USC Price Blog

A day in the life of MPA Online student, Jarred Cornell as he navigates switching from the private sector to politics in his home state of Florida.

Michi Slaughter has worked for the City of Los Angeles for 20 years because of her background in information technology, she was concerned about a lack of a policy regarding data and strategic planning.

MPAOL Graduate 23′ Veronica Frazier who was interested in starting her own NGO discusses how the program provided the skill se needed to move forward in her career.

Priscilla Hung, co-director of Move to End Violence, discusses why after years of working in the nonprofit sector she selected MPAOL.

When COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns rolled out, Aimee Heim saw an opportunity to invest in herself and pursue a graduate degree. She enrolled in the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program online, which provided flexibility to work on class assignments, continue her role overseeing grants and government relations at…

Recent Executive Master of Urban Planning (EMUP) online graduate, Chrishelle Palay, spent the last two decades in the architecture field before she decided to pursue a different, related passion: housing policy advocacy. “I transitioned from architecture because I realized it wasn’t something I wanted to do anymore. Actually, Hurricane Ike kind of led to that…

Florida MPA student Trina Uy works for the City of Clearwater as an administrative assistant in the City Manager’s Office. Trina, who had never been to California let alone set foot on USC’s campus, applied for the Master of Public Administration online program after a two year commitment with Teach for America. After her experience…

During his time in the Army, Nicholas Brands held multiple leadership roles and had the opportunity to travel the world. While he appreciates the experience he gained throughout his military commitment, he was drawn to re-enter the civilian workforce. So, Brands enrolled in the USC Price Master of Public Administration (MPA) program online to complement…

USC Executive Master of Urban Planning (EMUP) alum Frank Byrd recently began working as the coordinator of unit acquisitions for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Originally a scholar of philosophy and fine arts, Byrd shifted his studies to the real estate and urban planning sector during the pandemic. Seeking to expand his knowledge…

In addition to earning her Master of Public Administration degree online, Hannah Wills spent the last two years moving between states, switching jobs, getting married, and having a baby – all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “She’s an exceptional student,” said Dora Kingsley Vertenten, professor and faculty director of the USC Price MPA Online. Hannah…