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Elevate Your Impact with Berkeley’s Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Program

Dedicated to serving mid-career professionals across public, private, and non-profit sectors, the Berkeley MPA program offers a tailored 30-unit curriculum over a single year with an option to start in-person in May, or virtually in June. With an average of 7–10 years of professional experience, our students aren’t just seeking career advancement — they’re preparing to assume transformative leadership and policy-centric roles in their respective domains.

Student Profile At-A-Glance

More than just an academic journey, the MPA program ushers you into a dynamic network of frontrunners, visionaries, and innovators driving transformation in government, business, and nonprofit spheres. The close-knit ambiance of our small classes ensures that you garner the personalized attention you deserve.

710 Average years of work experience
39 Enrolled students
60% Students from outside the Bay Area

About the MPA

Benefit from Renowned Goldman School Expertise and a Vibrant Global Network

Every lecture is steered by our esteemed faculty — a blend of seasoned researchers, practitioners, and thinkers, passionately addressing pressing public policy realms like energy, climate change, global security, IT, education, and the ever-critical issues of race, equity, social justice, and urban strategy. But you also learn collaboratively alongside top-caliber peers, immersing yourself immediately into your new network and gaining skills that you can apply to the workplace immediately.

Embrace both rapid-response assessments and in-depth policy explorations through individual and group tasks. Your journey culminates in a Capstone project where theory meets practice, allowing you to dissect a pivotal policy challenge for a real-world client using the rich, interdisciplinary tools imbibed from the MPA course.

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The Student Experience

The MPA program offers a dynamic and flexible program tailored to accommodate a variety of schedules and needs. We offer two tracks for completion: an in-person start in mid-May (12-14 month program), and a Summer Online option that begins virtually in June (14-month program).

Students beginning in May commence with a full-time Summer Session, immersing themselves in core and elective courses on the UC Berkeley campus. Beyond summer, the Fall and Spring semesters allow students to customize their learning experience, with the flexibility to opt for online or on-campus courses, and even return to their jobs.

Summer Online Start students begin their summer studies remotely, and must come to the UC Berkeley campus for at least one of the four semesters required for the MPA. Conversely, they can choose to take up to three of their semesters fully remotely. Whether they commence in May or June, students will belong to the same graduating class.

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. To earn their MPA, students need to achieve a minimum of 30 units across four terms: 17 units from core courses and at least 13 from electives. For our 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.

Join us to experience a holistic blend of rigorous academic challenge and flexibility, all within the vibrant environment of UC Berkeley. Learn more about enrollment options and meet some of our current students.

Be a Part of UC Berkeley

As an MPA student, you will have access to all amenities of a UC Berkeley student: library access, student discounts, sporting events, career coaching. Visit campus and take a tour — see yourself here.

Berkeley Campanile

MPA Events

Learn about the transformative experience you will have at the Goldman School. Join us for an event in-person or online to engage with current and former students, connect with admissions advisors, and take the first step towards amplifying your career.

Dean Wilson speaks at public policy conference

Upcoming Events

Frequently Asked Questions

View answers to frequently asked questions about the Berkeley MPA program. Please don't hesitate to contact us to further discuss these or any other questions you may have.

Questions on building a strong application that speaks to your strengths and unique background? View this application tips video from Dean of Students Annie Campbell Washington, and schedule a 20-minute personal consultation with an admissions staff.