The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the University of La Verne develops public service professionals to engage in socially responsible roles in their communities and organizations, including in local, state, and national government. The MPA program focuses on building connections with alumni, public service leaders, and the public itself to collaborate on solutions that address regional and local problems, issues, and disparities. We offer a relevant and highly personalized program with career mentoring, professional networking, and advancement in public service.

To provide convenience and flexibility, the MPA program is available fully online as well as in a hybrid format at the La Verne campus.

Features and Benefits

Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the MPA program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top graduate public affairs programs in Southern California. Features and benefits of the program include:

• personal attention, networking, and high levels of interaction among students and faculty;
• an emphasis on skills development and civic professionalism;
• relevant core offerings and choice of concentrations;
• courses focused on active learning, including an elective travel course and applied project opportunities;
• highly competent, professional faculty dedicated to public service;
• year-round coursework allows students to begin fall, spring, or summer;
• full library resources and specialized career development services offered to all students and alumni;
• tutoring and mentoring offered by the Academic Success Center;
• financial assistance.

Degree Specializations

The University of La Verne offers a number of MPA degree specializations to address the individual career needs of our students:

• Urban Management and Affairs;
• Nonprofit;
• Public Health; and
• JD/MPA Dual Degree Program.

Students can select a concentration or propose electives that best addresses their career path.

Flexible class schedules for working professionals

Courses are 8-weeks and use both class sessions and online instruction to accommodate the schedules of working students.

Networking and Organizations

University of La Verne’s MPA program is one of only two university partners of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC), demonstrating our commitment to engaging students in professional associations and the practice of public administration. Faculty, students, and alumni are also actively involved with the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), Women Leading Government, the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration, and other professional organizations. We sponsor an annual City Manager in Residence program, host ASPA dinners with elected and appointed officials, and support activities to promote diversity in local government. We have our own International City/County Management Association (ICMA) student chapter, with free membership and conference registration for MPA students.

Careers/Alumni Outcomes

Graduates with a Master of Public Administration degree work and advance in local governments, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations. By the end of the program, graduates understand not only the roles of civic professionals, but also the tools and techniques they need to be: leaders engaged and committed to improving public service, agents of change in organizational settings, and advocates in their communities and in policy making processes.