UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY · UNITED STATES
Public Affairs MPA
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 yearProgram Duration
- Mid-career professionalsTarget Audience
- Emphasis on leadership & innovationKey Focus
- No GRE requiredAdmissions
- Summer intakeStart Term
The Berkeley Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a one-year, flexible degree program designed for mid-career professionals with significant work experience, typically seven or more years, who have led or managed teams. This program, offered by the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), focuses on enhancing innovation and leadership skills. It prepares executives and professionals to become strategic and visionary leaders, advancing their careers in public service. The GSPP also offers a two-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) for those earlier in their careers, which includes a core curriculum, a summer internship, and a second-year policy analysis project. The MPP program emphasizes practical skills in defining policy issues, assessing alternatives, evaluating social consequences, and developing implementation strategies. The school's teaching approach prioritizes teamwork and interaction with faculty, often involving students in real policy problems for actual clients. For those interested in doctoral studies, the GSPP offers a PhD in Public Policy, a highly individualized program focused on generating knowledge, theories, and methodologies for public policy analysis and management, primarily aimed at training academic social science researchers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the Public Affairs MPA program?
- The Public Affairs MPA is a one-year, flexible degree program designed for mid-career professionals.
- What are the minimum work experience requirements for the MPA program?
- The program is designed for mid-career professionals with significant work experience, typically seven or more years, who have led or managed teams.
- Is the GRE required for the Public Affairs MPA program?
- No, the GRE is not required for admission to the Public Affairs MPA program.
- When is the application deadline for the MPA program?
- The application deadline for the MPA program is April 1, 2026, for a Summer intake.
- Where can I find information about tuition and living costs?
- Tuition fees for international students and estimated living costs are not specified on the provided pages. Please refer to the official UC Berkeley Registrar website or financial aid pages for detailed information.
- Does UC Berkeley offer scholarships for the MPA program?
- While the provided scholarship details are for the MBA program, UC Berkeley evaluates all prospective students for fellowships and scholarships based on application strength. No separate scholarship application is typically required unless specified.
Entry requirements
Work ExperienceAn average of seven or more years of work experience, with demonstrated leadership or team management.
GRE is not required for the MPA program. Applicants to the concurrent degree programs (MPP/MPH, MPP/JD, etc.) must be accepted into both programs independently. For the PhD program, a thorough preparation in rigorous policy analysis skills is a prerequisite, and an MPP or equivalent is preferred.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students are not specified on the provided pages. Please refer to the official UC Berkeley Registrar website for detailed fee schedules.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for domestic students are not specified on the provided pages. Please refer to the official UC Berkeley Registrar website for detailed fee schedules.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the provided pages. Please refer to the official UC Berkeley Registrar website or financial aid pages for estimations.
The University of California, Berkeley provides detailed itemized breakdowns of costs for various programs on its Registrar's website. Financial aid guidance, scholarship information, and a 'Cal-culator' for estimating financial aid eligibility are available through the Financial Aid office.
How to apply
1. Explore Graduate ProgramsVisit the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions website to explore various graduate programs, research opportunities, professional development, and funding options.
2. Review Program-Specific DetailsFor the Public Affairs MPA, visit the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) website directly for the most detailed and up-to-date program information and application procedures.
3. Check Application DeadlinesNote the application deadline for your desired intake. For the MPA, the deadline is April 1, 2026, for Summer intake.
4. Prepare Your ApplicationGather all necessary documents. While GRE is not required for the MPA, ensure you meet the academic and experience requirements (e.g., typically 7+ years of work experience for the MPA).
5. Submit Your ApplicationComplete the online application form as directed by the Graduate Division or the specific program page.
6. Consider Financial Aid and ScholarshipsExplore financial aid options and scholarships. UC Berkeley evaluates all prospective students for fellowships and scholarships based on their application strength at the time of admission. No separate scholarship application is typically required unless specified.
Scholarships
Jimenez Family FellowshipVaries
Ma McFarland FellowshipVaries
Forte Foundation FellowshipVaries
Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP)Covers UC systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees
Reaching Out MBA Fellowship (ROMBA)Varies
Center for Equity, Gender, & Leadership Fellowship (EGAL)Varies
Center for Responsible Business (CRB) FellowshipVaries
Allan Holt FellowshipVaries
Berkeley Haas ScholarshipsVaries
Blue Duck ScholarshipVaries
Brian Maxwell FellowshipVaries
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Public Affairs MPA program?
+
The Public Affairs MPA is a one-year, flexible degree program designed for mid-career professionals.
What are the minimum work experience requirements for the MPA program?
+
The program is designed for mid-career professionals with significant work experience, typically seven or more years, who have led or managed teams.
Is the GRE required for the Public Affairs MPA program?
+
No, the GRE is not required for admission to the Public Affairs MPA program.
When is the application deadline for the MPA program?
+
The application deadline for the MPA program is April 1, 2026, for a Summer intake.
Where can I find information about tuition and living costs?
+
Tuition fees for international students and estimated living costs are not specified on the provided pages. Please refer to the official UC Berkeley Registrar website or financial aid pages for detailed information.
Does UC Berkeley offer scholarships for the MPA program?
+
While the provided scholarship details are for the MBA program, UC Berkeley evaluates all prospective students for fellowships and scholarships based on application strength. No separate scholarship application is typically required unless specified.