Master of Public Administration

About the Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at San José State University trains the next generation of leaders for a career in public service. We are an accredited member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top graduate schools for public affairs in the nation. Our program seeks to cultivate a diverse student population with different interests and backgrounds in public service, with some who are new to public administration and others who have substantial work experience in the public sector and non-profit organizations. The MPA program is a 36 unit degree program that admits students in the fall and spring of each year. Our program is primarily in-person, and most of our classes meet one night per week to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students can complete the program in 2 years. Most part-time students complete the program in 3-4 years.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a graduate education that equips students for a career in public service by enriching their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking in leadership and management, public budgeting, and policy analysis. By fostering values of accountability and social equity, we prepare students to be ethical leaders who practice democratic, evidence-based decision-making in the public sector and non-profit organizations. Through our research, teaching, and professional activity, we advance public administration knowledge to serve the San Francisco Bay Area region and beyond.

NASPAA logo

The MPA program is an accredited member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration. The program is part of the School of Planning, Policy, and Environmental Studies in the College of Social Sciences at San Jose State University, which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

New Student Handbook

View our New Student Handbook for more details about the MPA Program.

Application Information

Visit this page for more information on how to apply for the program.

Tuition and Fees

Learn more about the latest 91ÁÔÆæ tuition costs and fees.

Financial Aid and Assistantships

A description of financial aid availability, including assistantships can be found here.