Public Leadership, MA

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The MA in Public Leadership program uses a hybrid approach with online instruction augmented with five in-person seminars over the course of the program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Demonstrate advanced skills in writing, research, statistics, analysis, and oral presentation suitable for political and policy professionals
Comprehend theoretical models and concepts of democratic participation and accountability, as well as current policy challenges, and demonstrate the capacity to apply these lessons in real-world settings
Apply knowledge gained in the classroom to various political settings in the community
Understand the nature of political power, mechanisms for aggregating interests, and how to influence the process in an ethical manner
Interact with politicians as well as professionals from fields including campaigns, advocacy, community organizing, strategic communications, public policy, and public service

Major Requirements (32 units)

Mandatory Courses (18 units)

Elective Courses (14 units)

14 units of electives are required.

MPL 601 - Proseminar in Applied Politics
MPL 604 - Opposition and Self-Research
MPL 606 - Strategic Comms and Media
MPL 607 - Grassroots & Voter Targeting
MPL 611 - Writing for Public Speaking
MPL 621 - American Democracy Overview
MPL 622 - Political Law:Campaign Finance
MPL 624 - Survey Research Practicum
MPL 6xx Empathy Based Fundraising

MPL 6xx Seeking Political Appointments

MPL 6xx Second Service Beyond Elected Office

MPL 6xx Running for Local Office

MPL 6xx Political Parties and Elections

Additional considerations

Two In-Person Electives Required: In addition to the two mandatory in-person courses as well as the in-person requirement of the Capstone Course, students must complete at least two MAPL elective courses in person. Recognizing that many of our students are required to serve on short notice, this requirement may be waived with program director approval.

Credit for Other USF Graduate Courses: In reaching the 32 units required to graduate, students may count up to 4 units from other USF graduate programs, and more than 4 units with program director approval.