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This 39-credit program provides adaptable learning options while equipping you with essential leadership capabilities. The curriculum blends comprehensive core administrative studies with specialized electives across multiple disciplines, empowering you to drive meaningful transformation within your organization and mission.
Alumni from USD's public administration program work across local, state, and regional government agencies as well as nonprofit sectors. The flexible program structure develops crucial leadership competencies through a combination of fundamental administrative coursework and diverse elective options, enabling you to create positive impact for both your institution and community.
Our campus-based MPA delivers robust theoretical foundations complemented by hands-on learning opportunities. Develop expertise in organizational leadership, policy engagement, critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, public service principles, and effective communication within diverse professional and community settings. The program has maintained continuous NASPAA accreditation since 1983.
Students with Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission.
English Language Requirements:
A minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission.