Our Programs
The School of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) at San Francisco State University prepares students to address complex social, civic and public-sector challenges through interdisciplinary, community-engaged learning.
PACE houses the undergraduate Urban Studies and Planning Program and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, including the new MPA: Concentration in Aging in Society (replacing the long-standing M.A. in Gerontology Program). Its programs emphasize social justice, sustainability, public service, and applied problem-solving, connecting classroom study with real-world experiences in communities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Students can pursue specialized study in each of the programs, developing the analytical, leadership and professional skills needed to create positive change in diverse communities and public institutions.
Important Dates
- For admission to Fall semester: May 1st, with the review of completed applications to begin on April 1st.
- For admission to Spring semester: November 1st, with the review of completed applications to begin on October 1st.
The school offers information sessions for interested students in learning more about the programs.
Undergraduate Program
Urban Studies and Planning
The Urban Studies and Planning (USP) Program offers a major (B.A.) that features an interdisciplinary curriculum for students interested in creating more just, inclusive and equitable cities. Through a curriculum grounded in the social sciences, the Urban Studies program offers an applied, problem-solving focus, training in research methods, and practical hands-on experience in a carefully supervised internship and a practicum (senior seminar).
SFSU Accelerated Bachelors + Masters
The SFSU Accelerated Bachelors + Masters program in Public Administration (MPA) and B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning provides motivated students an accelerated route for completing the preparation for working in their communities through careers in government and nonprofits. These can be in advocacy, community development, job creation or other areas. With this program, students are able to start their careers while still undergraduate students and obtain both the B.A. and MPA early, saving time and money!
Urban Studies and Planning B.A. + MPA SF State Scholars Roadmap
Minor in Urban Studies and Planning
The Minor in Urban Studies and Planning pairs well with many majors and prepares students to engage with urban problems in any career. Grounded in a mix of social science, policy and planning, the curriculum provides a strong foundation in how cities work and how they can change for the better. Students build research and critical thinking skills that help them understand issues like housing, pollution and inequality.
Graduate Programs
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Nationally accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, & Administration (NASPAA), the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program offers students the opportunity to earn their MPA while balancing other work and life responsibilities. Based on the premise that policy and administration must be understood in relation to each other, the program instills an appreciation for public service values such as accountability, civic engagement, equity, social justice and sustainability. Graduates from the MPA program emerge with proficiency in theoretical foundations of public administration, a combination of technical professional skills and soft leadership skills and high levels of analytical competency. SFSU’s MPA Program is the best value for your tuition dollars in the Bay Area and California.
Master of Public Administration: Concentration in Aging in Society [New!]
The new MPA: Concentration in Aging in Society — where students take four courses focused on issues related to aging in society instead of elective courses — prepares students to learn more about the growing problems the older generation are facing and how to properly address these issues through public services.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's Programs
The MPA Program offers 6 SFSU Accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs in partnership with different undergraduate programs on campus.