At McGeorge School of Law, students in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs go beyond the classroom to engage directly with the work of government. Located in Sacramento, the capital of the world’s fourth-largest economy, McGeorge offers a distinct advantage. Students gain practical experience in a city where major policy decisions are made, making hands-on learning an integral part of the graduate experience.
Essentially, McGeorge is uniquely positioned to offer students something you can’t find in most graduate programs: experiential learning right where policy happens.
Real-World Experience, Right from the Start
McGeorge students engage in a curriculum focused on applied learning. Whether drafting policy, attending panels with public officials, or participating in strategy simulations, each experience is designed to connect academic concepts with real-world practice. Courses are taught by faculty with extensive public sector experience and strong professional networks.
These connections give students access to externships, guest speakers, and special sessions with key decision-makers. The program also offers flexible learning options. With online and hybrid formats, students can balance school, work, and personal commitments while still benefiting from in-person engagement with faculty and public service professionals.
Learning in the Heart of State Government
Being in Sacramento means both proximity to state agencies and daily access to a dynamic policy ecosystem. Students at McGeorge are often just steps away from legislative hearings, public interest advocacy groups, regulatory bodies, and executive offices. This proximity makes it easier to translate classroom lessons into meaningful professional engagement. Whether through informational interviews, site visits to the State Capitol, or internships/externships in government offices or non-profit organizations, McGeorge students regularly apply what they learn in real-time, gaining insights that deepen their academic understanding and sharpen their career focus.
The Legislative Practicum: Learn by Legislating
One of the key opportunities available to students is the Legislative Practicum, a course offered through McGeorge’s Public Policy Advocacy concentration. Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction, this course allows students to actively engage in a mock-legislative process, providing a practical understanding of how policy is developed and advanced.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Identify a client who needs a change in state law.
- Analyze problems with the current law and how it is applied.
- Draft proposed laws or regulations to address those problems.
- Refine those proposals to take into account public affairs and political realities.
- Create a strategy to make the proposed change happen.
- Take part in a mock legislative hearing, with McGeorge alumni who work at the State Capitol acting as legislators.
In short, you’ll gain the skills to influence policy from the inside out—drafting legislation, lobbying, negotiating, and ultimately shaping public decisions.
Your Future, Powered by Experience
McGeorge equips you with the skills that matter most: the ability to navigate, shape, and lead within complex policy environments. This program provides you with the learning environment and a network of experts at your fingertips, so you’re ready to make a difference. Ready to turn your passion into policy? Explore the MPA and MPP programs at McGeorge and start your journey today.