نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Program at a Glance

Program

Public Administration, MPA

Format

Online, Hybrid

Total Units

36

Requirements

No GMAT or GRE Required

Fall '25 Early Application Deadline

July 13

Program Overview

The 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 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.

Degree Outcomes

Curriculum

• PAD 301: Research Methods and Analysis – 4 units
• PAD 302: Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation – 4 units
• PAD 304: Public Enterprise Management and Public Sector Business Relations – 4 units
• PAD 305: Budgeting and Financial Management – 4 units
• PAD 307: Personnel Management and Labor Relations – 4 units
• PAD 396: Graduate Research Project in Public Management – 4 units

Elective Courses

• Select three of the following:
  • PAD 300: Theory, Ethics and Practice in Public Service – 4 units
  • PAD 303: Organizational Development and Leadership – 4 units
  • PAD 306: Public Service and the Law – 4 units
  • PAD 397: Internship: Public Service – 4 units

Declaring Program Concentrations

Students may declare up to two concentrations in a given degree program. Students seeking to declare more than two concentrations will be required to appeal to the dean for approval. Students' 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.

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.

• Select three of the following courses:
  • PAD 311: Current Issues in Law Enforcement – 4 units
  • PAD 312: Disaster, Emergency and Security – 4 units
  • PAD 313: Law Enforcement Ethics, Training and Accountability – 4 units
  • PAD 397: Internship: Public Service – 4 units

Urban Innovations Concentration

Designed for city, town, county, regional, and urban managers, planners, analysts, and consultants who seek to gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking, as well as operational and managerial skills in this rapidly evolving and dynamic field.

• Select three of the following courses:
  • PAD 320: Growth, Technology, and Competitiveness – 4 units
  • PAD 321: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility – 4 units
  • PAD 322: Resilience, Livability, and Sustainability – 4 units
  • PAD 397: Internship: Public Service – 4 units

Digital Technology & Security Concentration

Designed for public service professionals who seek to gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking, advisory, as well as operational and managerial skills leading and serving digital technology and security departments and teams in the public and nonprofit sectors.

• Complete the following:
  • ITM 300: IT Management & Digital Transformation in the Business Enterprise – 3 units
  • ITM 304: Managing Data Structures – 3 units
  • ITM 316: Software Engineering Leadership – 3 units
  • ITM 323: Security, Privacy and Compliance – 3 units

Undergraduate Pathway Program

Undergraduate students who elect to pursue the Public Administration Minor have the option of taking graduate-level courses from the Public Administration, General Concentration, MPA program and applying them to both the minor requirements and the MPA program requirements.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Alan R. Roper

Distinguished Adjunct Professor

Academic Technology Manager, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Dr. Aihua Yang Zelinsky

Faculty Director, GGU Beacon Program

Dr. Pervaiz Masih

Adjunct Professor

President, Glad International

MPA Tuition

The tuition for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Golden Gate University is $825 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Golden Gate University?

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's most successful organizations.

What are the admission criteria?

Graduate Program: Admission to Golden Gate University's MPA Program is based on the assessment of applicants' educational and professional credentials, and a determination of the ability to benefit from the MPA Program.

How many units are needed for the MPA program, required and electives?

The MPA program requires a total of 36 units for graduation — 24 required course units and 12 elective units.

Can I start an undergraduate degree or certificate program at GGU and apply those units to the MPA program?

Students should speak with an Enrollment Advisor for help with planning.

What is the class format?

The MPA program is delivered in an Online and Hybrid format.

Are the instructors/professors' practitioners in the areas that they teach?

Yes, the professors have extensive knowledge and experience in the areas that they teach.

What is the cost of the program, per unit and total?

The MPA program is $825 per unit. With 36 units required, it is an estimated $29,700 to complete the program.

Is there any financial aid or student discounts available to help pay for the cost of the program?

Students should discuss with the Financial Aid office.

How much time do I have to complete the program?

6 years or at PAD Director's discretion.

Who can I speak to regarding veteran and international student enrollment?

International students should contact the International Student Office. Veterans of U.S. Military Service should contact the Veterans' Office.