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Public Administration, MPA

Career Outcomes

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for professional success in career positions in public, private, and nonprofit agencies.

Each year we survey MPA graduates to confirm where and how they are applying their education. A substantial proportion work in state and local government. Social service agencies, private sector contractors, and healthcare systems are significant employers as well.

Industry

Based on graduates from the Class of 2022 who found full-time roles, launched a company, or returned to a family business.

  • Government: 40%
  • Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech (Including Products & Services) & Retail: 13%
  • Nonprofit: 27%
  • Other (Real Estate, Education, Military): 20%

Job Functions

Based on graduates from the Class of 2022 who found full-time roles, launched a company, or returned to a family business.

  • General Management / Human Resources: 40%
  • Operations / Logistics: 27%
  • Other (Policy, Law, Nonprofit): 40%

By the Numbers

$96,808

Average Salary (Class of 2022)

$225,000

Maximum Salary (Class of 2022)

Employers

Recent graduates and alumni of our MPA program are employed in administrative and management positions at all levels of government, health service organizations, public safety, and nonprofit agencies.

  • American Cancer Society
  • Bay Area Air Quality Management District
  • California State Assembly
  • California State Senate
  • City and County of San Francisco
  • Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • Pentagon Force Protection Agency
  • Public Utilities Commission
  • UC San Francisco Medical Center
  • U.S. Department of Justice

Job Titles

  • Business Operations Manager, Senior
  • Chief Financial & Operating Officer
  • Deputy Public Administrator
  • Director of Program Management
  • Investigative Analyst
  • Labor Relations Representative
  • Legislative Consultant
  • People and Operations Manager
  • Policy & Communications Analyst, Senior
  • Public Information Officer

MPA ARY-5 Graduation Rates

Out of 55 students admitted to the program in Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 as a part of the MPA ARY-5 cohort:

  • 76% graduated in 2.5 years or less (42)
  • 96% graduated in 4 years or less (53)
  • 96% persisted to degree completion (53)

Accreditation

NASPAA accreditation indicates the USF Master of Public Administration program contributes to the knowledge, research, and practice of public service, has established measurable goals and outcomes and uses information about its performance to guide program improvement.