IT’S TIME TO GET INVOLVED
Earn Your Master's in Public Policy or Public Administration
Portland State University offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree, both providing you with the organizational, administrative, and analytical expertise to advance your career, while driving positive change in government and nonprofit organizations. With Portland as your living laboratory, your education at PSU will be anything but ordinary.
Master of Public Administration
The MPA degree at PSU develops the skills and techniques needed to implement policies and develop programs addressing current and emerging issues in our communities and offers three tracks preparing you for a range of different leadership roles in public-facing government and nonprofit organizations.
Master of Public Policy
The interdisciplinary MPP degree teaches students to define public policy problems, assess possible solutions, and advocate for recommendations. This graduate program is the best fit for those interested in public policy development and analysis.
Join Us for An Online Information Session
Register to attend an online information session for Fall 2025 enrollment on Wednesday, March 19th from 12 Noon to 1:30 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).
Program Highlights
- Flexible Degree Structure
- 54-credit degree comprised of 3 and 4 credit courses, designed to accommodate busy professionals.
- Evening courses to support working students’ schedules and part-time enrollment options with 10-week terms.
- Experiential, Real-World Learning
- Hands-on, field-based coursework prepares students to tackle real-world challenges in public administration and policy.
- Opportunities to engage with Portland’s vibrant urban landscape, Oregon’s regional issues, and global challenges.
- Supportive Networked Community
- Build lasting professional connections and networks through a collaborative, learning community approach.
- Benefit from mentorship and engagement with expert faculty and peers.
Tailor your Master of Public Administration degree to your career goals with one of these specializations:
- Nonprofit Leadership: Build expertise in leading and managing mission-driven organizations.
- Local Government Administration: Prepare for leadership roles in city, county, and regional government.
- Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis: Develop the skills to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of programs, policies, and organizations in reaching their goals.
Customize your Master of Public Policy degree to align with your passions and career ambitions:
- Policy Analysis: Gain analytical and quantitative skills to evaluate and shape impactful policies.
- Policy Advocacy: Lead advocacy efforts and drive meaningful policy change in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- English Language Proficiency
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Resume or CV
Deadlines
MPA Priority Deadlines
MPA offers rolling admission:
Fall Term 2025: April 1, 2025
Winter Term 2026: November 1, 2025
Spring Term 2026: February 1, 2026
MPP Deadline
MPP is cohort-based, admitting for fall term only:
Fall Term 2025 Deadline: August 1, 2025
More Questions?
Email publicad@pdx.edu