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Presidio MPA in Sustainable Solutions

Presidio MPA in Sustainable Solutions is interdisciplinary and defined by the practical application of transformative theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Presidio students work on projects to develop real solutions for premier companies, innovative startups, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Degrees Offered

Master of Public Administration

Program Types

Graduate

Mode of Study

On Campus, Online

What is a Presidio MPA in Sustainable Solutions?

The Presidio Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Sustainable Solutions is a transformative, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare you to lead with purpose and drive innovation in the public sector. Grounded in systems thinking, sustainability, and equity, the program’s forward-thinking curriculum helps you deepen your understanding of complex global challenges, including climate change and systemic inequality. Through experiential learning opportunities, you’ll gain practical experience while developing effective strategies to address these critical issues.

With a strong emphasis on responsible leadership and equity-driven policy development, you’ll acquire the skills to implement equitable policies and create sustainable solutions that benefit communities and shape a more just future.

Create a career designing and managing policies and programs that address the critical social and structural challenges of our time, with a focus on climate change, racial injustice, growing inequality, technological change and cybersecurity, and unforceen threats such as pandemics.

Why this program?

The MPA in Sustainable Solutions program empowers students to address today’s most pressing challenges with innovative solutions. Guided by distinguished sustainability scholars and scholar-practitioners, you’ll engage in coursework and specialized electives that integrate theory and practice, preparing you to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts. Through job shadowing, internships, and industry-focused career coaching, the program prepares you to lead meaningful change in your community and beyond.

In the Presidio MPA program, you will learn to develop and translate your mission into effective solutions through small class sizes with extraordinary faculty, deep case study and experiential learning, one-on-one coaching, and community engagement, allowing you to build professional skills while in the program. Explore the roles that could be in your future: ESG Manager, Project Manager, Energy Manager, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sustainability Consultant, Executive Director, and Sustainability Analyst (source: 2022 Presidio Graduate School Alumni Survey).

Classes you'll take

Our forward-looking curriculum will equip you to create tangible, positive change utilizing sustainable solutions, responsible leadership, and systems thinking. See below for some of our featured courses. To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog

Examines sustainability frameworks and assesses to what extent they prioritize the regeneration of the natural environment and the redress of social injustices, and reviews sustainability policies and practices in historical and political contexts.

Applies social science research methods and evaluation theories to assess the outcomes of public and non-profit programs, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research techniques to analyze data and inform policy decisions.

Focuses on the systemic planning, economic, and policy frameworks driving sustainable development and community resilience, integrating theoretical and practical perspectives on sustainability, governance, policy design, and civic engagement.

Examines market failures as a framework for defining and articulating sustainability challenges, focusing on market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and innovative solutions at the intersection of business, government, and civil society.

Sample monthly schedules

Full-time, 4 courses

Part-time, 2 courses

Residencies can be done in person or virtually.

Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15 — Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Spring Term
Priority 1 Deadline: October 1 — Priority 2 Deadline: December 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
How to apply
Program structure
Modalities
On campus (San Francisco Bay Area), Online (synchronous)
Credits
48
Program length
1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time

Find us on campus

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San Francisco Bay Area campus in Marin County

Why choose Presidio?

Study in person or online with part-time options designed to support working professionals and meet you where you are.
Connect with a passionate network of peers and alumni who are leading change in sustainability and social justice.
Sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t electives to us. They’re the foundation that all of our curriculum is built on.
Learn from experienced faculty who offer personal mentorship grounded in real-world insight. Our career support includes curated job boards, expert-led webinars and workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help you grow with purpose.

Why choose Presidio?

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Experiential Learning and Job Shadowing

Presidio's MPA in Sustainable Solutions is interdisciplinary and defined by the practical application of transformative theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Presidio students work on projects to develop real solutions and think big by fostering bold, creative, and out-of-the-box ideas. Our students study at the intersection of theory and practice under the guidance of Presidio’s cutting-edge sustainability scholars and scholar-practitioners. Beyond our rigorous MPA in Sustainable Solutions curriculum rooted in social justice and climate leadership, Presidio supports students through experiential learning opportunities and expert industry career coaching.

74 %

are employed in their desired field

–2022 Presidio alumni survey

94 %

are at a management level or higher

–2022 Presidio alumni survey

54 %

are executive level or their own boss

–2022 Presidio alumni survey

2 / 3

of Presidio graduates are currently earning over $100k+

–2022 Presidio alumni survey

Want to know more?

Get in touch with our admissions team.

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