MPA Program Admission requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above either cumulative or for the last 90-quarter units or 60-semester units of course work including postbaccalaureate course work.
- Students with a GPA of 2.75-2.99 may be considered based on their entire application including employment and any potential GRE scores. If you have GRE scores, submit them directly to the Department of Public Administration (NOT Admissions).
- A 500 (or more)-word typed "Statement of Purpose" outlining why you want to pursue the MPA and any issues we should know.
- Public or nonprofit sector employment experience or completion of an internship (ADMN 6753, can be completed once admitted to the program).
- English language proficiency.
Public Sector Employment Experience
Students without public sector employment experience may be admitted but must complete a public sector internship before they can Advance to Candidacy. Students requiring an internship should consult with Jessica Chavez at the JHBC Internship Office in JB 211.
If it is determined an internship is required, students are encouraged to seek internships at the onset of their first term. This process is similar to a job search – research and apply frequently. Utilize online resources such as LinkedIn, company sites, Handshake (available via MyCoyote), etc., to identify internships of interest. Given this is for the MPA, internships must be with a public agency. Once an internship is identified, contact Jessica Chavez to assist with the steps to enroll.
If an internship is not required for the program, students are still encouraged to seek opportunities – the only difference is enrollment in an internship course will not be required.
Click to view Step by Step Instructions on how to Apply!
Program Requirements
* For more program details see the MPA Student Handbook (26 Points) and order of classes, on our Advising page.
See also the CSUSB Office of Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures
Students admitted before Fall 2020 may follow either the quarter or semester catalog requirements. Students admitted for Fall 2020 and beyond must follow the semester catalog requirements.
Semester Requirements
Seven Core Courses
- PA 6110 Public Administration Theory and Practice (3) NOTE: Intensive writing class, must be passed with no less than a B-
- PA 6030 Research Methods in Administration (3)
- PA 6620 Human Resources Management (3)
- PA 6630 Public Budgeting and Finance (3)
- PA 6640 Management of Public Organization (3)
- PA 6800 Public Policy Analysis (3)
- PA 6550 Capstone: Strategic Planning for Government and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
Three Concentration Courses
- Nine units of Concentration courses. Each concentration has specific course requirements. Please be advised, the Cybersecurity concentration requires an additional 6 units that can be taken in place of Electives.
Two Elective Courses
- Six units (two courses) of elective courses to be chosen from any Department of Public Administration 5000- or 6000-level courses. Cybersecurity concentration does not need to complete elective courses.
One Semester
- PA 6985 Professional Development Seminar – Monthly Zoom Webinar
Capstone Course
- PA 6550 Project based culminating experience. NOTE: All core classes must be completed and you must be advanced to candidacy before you may take the capstone course.
Quarter requirements:
For advising, please contact the Department of Public Administration to schedule a meeting with Dr. Robert Stokes, your MPA advisor.
| Required Courses |
|---|
| PA 5010 Administrative Leadership (3) |
| PA 6500 Government in the Digital Age (3) |
| PA 6720 Administrative Regulation (3) |
| Required Courses |
|---|
| PA 6150 Public and Nonprofit Financial Management (3) |
| PA 6300 Program Evaluation (3) |
| PA 6610 Principles of Public and Nonprofit Procurement (3) |
| Required Courses |
|---|
| IST 6090 Information Systems and Technology Management (3) |
| IST 6470 Database Management and Policy (3) |
| IST 6700 Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management (3) |
| IST 6730 Cybersecurity Theory and Practice (3) |
| IST 6890 Enterprise Architecture Planning, Strategy, Security and Policy (3) |
| Required Courses |
|---|
| PA 5140 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3) |
| PA 5150 Executive Nonprofit Leadership (3) |
| PA 5170 Nonprofit Fundraising and Grantwriting (3) |
Electives
| Course Description | Course Description |
|---|---|
| PA 5010 Administrative Leadership | PA 5640 Economic and Community Development |
| PA 5140 Nonprofit Management and Leadership | PA 6150 Public and Nonprofit Financial Management |
| PA 5150 Executive Nonprofit Leadership | PA 6300 Program Evaluation |
| PA 5190 Managing Diversity in Organizations | PA 6500 Government in the Digital Age |
| PA 5200 Sustainability Policy and Management | PA 6610 Principles of Public and Nonprofit Procurement |
| PA 5210 Community Planning and Management | PA 6700 Emergency Management |
| PA 5280 Intergovernmental Relations and Policy Networks | PA 6720 Administrative Regulation |
| PA 5570 Public Sector Labor Relations |