Educational Programs

USF and EOPA/E jointly run a Public Leadership Certificate Program that expands elected and appointed officials, corporate, finance/philanthropic, academic, and civic leaders’ knowledge to effectively create, communicate, and implement policy through gaining a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence, body language, negotiation, value-based communication, empathy-based fundraising, disinformation and cybersecurity, and climate solutions. Participants implement their learning by competing for an innovative policy prize. Recently, the Ukraine Energy Security Marshall Plan and Hawaii Climate Resilience through Tier 1 Mental Health won the prize and were passed by the UK Parliament and the Hawaii Legislature. Over 200 leaders from around the world apply, and on average, 37 are accepted. Cohorts are generally two-thirds elected officials, half female, and a third are veterans.

This seven-week program brings participants together at the University of San Francisco or at their Washington, DC campus for 2.5 days of experiential learning followed by online instruction for two hours each week for six weeks. Upon selection, full scholarships—including travel and lodging—are available. For those with resources, tuition is $2,500 or $1,500 with a partial scholarship. The August 7–9, 2026 cohort is now open for enrollment!

The Master of Arts in Public Leadership (MAPL) program through the University of San Francisco prepares students to work in civic leadership in its many forms, including but not limited to advocacy and communications, starting a nonprofit, running for office, campaign management, and legislative affairs.

It is the only master’s degree program of its kind in America designed specifically for military veterans and their families. It is intentionally inclusive of military spouses and open to anyone interested in public service.

The Masters degree will expand leaders’ knowledge of emotional intelligence public leadership, value-based communications, body language, policy solutions, campaign management, and empathy-based fundraising while connecting with lawmakers and civic leaders who have had a significant impact on public policy. 

Through a combination of in-person and online learning and ongoing mentorship and networking support, Masters in Public Leadership empowers service members, military spouses, and supporters to further develop their leadership skills and prepare for a meaningful career in second service.

Designed for Working Professionals – Online instruction combined with six in-person workshops allows students to complete the degree in either a one-year full-time or a two-year plan.

Some of the professors include Ken Goldstein, otherwise known as the “Political Yoda” on ABC news; Kelly Bare editor, writer, communications consultant, and former editor at the New Yorker, and Patrick Murphy, the first Iraq Veteran elected to Congress and former Acting Secretary of the Army.