Master of Public Administration

The SF State Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program offers students the opportunity to earn their MPA by taking a mix of in-person and hybrid courses in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The MPA Program is nationally accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, & Administration (NASPAA).
The SF State Public Administration is a pioneer in the field with using hybrid courses. Our program has operated effectively with the remote delivery of our curriculum (online, hybrid and face-to-face remote via Zoom) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is looking forward to another robust schedule of courses for Spring and Fall 2022.

Be a part of our innovative and rewarding professional program, geared for working adults. Our program is built upon high impact educational practices, traditional and hybrid courses, a convenient location in downtown San Francisco right over the Powell Street BART Station, and the best value for your tuition dollar in the Bay Area. Get more details about admissions below and of our innovative and rewarding professional program.
Based on the premise that policy and administration must be understood in relation to each other, the program instills an appreciation for public service values such as accountability, civic engagement, equity, social justice, and sustainability. The core of the program seeks to develop foundational knowledge and analytical skills in public policy, public administration, and research. They are criminal justice administration, environmental administration, gerontology administration, nonprofit administration, public management, public policy, and urban administration. Students may also self-design a theme by choosing courses relevant to their professional interests offered by other departments and programs throughout the University. San Francisco State University Public Administration students graduate with a portfolio of work products and evaluations of that work, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in the public administration program. The required components of the portfolio are core competencies and skills crucial for the success of nonprofit and public administrators. Students publish selected coursework along with explanations of their accomplishments in the degree program on the platform and use it to connect with others in the field.

To meet minimum eligibility standards for graduate study at San Francisco State, an applicant must:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authority;
• Be in good academic standing at the last college of university attended;
• Have a 3.0 GPA in their earned undergraduate degree or in the last 60 semester (90) quarter units completed, or have earned a post-baccalaureate degree

Minimum TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65; some majors require higher scores.

Application Deadlines

For admission to Fall: May 1st, with the review of completed applications to begin on April 1

For admission to the Spring semester: November 1st, with the review of completed applications to begin on October 1.