McGeorge School of Law master’s programs offer 5 areas of focus

Whether you’re interested in public service, government, administration, nonprofit leadership or shaping public policy, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law offers two master’s programs that can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to pursue your goals in these fields. 

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs offer several areas of focus, offering students the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests. Among the first programs of their kind offered by a law school, McGeorge’s MPA and MPP programs bring together policy, law and leadership. 

And with McGeorge located in Sacramento, students are very close in proximity to the California State Capitol, state agencies, advocacy organizations and other institutions involved in shaping public policy. This location provides opportunities to see public policy in action, connect with professionals in the field, and gain hands-on experience in the community where many of these decisions are made. 

Students can choose from five different focus areas: 

Environmental & Water Policy 

Explore some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges, including climate resilience, water policy and resource management. 

Public Policy Advocacy 

Learn how policy is shaped and develop the tools needed to influence legislation, build support for policy goals and lead advocacy campaigns. 

Non-Profit & Social Capacity Management 

Build the skills needed to lead and strengthen organizations that serve communities, with an emphasis on nonprofit management and organizational capacity. 

Local Government 

Take a closer look at how cities and regional governments develop and implement policy, with a focus on California’s unique governmental landscape. 

Policy Analysis 

Available to MPA students, this focus explores how data and research can be used to evaluate policies and support evidence-based decision-making. 

Beyond their chosen area of focus, students can pursue their degrees through a flexible hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person sessions. Each semester includes six to seven in-person Saturday sessions, with the remaining coursework completed online in a synchronous format. 

Whether you’re looking to make an impact through government, advocacy, nonprofit work or policy analysis, McGeorge’s MPA and MPP programs offer the flexibility to build an education around your goals.