settings. The program will expose students to best practices in resilient leadership, succession planning, benchmarking, intergovernmental relations, results-based budgeting, anti-corruption and ethics, privacy and cybersecurity, as well as business and community engagement.
The MPA program is accelerated, rigorous, and taught by professors who all have extensive public service experiences. These seasoned professor-practitioners provide in-depth, real-time exposure to executive and supervisory skills and knowledge common to middle and upper-level management in all public and nonprofit organizations. This includes city and urban planning; financial management; human resources and labor relations; organizational development and adaptive leadership; law and social justice; policy formulation, and implementation; accountability and ethics.
The goal of the MPA program is to provide students with the leadership, organizational, analytical and communication skills, problem-solving techniques and subject-based knowledge required to manage effectively complex organizations. In addition, the program provides a critical understanding of the cross-cutting political, social, economic and environmental problems confronted by communities and citizens particularly the poor, at-risk, minorities, and marginalized. A strong sense of professional commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior, respect for others, and the core values upon which the profession of public administration is founded on are important goals of GGU’s MPA program. For the opportunity to socialize and network within their fields, students are encouraged to join the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). GGU also has a chapter of the national public administration honor society, Pi Alpha Alpha and ICMA and has been an institutional member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) since 1973.
Golden Gate University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is one of the oldest and most prestigious public administration programs in the Unites States, yet it is modern relative to intergenerational, domestic, and international learning adaptations.
The GGU MPA program provides high-quality content and instruction at an affordable cost. Our entry criteria are stringent; however, this ensures students have access in a learning environment that includes those with years of training, experience, and education. Our professors are practice-driven, hands-on faculty who are currently or previously engaged in various facets of daily public administration activities. The teaching objectives and learning outcomes are solutions-oriented. What is learned can be immediately applied to both daily professional and personal challenges.
Our graduates are prepared to have successful careers not only in the public sector local, state, regional, and federal governments, but also the private and nonprofit sectors. The GGU MPA Program is housed in the Ageno School of Business. Our course content is cutting edge. Being housed in the Ageno School of Business allows many students to take courses normally reserved for the MBA Program, Psychology, Accounting, Tax, Finance, and others. This further allows students to consider a holistic educational approach that involves critical thinking.
We invite you to take the first step by filling out an information request today. If you have questions or concerns about the program, let’s discuss them together.
— Willie L. Britt, DPA | Associate Director
Online or Hybrid Courses
36 Credits
STEM Designated Degree
Taught by Industry Leaders
3 Concentrations Available
No GRE/GMAT Required
My experience in GGU’s Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program has been truly transformative, both professionally and personally. The program courses didn’t just cover theory, they applied it to real-world public administration challenges. Whether studying organizational behavior, ethics, public finance, or policy analysis, the curriculum consistently emphasized equity, accountability, and leadership with purpose. Every instructor brought deep expertise, a passion for public service, and a genuine investment in my success and that of my fellow classmates. Golden Gate University empowered me to lead with confidence, integrity, and empathy. It gave me the tools to not only advance in my career, but to be a more effective advocate for the communities I serve.
Attending Golden Gate University was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made for my personal and professional development. As someone working full-time in local government, I needed a program that offered flexibility without compromising quality—and GGU delivered exactly that. What truly stood out was how relevant the coursework was to my day-to-day responsibilities in public service. I was able to immediately apply what I learned in class to real-world challenges, which not only deepened my understanding but also enhanced my performance on the job. The professors were exceptional—deeply knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in my success. GGU provided me with a practical, enriching education that continues to influence my work and growth.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practice of:
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.
Master of Public Administration graduates have gone to work in a wide range of roles, including:
The Master of Public Administration requires completion of nine four-semester-hour courses for a total of 36 units, including 24 units of required courses and 12 units of concentration courses.
Students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University that are applicable to the program’s requirements. For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Academic Requirements for Graduate Programs.
Students are expected to possess proficiency in writing to ensure they can be successful in their course of study. Students may meet this requirement by satisfying one of the screening criteria listed under the Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement.
(Courses below represent the General Concentration)
Students may declare up to two concentrations in a given degree program. Students seeking to declare more than two concentrations will be required to appeal to the dean for approval. Students’ diplomas will list the concentrations that they had successfully completed at the time their degrees were conferred. Students may not declare additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred.
Students may choose a general track or select from 3 concentrations: Law Enforcement & Security, Urban Innovations, and Digital Technology & Security.
Designed for law enforcement, public safety and private security professionals, probation and correctional officers, military police and first responders and front liners who seek to gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking, as well as operational and managerial skills leading and serving diverse, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities. Practitioners will benefit from the core MPA courses in leadership, organizational development, law budgeting, and research. The specialization courses in law enforcement, public safety, emergencies and pandemics, use of force, race and justice, community engagement, and security address issues and cases facing federal, state, municipal, nonprofit, and private agencies.
Select three of the following courses:Designed for city, town, county, regional, and urban managers, planners, analysts, and consultants who seek to gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking, as well as operational and managerial skills in this rapidly evolving and dynamic field. Practitioners will benefit from the core MPA courses in leadership, organizational development, law, budgeting, data analytics, and policy research. The specialization courses on urban growth, technology, and competitiveness, inclusiveness, diversity, equity, and resilience address economic, social, climate change, and environmental issues and cases facing citizens and communities, and their business, government, and nonprofit agencies.
Select three of the following courses:Designed for public service professionals who seek to gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking, advisory, as well as operational and managerial skills leading and serving digital technology and security departments and teams in the public and nonprofit sectors. Practitioners will benefit from the core MPA courses in leadership, organizational development, law, budgeting, public-private partnership, and policy research. The specialization courses in IT management, data structures and networks, software engineering leadership, and infrastructure security address evolving real-time issues and cases facing federal, state, municipal agencies as well as nonprofit and private organizations.
Complete the following:Undergraduate students who elect to pursue the Public Administration Minor have the option of taking graduate-level courses from the Public Administration, General Concentration, MPA program and applying them to both the minor requirements and the MPA program requirements. The Public Administration Minor provides a solid foundation in essential management concepts, techniques, communication, and organizational behavior, while the Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides a thorough understanding of the advanced processes, polices, and practices associated with the management of inclusive and diverse public service and nonprofit organizations at the municipal, regional, state, federal and international levels of governance.
The MPA will introduce students to advanced real-world knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a managerial or executive role within such organizational settings. Students will learn to engage, motivate, and lead individuals in diverse and inclusive public and private business enterprises. Those who complete both the minor and the MPA program will be in a unique position to understand and navigate the complex interactions between the public and private sectors, including policymaking, ethics, and the increasing privatization of the public sector.
Department Chair & Professor of Public Administration
Founding Dean of GGU Worldwide
Vice Provost for Global Affairs
Mayor George Christopher Professor of Public Administration
A GGU faculty member since 2000, Jay Gonzalez is Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Dean of GGU Worldwide. Prof Jay, as he is fondly referred to by students globally, is also Mayor George Christopher Professor of Public Administration and Chair of GGU’s Department of Public Administration—the oldest Public Administration program in Northern California.
Associate Director, Master of Public Administration
Business Manager, Makati Chiropractic Center
Willie L. Britt is the Associate Director of the Master of Public Administration Program. Dr. Willie L. Britt earned his Doctorate of Public Administration degree from Golden Gate University in 2006. He was recognized in 2007 with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award Doctor of Public Administration in 2007. He joined GGU’s Public Administration Department as an Adjunct Professor in 2007 and then Senior Adjunct Professor in 2012.
Distinguished Adjunct Professor
Academic Technology Manager, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Alan R. Roper is a Distinguished Adjunct Faculty member at Golden Gate University. During his 24 years teaching Research Methods and Doctoral Research and Writing, Dr. Roper has been recognized with the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award in 2019, Distinguished Adjunct Professor award 2021, and Ted Mitchell Distinguished Adjunct Professor award for 2023.
Faculty Director, GGU Beacon Program
Aihua Zelinsky is the Faculty Director in charge of the GGU Beacon Program for GGU Worldwide. Dr. Zelinsky joined GGU’s Public Administration Department in 2007. From 2023, she served as the Associate Director of the Executive Master of Public Administration Program at the Edward S. Ageno School of Business.
Adjunct Professor
President, Glad International
Dr. Pervaiz Masih is a resident of California and a GGU alum who completed his EMPA in 2015. Currently, he is leading Glad International (a non-profit) as a President and CEO of Leadership Development and Management Consultants (a consulting firm).
The tuition for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Golden Gate University is $825 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.
At GGU, we have always understood and met the unique educational needs of working adult students. We focus on providing our students with real-world knowledge, emphasizing practical and skills-based education from instructors who are practicing professionals in some of the Bay Area’s most successful organizations.
The MPA program requires a total of 36 units for graduation — 24 required course units and 12 elective units.
Students should speak with an Enrollment Advisor for help with planning by filling out the request information form. An Enrollment Advisor will be happy to talk with you and share all of your options.
The MPA program is delivered in an Online and Hybrid format.
1Satisfies the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs definition of a “hybrid” class for BAH benefits, so long as recipients attend the in-person class meeting(s).
2International students (F-1 Visa holders) may count a maximum of 1 course (or 3 units) of these instruction modes toward their “full course of study.”
Yes, the professors have extensive knowledge and experience in the areas that they teach. MPA Program professors pride themselves on having worked in or are currently working in the field of instruction. They offer “hands on” real world solutions to existing and emerging problems, thereby seeking opportunities for accomplishments.
The MPA program is $825 per unit. With 36 units required, it is an estimated $29,700 to complete the program.
For more details on Tuition please visit https://ggu.edu/cost-of-attendance/
Students should discuss with the Financial Aid office at 415-442-7270 or finaid@ggu.edu
For more details on Financial Aid visit https://ggu.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/
6 years or at PAD Director’s discretion. See the GGU catalog for more information on completion time.
The estimated completion time is 18 months for a part-time student. For students dealing with a “hardship” or other “unforeseen circumstances,” may be granted a “Stop Out” to complete the MPA Program. This is at the discretion of the MPA Director.
International students should contact info@ggu.edu or 415-442-7800. Additional details for international students can be found at https://ggu.edu/admissions/international-students/
Veterans of U.S. Military Service should contact dillercenter@ggu.edu or 415-369-5204. Additional details for active military or veterans: https://ggu.edu/student-services/veteran-services/
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