Program Overview

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University Programs

The university offers a range of programs, including:

• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Public Affairs
• Master of Development Practice
• Doctoral Program
• Undergraduate Programs

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

Program Overview

The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program is designed for mid-career professionals across public, private, and non-profit sectors. The program offers a tailored 30-unit curriculum over a single year, with an option to start in-person in May or virtually in June.

Program Structure

The program is structured to accommodate a variety of schedules and needs, with two tracks for completion:

• In-person start in mid-May (12-14 month program)
• Summer Online option that begins virtually in June (14-month program)

Student Experience

The MPA program offers a dynamic and flexible program tailored to accommodate a variety of schedules and needs. Students can choose to take courses online or on-campus, and even return to their jobs. On average, students dedicate about 20 hours weekly, encompassing both in-class and out-of-class time, completing around 6 to 7 units each semester.

Program Requirements

To earn their MPA, students need to achieve a minimum of 30 units across four terms:

• 17 units from core courses
• At least 13 units from electives For international scholars holding F-1 or J-1 visas, it’s essential to note that at least 3 units in the Fall and 4 in the Spring must be completed in residency.

Research Areas

The program covers a range of research areas, including:

• Energy
• Climate change
• Global security
• IT
• Education
• Race, equity, social justice, and urban strategy

Career Opportunities

The MPA program is designed to prepare students for transformative leadership and policy-centric roles in their respective domains. Students will have access to all amenities of a UC Berkeley student, including library access, student discounts, sporting events, and career coaching.

Student Profile

The MPA program ushers students into a dynamic network of frontrunners, visionaries, and innovators driving transformation in government, business, and nonprofit spheres. The close-knit ambiance of small classes ensures that students garner the personalized attention they deserve. The average years of work experience for MPA students is 7-10 years.

Capstone Project

The program culminates in a Capstone project where theory meets practice, allowing students to dissect a pivotal policy challenge for a real-world client using the rich, interdisciplinary tools imbued from the MPA course.

Faculty Expertise

The program is steered by esteemed faculty — a blend of seasoned researchers, practitioners, and thinkers, passionately addressing pressing public policy realms.

Global Network

The MPA program offers a vibrant global network, with students from outside the Bay Area making up 60% of the enrolled students.

Admissions

The program has a range of admissions events, including information sessions and personal consultations with admissions staff. The admissions process is designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for the program and have a clear understanding of the requirements and expectations.