Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Testimonials
Take the next step to advance your career and get an MPA degree from the University of South Florida!
Do you want to make a real difference? Give back to your city, community, or country? Serve the public good, rather than just seeking private gain? Then the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the University of South Florida's School of Public Affairs is for you!
Our accredited MPA program offers experiential learning with practical insights that prepare you for a professional career in public service. Studies show that with baby boomers retiring at increasing rates, the job prospects for MPA graduates in federal, state, and local governments are brighter than ever before. Many of our MPA graduates hold senior-level positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Admission Requirements | Submit Your Online Graduate Application
Take control of your future and apply for admission to the USF MPA program today! But don't just take our word for it—below some of our alums describe their graduate experience at USF.
Choung Mi Akehurst, MPA ‘18
Senior Attorney - Florida Department of Children & Families
"The MPA degree helped my career by providing me with opportunities outside of my legal field. The knowledge and skills I gained will allow me to expand my career options."
Emily Colón, MPA ‘14
Deputy City Manager - City of Lakeland
"I wanted to have a career that made a difference. I wanted to work with people, problem solve daily, and better the community that I live in. Every step of the way of my career in public service, I have been able to do just that. The USF MPA program provides the building blocks of a sturdy foundation in your career in public service."
Jacob Dorff, MPA ‘18
Grants Specialist, Office of School Safety - Wisconsin Department of Justice
"I was interested in making an investment in both myself and my community, making this program a good fit for me. USF is a great school with a growing MPA program, research opportunities, and a network of community leaders."
Sean Lopez, MPA ‘19
Senior Financial Analyst - Thurston County Government
"The USF MPA program most significantly impacted my career prospects by bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. I longed for the higher civic purpose afforded by working in government – the MPA program helped me become a more-effective and knowledgeable public servant."
Erica Moody (Nelson), MPA ‘18
Community Redevelopment Agency Director - City of Tampa
"The MPA program has helped me excel in my career in a short amount of time and prepared me with professional development that gave me the confidence to accomplish anything I put my mind to. The program focuses on putting the public's needs above your own and is driven by passion, commitment, and dedication to implement policies, procedures, and programming that will leave a lasting positive impact for generations to come."
Janae Thomas, PhD, JD, MPA ‘18
Associate - Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.
"I wanted to gain a new perspective of how government organizations really function in order to help me perform better at my job. The program helped me to think more critically and really understand the role of a manager. USF really works with working professionals in order to help them advance in their career field."