MPA Students and Graduates

The MPA program’s diverse student body is composed of current and future leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors of the Southern California region. Most MPA students work full-time while pursuing their degree; thus, all MPA Program courses are held in the evenings to allow for an accessible and flexible education.

MPA Program Characteristics (Fall 2025)

Total Student Enrollment: 76
Percent Female Students: 58%
Percent Minority Students: 87%
Typical Core Class Size: 20
Typical Elective Class Size: 15

Program Completion Rate

The MPA program can be completed in approximately two years. The program completion rates for the 30 students initially enrolled in the 2019-2020 academic year are:

Within 2 Years: 37%
Within 3 Years: 77%
Within 4 Years: 83%

The majority of our students work full-time while completing the program, which affects the length of time to graduate. On average, more than 90 percent of our students are employed full-time while completing the program; thus, due to work and family commitments, many MPA students elect to take only one or two courses per term or not to take courses during a particular term, depending on their schedule.

While the time to program completion is extended, our students appreciate the flexibility the program affords them. Per University policy and federal Title V requirements, graduate courses expire after seven years; thus, students must finish their program within seven years.

Internship Placements

MPA Program students without relevant professional work experience complete an internship before graduating. In 2024-2025, MPA students completed internships at several organizations, including:

City of Long Beach
Housing On Merit

Career Placements

Our MPA Program graduates work in a diversity of settings, including local, state, and federal government agencies and national, regional, and community nonprofit organizations. Following graduation, the share of our students who graduated during the 2023-2024 academic year employed in or pursuing opportunities in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors is reported below:

Organizations that employ our 2023-2024 graduates include: 

MPA Alumni Association 

The MPA Alumni Association serves as a resource for current MPA students and alumni. Visit the MPA Alumni Association's Facebook page for announcements and events.