UPA students on busy urban street corner.

Urban & Public Affairs, MA

Join the Bay Area's dynamic culture of grassroots organizing and advocacy. Develop community-driven public policy for more equitable cities and regions. In rigorous seminars and hands-on experiences, prepare for leadership roles in community organizing, public service, and political advocacy.

Apply Now for 2025

The Fall 2025 application is now open. The priority application date is February 15.

The Urban & Public Affairs Program at USF

Combine classes in urban studies, public policy, politics, and sociology with hands-on experience in community-based research, policy design, and policy analysis. You will be trained to formulate policy and initiatives for more vibrant and just communities.

  • Internships – You’ll gain hands-on experience and build a network of professional contacts.
  • Career Opportunities – Alumni working in government advocacy, nonprofit administration, policy writing, campaign strategy and management, and grassroots and community organizing can connect you with career seminars, serve on your thesis committee, and maybe even hire you after graduation.
  • Distinguished Faculty – You’ll learn from both academics and professionals in the field.
Jackson Nutt Beers

Jackson Nutt-Beers ’21

Public Policy Program Manager,
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

The UPA program taught me everything I know about San Francisco from its cultural and political history to the current state of city. Without that knowledge I wouldn't be able to do my current job today."

Jackson Nutt-Beers ’21

Public Policy Program Manager,
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Changing the World Through Urban & Public Affairs

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Study Public Policy-Making in the Unique Urban Setting of the San Francisco Bay Area

Study urban and public policy in San Francisco, a dynamic center for innovative breakthroughs in housing, transportation, environmental justice, organizing and political management. Let the San Francisco Bay Area be your classroom.

Urban & Public Affairs student in front of a building.

Upcoming Events

Urban & Public Affairs, MA

Kresten Froistad-Martin, Program Manager
Masonic, Room MA 216
2130 Fulton St.
San Francisco, CA 94117

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