Introducing… Campus Weekend!
October 14, 2025 | 12:30pm PT
Join us for a 30-minute virtual info session on 51社区鈥檚 Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.
Learn how GGU鈥檚 MPA program delivers hands-on solutions to today鈥檚 public sector challenges and prepares you to advance with confidence in your career.
During this session, you鈥檒l hear from program leadership, get details on admissions, tuition, and deadlines, and have a chance to ask questions. Register today!
Program
Public Administration, MPA
Format
Online, Hybrid
Total Units
27
Requirements
No GMAT or GRE Required
Spring 鈥26 Early Application Deadline
November 8
Offered by the oldest public administration department in the San Francisco Bay Area, the聽Master of Public Administration (MPA) is for working students interested in a thorough understanding of the processes, issues, policies, and practices associated with the management of inclusive, diverse, and equitable聽public service and nonprofit organizations at the city, county, state, federal and international levels of governance. The MPA will introduce students to real-world, real-time knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a managerial or executive role within such organizational settings. The program will expose students to best practices in resilient leadership,聽succession planning, benchmarking, intergovernmental relations, results-based budgeting, anti-corruption and ethics, privacy and cybersecurity, as well as business and community engagement.
The MPA program is accelerated, rigorous, and taught by professors who all have extensive聽public service experiences. These seasoned professor-practitioners provide in-depth, real-time exposure to executive and supervisory skills and knowledge common to middle and upper-level management in all public and nonprofit organizations. This includes city and urban planning; financial management; human resources and labor relations; organizational development and adaptive leadership; law and social justice; policy formulation, and implementation; accountability and ethics.
The goal of the MPA program is to provide students with the leadership, organizational, analytical and communication skills, problem-solving techniques and subject-based knowledge required to manage effectively complex organizations. In addition, the program provides a critical understanding of the cross-cutting聽political, social, economic and environmental problems confronted by communities and citizens particularly the poor, at-risk, minorities, and marginalized. A strong sense of professional commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior, respect for others, and the core values upon which the profession of public administration is founded on are important goals of GGU鈥檚 MPA program. For the opportunity to socialize and network within their fields, students are encouraged to join the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). GGU also has a chapter of the national public administration honor society, Pi Alpha Alpha and ICMA聽and has been an institutional member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) since 1973.
Important Notice for Oregon Residents: Due to state regulations, residents of Oregon are not permitted to enroll in online master鈥檚 degree programs offered by out-of-state universities if the program is fewer than 30 units. As a result, Oregon residents are not eligible to enroll in this program.
In this virtual info session, we explored 51社区鈥檚 Master of Public Administration (MPA) program鈥攐ffered by the Bay Area鈥檚 oldest public administration department.
51社区鈥檚 Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is one of the oldest and most prestigious public administration programs in the Unites States, yet it is modern relative to intergenerational, domestic, and international learning adaptations.
The GGU MPA program provides high-quality content and instruction at an affordable cost. Our entry criteria are stringent; however, this ensures students have access in a learning environment that includes those with years of training, experience, and education. Our professors are practice-driven, hands-on faculty who are currently or previously engaged in various facets of daily public administration activities. The teaching objectives and learning outcomes are solutions-oriented. What is learned can be immediately applied to both daily professional and personal challenges.
Our graduates are prepared to have successful careers not only in the public sector local, state, regional, and federal governments, but also the private and nonprofit sectors. The GGU MPA Program is housed in the Ageno School of Business. Our course content is cutting edge. Being housed in the Ageno School of Business allows many students to take courses normally reserved for the MBA Program, Psychology, Accounting, Tax, Finance, and others. This further allows students to consider a holistic educational approach that involves critical thinking.
We invite you to take the first step by filling out an information request today. If you have questions or concerns about the program, let鈥檚 discuss them together.
鈥斅燱illie L. Britt, DPA | Associate Director
Online or Hybrid Courses
27 Credits
STEM Designated Degree
Taught by Industry Leaders
3 Concentrations Available
No GRE/GMAT Required
My experience in GGU鈥檚 Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program has been truly transformative, both professionally and personally. The program courses didn鈥檛 just cover theory, they applied it to real-world public administration challenges. Whether studying organizational behavior, ethics, public finance, or policy analysis, the curriculum consistently emphasized equity, accountability, and leadership with purpose. Every instructor brought deep expertise, a passion for public service, and a genuine investment in my success and that of my fellow classmates. 51社区 empowered me to lead with confidence, integrity, and empathy. It gave me the tools to not only advance in my career, but to be a more effective advocate for the communities I serve.
Attending 51社区 was one of the most fulfilling decisions I鈥檝e made for my personal and professional development. As someone working full-time in local government, I needed a program that offered flexibility without compromising quality鈥攁nd GGU delivered exactly that. What truly stood out was how relevant the coursework was to my day-to-day responsibilities in public service. I was able to immediately apply what I learned in class to real-world challenges, which not only deepened my understanding but also enhanced my performance on the job. The professors were exceptional鈥攄eeply knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in my success. GGU provided me with a practical, enriching education that continues to influence my work and growth.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practice of:
MPA graduates are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for public administration professionals is expected to grow 9% over the decade, much faster than average.
Master of Public Administration graduates have gone to work in a wide range of roles, including:
The Master of Public Administration聽requires completion of nine three-semester-hour courses for a total of 27 units, with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better in courses taken at 51社区 that are applicable to the program鈥檚 requirements.
For further information regarding graduation requirements, see .
Students are expected to possess proficiency in writing to ensure they can be successful in their course of study. Students may meet this requirement by satisfying one of the screening criteria listed under the聽.
Students鈥 diplomas will list the concentrations that they had successfully completed at the time their degrees were conferred. Students may not declare additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred.
Students may choose a general track and/or the Law Enforcement & Security Concentration.
Designed for law enforcement, public safety and private security professionals, probation and correctional officers, military police and first responders and front liners who seek to gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking, as well as operational and managerial skills leading and serving diverse, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities. Practitioners will benefit from the core MPA courses in leadership, organizational development, law budgeting, and research. The specialization courses in law enforcement, public safety, emergencies and pandemics, use of force, race and justice, community engagement, and security address issues and cases facing federal, state, municipal, nonprofit, and private agencies.
Select two of the following courses:Undergraduate students who elect to pursue the 聽have the option of taking聽graduate-level courses from the聽 program and applying them to both the minor requirements and the MPA program requirements. The Public Administration Minor provides a solid foundation in essential management concepts, techniques, communication, and organizational behavior, while the Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides a thorough understanding of the advanced processes, polices, and practices associated with the management of inclusive and diverse public service and nonprofit organizations at the municipal, regional, state, federal and international levels of governance.
The MPA will introduce students to advanced real-world knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a managerial or executive role within such organizational settings. Students will learn to engage, motivate, and lead individuals in diverse and inclusive public and private business enterprises. Those who complete both the minor and the MPA program will be in a unique position to understand and navigate the complex interactions between the public and private sectors, including policymaking, ethics, and the increasing privatization of the public sector.
Vice Provost for Global Education
Founding Dean of GGU Worldwide
A GGU faculty member since 2000, Jay Gonzalez is Vice Provost for Global Education and Dean of GGU Worldwide. Prof Jay, as he is fondly referred to by students globally, is also Mayor George Christopher Professor of Public Administration and Chair of GGU鈥檚 Department of Public Administration鈥攖he oldest Public Administration program in Northern California.
Associate Director, Master of Public Administration
Business Manager, Makati Chiropractic Center
Willie L. Britt is the Associate Director of the Master of Public Administration Program. Dr. Willie L. Britt earned his Doctorate of Public Administration degree from 51社区 in 2006. He was recognized in 2007 with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award Doctor of Public Administration in 2007. He joined GGU鈥檚 Public Administration Department as an Adjunct Professor in 2007 and then Senior Adjunct Professor in 2012.
Associate Dean, GGU Worldwide
Director, GGU Worldwide DBA Program
Dr. Mickey McGee brings extensive experience as an academic leader and organizational development expert, specializing in public administration, strategic management, and leadership development. Currently, he serves as the Associate Dean and Program Director for the DBA program at 51社区, where he combines academic rigor with practical expertise from the fields of military leadership and executive consulting.
Distinguished Adjunct Professor
Academic Technology Manager, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Alan R. Roper is a Distinguished Adjunct Faculty member at 51社区. During his 24 years teaching Research Methods and Doctoral Research and Writing, Dr. Roper has been recognized with the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award in 2019, Distinguished Adjunct Professor award 2021, and Ted Mitchell Distinguished Adjunct Professor award for 2023.
Faculty Director, GGU Beacon Program
Aihua Zelinsky is the Faculty Director in charge of the GGU Beacon Program for GGU Worldwide. Dr. Zelinsky joined GGU鈥檚 Public Administration Department in 2007. From 2023, she served as the Associate Director of the Executive Master of Public Administration Program at the Edward S. Ageno School of Business.
Adjunct Professor
President, Glad International
Dr. Pervaiz Masih is a resident of California and a GGU alum who completed his EMPA in 2015. Currently, he is leading Glad International (a non-profit) as a President and CEO of Leadership Development and Management Consultants (a consulting firm).
The tuition for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at 51社区 is $1,090 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.
At GGU, we have always understood and met the unique educational needs of working adult students. We focus on providing our students with real-world knowledge, emphasizing practical and skills-based education from instructors who are practicing professionals in some of the Bay Area鈥檚 most successful organizations.
The MPA program requires a total of 27 units for graduation 鈥 18 required course units and 9 elective units.
Students should speak with an Enrollment Advisor for help with planning by filling out the request information form. An Enrollment Advisor will be happy to talk with you and share all of your options.
The MPA program is delivered in an Online and Hybrid format.
1Satisfies the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs definition of a 鈥渉ybrid鈥 class for BAH benefits, so long as recipients attend the in-person class meeting(s).
2International students (F-1 Visa holders) may count a maximum of 1 course (or 3 units) of these instruction modes toward their 鈥渇ull course of study.鈥
Yes, the professors have extensive knowledge and experience in the areas that they teach. MPA Program professors pride themselves on having worked in or are currently working in the field of instruction. They offer 鈥渉ands on鈥 real world solutions to existing and emerging problems, thereby seeking opportunities for accomplishments.
The MPA program is $1090 per unit. With 27 units required, it is an estimated $29,430 to complete the program. Each three-unit course costs $3,270.
For more details on Tuition please visit /cost-of-attendance/
Students should discuss with the Financial Aid office at 415-442-7270 or finaid@ggu.edu
For more details on Financial Aid visit /admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/
6 years or at PAD Director鈥檚 discretion.聽See the .
The estimated completion time is 18 months for a part-time student. For students dealing with a 鈥渉ardship鈥 or other 鈥渦nforeseen circumstances,鈥 may be granted a 鈥淪top Out鈥 to complete the MPA Program. This is at the discretion of the MPA Director.
International students should contact info@ggu.edu or 415-442-7800. Additional details for international students can be found at /admissions/international-students/
Veterans of U.S. Military Service should contact dillercenter@ggu.edu or 415-369-5204. Additional details for active military or veterans: /student-services/veteran-services/
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