Public Administration: Concentration in Aging in Society, MPA
Master of Public Administration, Accelerated Master's
About this program
The MPA: Aging in Society Concentration equips students with the academic knowledge and professional skills needed to address the growing and diverse needs of older adults. With a strong grounding in public service values like accountability, social equity and sustainability, the program prepares you to lead and innovate in aging services, advocate for diverse older adults and advance age-friendly communities. You’ll build skills in leadership, analysis, and communication while learning how to make decisions that serve diverse, age-inclusive communities. You’ll take classes in a mix of modalities, designed to fit the schedule of working adults.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The San Francisco State University Master of Public Administration (MPA): Aging in Society Concentration Program offers students the opportunity to earn their MPA while balancing other work and life responsibilities. We deliver our rigorous yet flexible curriculum in a mix of modalities. The MPA Program is nationally accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs & Administration (NASPAA).
Students take four courses focused on issues related to aging in society in addition to completing the MPA core coursework. Built upon high impact educational practices with courses taught by a seasoned faculty that includes long-time core MPA professors with academic qualifications and part-time practitioner faculty with professional qualifications, our curriculum offers students a balance of theoretical grounding and applied work. It is the best value for your tuition dollars in the Bay Area.
The SFSU MPA alumni network is strong and multi-faceted, with professions across sectors, in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies. Though the Aging in Society Concentration is new, many MPA alumni have long been employed in related fields.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to analyze diverse factors influencing aging and the well-being of older adults.
- Exercise innovation in professional practice to address the needs of aging populations in public program design and implementation
- Lead advocacy and policy efforts that emphasize the interests of aging populations
We're Here to Help
Questions about the program or how to apply? Attend an online information session for prospective students or email pace@sfsu.edu. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jennifer Shea
- Professor/Chair