USC Price Blog

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…

Boxy mid-rise structures known as “podium” apartments have cropped up across the country. From Nashville to Los Angeles, the structures look the same – typically including retail stores or parking on the first floor – which draws the ire of neighbors and some architecture critics who find the buildings bland or downright ugly. “I think…

Master of Public Administration helps continue service through military and civilian careers MPA Online Benefits for Active Duty and Veterans Serving in the military provides unique experiences and skills that are highly valued in public administration. Active duty military personnel and veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard can pursue a…

Master of Public (MPA) program online student Veronica Frazier has long been passionate about public service, entering the world of politics and governmental campaigns soon after she completed her undergraduate studies.  The birth of her first child altered her career path, with Frazier becoming an entrepreneur to have more flexibility in raising her children. “I…

What led double Trojan Philippa Burgess from studying urban planning to pursuing a third USC degree in human security and geospatial intelligence? Burgess says she was inspired to continue her education because of what she learned in the Executive Master of Urban Planning online program, “I fell in love with the data science class…I couldn’t…

Master of Public Administration online student Jivin Seward is a Facilities Manager for the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Despite working on USC’s campus, Jivin wanted the flexibility of an online education. Seward, who is graduating in 2024, discusses the leadership skills he’s developed in the program and how they have helped him grow professionally….

Lance Gilliam is a founding partner at Houston firm Waterman Steele Real Estate Advisors and is chair of the Coalition for the Homeless Houston board. He graduated from the USC Price Master of Urban Planning program online in 2021. Gilliam discusses how the EMUP degree provided a collaborative environment and helped him enrich his career….