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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
Department
Presidio Center for Sustainable SolutionsSchool / College
School of Business and SocietyWhat 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.
What are Residency Weekends?
A monthly gathering held in person at the San Francisco Bay Area campus or virtually, where students come together to deepen their learning, build community, and collaborate on projects.
Learn more
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.
Program structure
Modalities
On campus (San Francisco Bay Area), Online (synchronous)
Credits
48
Program length
1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Program info
Review below for the admissions requirements and tuition/fees info for this specific program.
School of Business & Society Admissions Requirements
The School of Business & Society considers all aspects of your professional and educational background when reviewing your application for graduate studies. Admission to the University as a degree candidate is granted only after all required admissions materials have been received and all minimum standards have been met.
A completed application includes:
- Official transcript from a regionally-accredited institution from which you earned a bachelor degree or higher
- Current resume
- Writing sample (choose one of the following options):
- Prior academic writing sample, or
- Graduate essay (suggested prompts)
- Describe your leadership experience (work or other context)
- How will your background and experience contribute to the learning experience of your classmates?
- How will this program help you to meet your future goals?
| Program | Credits | Cost Per Credit | Tuition Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Master of Geographic Information Systems | 28 | $1,900 | $53,200 |
| Master of Business Administration | 36 | $962 | $34,632 |
| Master of Business Administration Foundation Courses* | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Master of Science in Organizational Leadership | 30 | $962 | $28,860 |
| Master of Science in Business Analytics | 36 | $962 | $34,632 |
| Presido MBA in Sustainable Solutions | 53 | $1,430 | $75,790 |
| Presido MPA in Sustainable Solutions | 48 | $1,430 | $68,640 |
| Presido Dual MBA/MPA in Sustainable Solutions | 73 | $1,430 | $104,390 |
| Presidio Sustainable Management Certificate | 12 | $1430 | $17,160 |
| Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Graduate Certificate in GIS for Management | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Graduate Certificate in GIS for Project Management | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Graduate Certificate in GIS for Public Safety | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
| Graduate Certificate in Marketing | 12 | $962 | $11,544 |
The tuition total does not include financial aid, discounts, or the following student fees:
- Student Service Fee: $55 per class
- Presidio Comprehensive Fee: $375 per term
- Presidio Residency Fee (optional): $400 per term
- Wellness Fee: $100 per year
- New Student/New Program Fee: $300
2025/2026 tuition and fee schedule effective July 1, 2025
*There are three MBA Foundation Courses that fill any business knowledge gaps a student may have. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in business from a regionally-accredited university within the last seven (7) years, with a cumulative GPA greater than 3.0, may be able to waive one, two, or all three of these courses.
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?
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.
Upcoming Information Sessions
We’re so glad you’re interested in learning more about graduate programs at University of Redlands. Our graduate admissions team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Information Session: Exploring the Presidio Programs
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21
Presidio Graduate Programs Open House
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Feb
21
Information Session: Exploring the Presidio Programs
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Mar
25
Presidio Graduate Programs Open House
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Apr
19
Information Session: Exploring the Presidio Programs
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27
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