The Master of Public Administration prepares you to serve the public ethically and effectively in increasingly diverse societies. Our students advance their careers in public affairs for public, non-profit and private entities in South Carolina and beyond. Why the MPA degree at USC?Our MPA program will help you: - Build a professional network in South Carolina’s capital city and nationally.
- Learn from leading scholars in the fields of public policy and administration.
- Gain valuable professional experience through an internship or capstone project.
- Develop the managerial knowledge and analytical skills employers seek in government, public and non-profit sectors nationwide.
Who should consider the MPA degree? - Current students who are motivated to serve the public by working in public affairs.
- Working professionals who wish to enhance their skills and abilities, advance in their organization or transition into public service from another career path.
A schedule that works for youAll of our classes are scheduled in the evenings, making it possible to pursue a graduate degree while working full-time.
Support for your successIn-person classes offer a traditional learning environment. With around 50 students enrolled in the program, students receive individualized attention.
Two years to completeThe MPA degree at USC requires 39 credit hours, allowing full-time students to complete the program in just two years.
Funding for your MPA degreeApplicants are eligible for a variety of fellowships, assistantships and student loans. All out-of-state applicants are considered for the Sam Carter Fellowship, which comes with a $250 award and in-state tuition benefits. Joint Degree OptionsDo you want to earn two degrees at once? The university offers several dual degree options that allow you to complete both programs for fewer credit hours than if you pursued each degree independently. This dual degree in public administration and law benefits prospective lawyers and other practitioners who wish to work at all levels of government and in nonprofit organizations or the private sector. Graduates gain skills to shape policies nationally and internationally. The MPA with a Master of Social Work equips graduates to promote the health and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations by improving organization performance through teaching, research, advocacy, community development and policy analysis. An MPA with a Master of Public Health in Health Services Policy and Management prepares students to address policy issues and manage public and private healthcare agencies. Graduates are positioned to make valuable contributions in the field. Accelerated MPA ProgramUndergraduate students may complete the MPA concurrently with their bachelor’s degree through our accelerated MPA program. Students can earn both degrees in about five years. Is public administration a good masters?Is an MPA a good degree? Yes—with roles like healthcare administrator, urban planner and nonprofit director, these individuals perform fulfilling work that can create meaningful societal change. Payscale data indicates that professionals with MPAs earn strong salaries of around $72,000 per year. What are the concentrations of USC MPA?A Customizable Public Administration Program Self-designed focus areas or specializations: local government management, nonprofit management, health management, public financial management and international management. What is USC public policy ranked?USC Price School Named Among Top 5 Public Affairs Schools for 7th Consecutive Year. Los Angeles, April 25, 2023 – The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy announced today that U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) has ranked it No. 4 among the nation's public affairs schools for the 2023-2024 period. What is USC price known for?With a history spanning more than 90 years, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy has earned a distinct reputation for excellence in creating scholarship that serves the global public good. | 
