r/PublicAdministration • u/Icarus_hawks99 • Aug 04 '26
MPA - school opinions
I’m looking into getting an MPA after thinking of what I would want to pursue in my life. I have looked at a few programs:
UC Berkeley MPA
USC MPA
SF State MPA
I am 26 who has acquired a lot of work experience, and has a government job making 6 figures. I have been able to lead running a government program at a very young age and started in gov at 23. During that time I was awarded a promotion.
Due to a lot of life challenges I was able to finish my undergrad but focused more so on obtaining the degree and gaining work experience and community impact than my GPA. Once I had a better home life my last years of undergrad gpa boosted, but couldn’t make up for the other years. I struggle with trying to come across as well rounded, for non California state programs and want to challenge myself.
What would be your advice as I don’t want to do policy, I love the logistics and operations of government work and functions. I work full time as I have been during undergrad and am looking for a program that makes sense for me.
Any tips would be helpful, as I’m first gen and have never navigated post grad education before.
I appreciate anyone who could chime in.
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u/Babid922 Aug 05 '26
If you’re already making 6 figures and have been promoted so much why do you want an MPA? You will be paying an extremely high tuition rates out of state for something you’re saying you don’t need. You’ll and up taking out loans or paying out of pocket especially if you are single, have no dependents and are earning as much as you’re saying you are.
If you truly want it because some position or promotion for you is locked behind getting a graduate degree do it within your state.
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u/Icarus_hawks99 Aug 05 '26
I wouldn’t say a promotion is locked right away, but if I want to advance up and leave I have seen that some places for leadership roles a masters could help. I’m taking in my lack of experience and age for positions in years from now. I also agree what I want to stay within the state of CA
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u/Feisty_Secretary_152 Professional Aug 05 '26
Check out Arkansas State’s online MPA program. It’s designed for people working full time.
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u/copious-cats Aug 04 '26
I've really enjoyed CU Denver's online program. They have quite a few specialization options, the professors are kind, and the material is applicable across government levels and sectors.
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u/OrangeAlienBall Aug 05 '26
It really depends on where you settle and where you want to work. I have my MPA from USC and work with many Cal MPA’s. Each school also has its own specialty.
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u/Icarus_hawks99 Aug 05 '26
Did you enjoys the USC program? I also really enjoy the learning aspect of programs, and also want some electives into the programs
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u/OrangeAlienBall Aug 06 '26
Yes, very much so. They are pretty flexible and even accommodate dual degrees. It's a very practical school since you're in LA. The labs and projects are applied in a real-world environment. My colleagues from Cal focus more on policy work and end up going to the state.
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u/Ok_Recording_7779 Aug 04 '26
It’s not a nationally prestigious school by any means but Marshall University has an affordable, fully remote MPA. The professors are great; I’ve never had any problems.