UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · UNITED STATES
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Southern California's Price School focuses on developing distinguished academic and professional leaders. Admission is based on a holistic review of your past performance, including grades, work experience, and community service, as well as your future potential as indicated by letters of recommendation and your commitment to educational and career goals. The program emphasizes clear communication of your qualifications through submitted materials, as interviews are not part of the admission process.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the application deadlines for the MPA program?
- The priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 15 for Fall admission. The application deadline for international students is May 1 for Fall admission, and for domestic students, it is July 1 for Fall admission. The deadline for Spring admission is November 1.
- What documents are required for the MPA application?
- You will need to submit a Graduate Application, application fee, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. International students must also provide official TOEFL/IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement.
- How much is the application fee?
- The application fee is $90 for Spring 2026 and $105 for Fall 2026 and onward.
- Are interviews part of the MPA admission process?
- No, interviews are not part of the admission process. Admission is based on a holistic review of your submitted materials, including grades, work experience, letters of recommendation, and your statement of purpose.
- What specific requirements do international students need to fulfill?
- International applicants must submit official TOEFL/IELTS scores, official transcripts with translations, and a financial guarantee statement.
- What scholarships are available for MPA students?
- USC Price offers scholarships for which you can apply by completing scholarship essays. Other specific awards like the Heather Anne Barnes Endowed Scholarship, Gold Family Graduate Fellowship, USC Del Amo Foundation Research Award, and Hovel Summer Travel Award may also be available, though some are for specific research or PhD candidates.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Application fee is $90 for Spring 2026 and $105 for Fall 2026 and onward.
Tuition (home)Application fee is $90 for Spring 2026 and $105 for Fall 2026 and onward.
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How to apply
1. Complete the Graduate ApplicationSubmit your application through the USC Graduate Application portal. For guidance, visit gradadm.usc.edu/apply.
2. Pay the Application FeeA non-refundable application fee is required ($90 for Spring 2026; $105 for Fall 2026 and onward).
3. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Electronic transcripts should be sent to etrans@usc.edu. Official copies can be uploaded initially, but official transcripts must also be sent electronically.
4. Upload ResumeSubmit your current resume.
5. Submit Statement of PurposeWrite a statement of approximately 1000 words addressing your interest in the MPA, how it will impact your career, and how your experiences will contribute to the USC Price community. Note: Use of generative AI will result in immediate application rejection.
6. Submit Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference, to be submitted directly through the online application system.
7. Complete Scholarship Essays (Optional)If applying for USC Price scholarships, complete the scholarship essays within the online application.
8. International Student RequirementsInternational applicants must submit official TOEFL/IELTS scores (USC institution code: 4852), official transcripts with translations, and a financial guarantee statement.
Scholarships
USC Price Scholarships—
Heather Anne Barnes Endowed Scholarship—
Gold Family Graduate Fellowship$5,000
USC Del Amo Foundation Research AwardUp to $5,000
Hovel Summer Travel AwardUp to $5,000
Frequently asked questions
What are the application deadlines for the MPA program?
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The priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 15 for Fall admission. The application deadline for international students is May 1 for Fall admission, and for domestic students, it is July 1 for Fall admission. The deadline for Spring admission is November 1.
What documents are required for the MPA application?
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You will need to submit a Graduate Application, application fee, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. International students must also provide official TOEFL/IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement.
How much is the application fee?
+
The application fee is $90 for Spring 2026 and $105 for Fall 2026 and onward.
Are interviews part of the MPA admission process?
+
No, interviews are not part of the admission process. Admission is based on a holistic review of your submitted materials, including grades, work experience, letters of recommendation, and your statement of purpose.
What specific requirements do international students need to fulfill?
+
International applicants must submit official TOEFL/IELTS scores, official transcripts with translations, and a financial guarantee statement.
What scholarships are available for MPA students?
+
USC Price offers scholarships for which you can apply by completing scholarship essays. Other specific awards like the Heather Anne Barnes Endowed Scholarship, Gold Family Graduate Fellowship, USC Del Amo Foundation Research Award, and Hovel Summer Travel Award may also be available, though some are for specific research or PhD candidates.