Student leans against a railing with the city skyline behind.
Public Administration, MPA

Student Experience

Public Administration engages graduate students in the search for evidence-based practices that advance the public good.

Education in Combined Fields

  • Organizational Behavior
  • Policy Analysis
  • Human Resources
  • Public Budgeting
  • Information Technology
  • Strategic Planning
  • Program Implementation and Evaluation

Practical Application

The MPA program emphasizes effective management and leadership practices that build high-performing teams, involve communities in planning, and navigate public and nonprofit agencies for the public good.

The coursework applies interpersonal skills, administrative concepts, and multiple frames to actual work situations. Emphasizing action and research, the curriculum draws on the Jesuit tradition of reflection, experience, and core-value driven leadership for lifelong learning and professional growth.

Class Profile

MPA Class Composition Demographic Percentage or Range
Male 35%
Female 65%
US Domestic Minorities 24%
Average Age 33
Age Range 24-57

MPA Industries and Career Outcomes

  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Nonprofit

Placement and Career Outcomes

Change the World From Here

Through small group activities and seminar discussions, you will focus on experiential learning, case analysis, and diagnostic and critical-thinking skills, shifting from cognition to action and effective behaviors.

Increase your capacity for problem-solving, effective inquiry, and how to work through ambiguity and uncertainty. The MPA program highlights ethical decision-making and community and organizational contributions, enabling you to actively apply the USF mission to Change the World from Here.