California Graduate Schools in Public Administration
Public Managers often earn Masters in Public Administration or Masters in Public Policy degrees.
Recently US News and World Reports published their 2010 edition on their annual rankings of Public Affairs programs. The rankings show several California schools ranking high nationally. University of California at Berkeley, University of Southern California (USC) and UCLA all received consideration as top programs throughout the country.
There are a number of other quality programs out there, as well. These programs produce many of the public administrators in California.
We include programs that allow working professionals to improve their skills in the classroom and then apply those skills to their positions. The list values practical over academic because, in the end, public administrators are judged by results.
The following programs are important to public management in California. The (*) indicates that the program is accredited by National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.
University of Southern California*
Established in 1929, SPPD's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is one of the oldest and most distinguished programs of its kind in the country. It continues to ascend the national rankings for top public management programs. In 2008, it ranked seventh nationwide among public management/administration programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- Specifics that the USC-MPA programs offers include:
- Sound management, analytical and policy-making skills that prepare students to pursue their individual interests and concentrate in one of many specialized fields
- A full-time faculty of exceptional diversity and strength
- An active part-time faculty of outstanding professionals
- A history of leadership in the professional and academic field for 80 years
- The opportunity for students without work experience to gain paid internship experience in the Los Angeles area
- An extensive alumni network
- An Advisory Board comprising leaders in the public, private and nonprofit sectors
- The USC State Capital Center in Sacramento gives students the opportunity to experience the complexities of state/local and state/federal relationships
- A unique and multidisciplinary environment within SPPD which integrates all the major disciplines bearing on management and leadership in the modern, interconnected socioeconomic and political environment
- Cost: Each class unit costs $1,360.
- Program Director: Dr. Juliet Musso,
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- Number of enrolled students: 54
- Part-time option: Yes.
- Link: http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/programs/masters/
Brandman University
Brandman University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for the world of public service, particularly in local and state public agencies and non-profit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical and practical perspectives and combines a rigorous commitment to academic excellence with a focus on the day to day challenges faced by public sector professionals.
Designed with input from city managers, agency heads and elected officials, several of whom teach in the program, the curriculum provides students with a strong foundation for employment and advancement in the public sector.
Specifics that the Brandman University MPA program offers include:
- Program was designed to meet the needs of the 31,000 working professionals serving in Orange County’s city and county government who want to advance their careers and those interested in the public sector.
- A faculty comprising leaders in the public sectors in Orange County, including David Morgan, retired city manager of Anaheim; Curt Pringle, mayor of Anaheim; and Allison Hart, retired city manager of Irvine.
- Program provides a blend of theoretical and practical instruction, so students will acquire knowledge in such areas as land use planning, water management, labor relations and collective bargaining, in addition to more traditional topics such as public finance and public policy analysis.
- Program comprises six eight-week sessions per year, with classes meeting one night per week. With an average class size of 10 to 15 students, enrollees can expect a high amount of contact with their instructors, and can complete the program in as little as 18 months. The program is taught with in a “blended” format which combines “face to face” meetings with a substantial on-line component.
- Cost: $18,000, (12 classes @ $1,500 per course)
- Program Director: Fred Smoller, PhD, who has been a political science professor at Chapman University for 27 years, and has served as a survey researcher in Orange County,
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- Number of enrolled students: 20
- Part-time option: Yes.
- Link: http://www.brandman.edu/academics/programDetails.asp?code=UC.MPA.PA
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo*
The MPP program at Cal Poly is structured to prepare graduates to work as analysts and as program managers.
- Two-year program for students taking 8 or more units per term.
- Number of students enrolled: 48
- 8 units is full-time enrollment
- All classes are on-campus.
- Part time program offered: Yes
- Numerous options for finical aid and scholarships are available.
- Minimum Requirements for Admission:
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- A grade point average of not less than 3.0 in all undergraduate course work.
- Academic preparation or work experience demonstrating analytical and writing skills.
- For applicants whose preparatory education is principally in a language other than English, a TOEFL score of 550 or higher is required (or 213 on the new conversation scale for the computer-based TOEFL exam). A score of 4.5 or higher on the essay portion of the TOEFL is also required.
- Application Deadline for Fall Quarter 2010 is February 1, 2010.
- Application can be done all online at CSU Mentor.com
- Seven full-time faculty.
- Director of program: Elizabeth Lowham, Ph.D.
- Link: http://mpp.calpoly.edu
CSU Bakersfield*
CSU MA in Public Administration program prepares individuals aspiring to managerial and administrative positions in the public and nonprofit sectors and is geared to career preparation, enrichment, and advancement.
- Need 65 quarter units to graduate—these include core courses, elective courses, and a culminating experience needed for graduation.
- Cost: $1600 per quarter for full time. Part-time student cost averages $1069 per quarter.
- Number of students enrolled: Approximately 100
- Program Director: Dr. Thomas Martinez
- Number of full-time faculty: 5
- All classes take place on campus.
- Part time degree can be worked out; however, full time classification is highly recommended.
- Link: http://bpa.csub.edu/
CSU Chico*
The CSU Chico Public Administration Program works to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of managers in government, nonprofit, and health care organizations.
- Cost: $2,358 full time a semester. Part time is $1,569 per semester.
- MA in Public Administration operates exclusively on campus.
- Part time degrees offered: Yes.
- Number of students enrolled: N/A
- Number of Faculty: 6
- Program Director: Donna R. Kemp, Ph.D.
- Applicants who wish to pursue a master's degree must have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester units of course work and at least 3.0 in the last 30 units and in all post-baccalaureate work.
- Applications for the fall semester may be submitted between October 1 of the preceding year and March 1; and between August 1 and September 15 for admission in the following spring semester.
- A student may select their own electives or may choose one of two options: health administration or local government management.
- Admissions require two letters of recommendation but no entrance exam (EX: GRE).
- Link: http://www.csuchico.edu/pols/graduate/mastersadmin/index.html
CSU Dominguez Hills*
Masters in Public Administration. Unique in that it not only appeals to both full-time and part-time students, but offers on-campus and on-line possibilities.
- Offers both on-campus and on-line options.
- Cost: $440 per unit. $15840 online per semester. On-campus: $13081 per semester.
- Part time offered: Yes.
- Number of students enrolled: 200
- Number of faculty: 5 full-time, 6 part-time.
- Program director: Ken Pertner
- Applicants will be considered for classified admission to the MPA program if they: 1) possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, 2)have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units). Lower division coursework is not counted once the student has graduated, 3) meet all other University admission requirements including a college-level math with a grade of at least “C”.
- In addition, applicants must submit a current resume and a statement of purpose (separate from the statement requested in the university application; it should be mailed or emailed to the MPA Department). The statement of purpose should address the questions of “why are you applying for the MPA program and how the MPA will help with your future career plans. If the computed GPA is between 2.5-3.0, students may be considered for conditional admission. In this case, two letters of recommendation on an organizations official letterhead are required. Applicants must also show potential for completing the MPA program. Also required, is a GRE score.
- Link: Traditional on-campus: http://www.csudh.edu/Catalog/200507/65%20public%20administration.htm#Master_of_Public_Administration
- On-line program: http://mpaonline.csudh.edu/
CSU Fresno*
M.P.A., Masters in Public Administration
- The Master of Public Administration Program at California State University, Fresno provides a professional degree to individuals seeking to serve the public through the effective administration of public programs.
- Cost: 0-6 credits: $1408.50, 7+ credits: $2197.50
- Part-time: Yes.
- Online courses available: Yes
- Program Director: Dr. Kurt Cline
- Test requirements: GRE General
- Letters of Recommendation—2
- Most Important Criteria—GPA/ Test scores/ Experience
- Application Deadlines: Fall 2009: Apply between October 1, 2008 and April 1, 2008;
Spring 2009: November 1, 2008 (extended from September 30)
- Link: http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies/narratives/publicad-prog.shtml
CSU Fullerton
Masters in Public Administration
- The program is designed to:
- Prepare students who wish to enter the field of public administration;
- Increase the professional competence of those already embarked in public administration careers;
- Furnish academic study for those wishing to pursue doctoral work; and
- Provide specialized training in areas such as financial administration, personnel administration, administrative research, planning and criminal justice.
- The program is designed to aid the student in acquiring several skills. These include:
- Written and oral communication for public administration;
- Public administration research and analysis techniques;
- Knowledge of organizational processes and behavior;
- An understanding of federal, state and local governmental and administrative systems and processes; and
- Knowledge of administrative techniques and practices such as personnel testing, program budgeting and management by objectives.
- Cost: Part-time averages $1394. Full-time is $2183.
- All on-campus.
- Number of faculty: 8
- Number of students enrolled: 140
- Program Director: Phillip Gianos
- Primarily part-time. Geared towards full-time employees.
- Deadlines for completing online applications are March 1st for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester.
- Specific fields of study include: Criminal Justice, Human Resources, Public Finance, and Urban Management.
- Link:http://www.fullerton.edu/catalog/academic_departments/publicadmin.asp#3.
CSU Los Angeles*
Master of Science in Public Administration
- The mission of the Master of Science in Public Administration program is to educate students for professional public and community service within a diverse urban environment through the development of creative management and analytical skills, enhanced leadership capabilities, and clear understanding of the issues of governance and institutional adaptation in a fast changing world.
- Deadlines: For Fall semester: April 10th. Spring semester: November 10th.
- Admission to the Master of Science in Public Administration requires a grade point average in the last 90 units taken in undergraduate status of 2.75, plus an acceptable departmental application, personal statement, current resume and recommendations.
- Cost: 0-6 units $928 (part-time), 6 or more units $1454 (full-time).
- Par-time studies available: Yes. Most classes are once a week in evenings.
- On-line courses available: No.
- Number of students enrolled: 129
- Number of full-time faculty: 3
- Program Director: Dr. Freyss. Email:
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- Link: http://catalog.calstatela.edu/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=calstate:current
CSU Sacramento
Public Policy and Administration offers interdisciplinary programs designed to equip graduates with conceptual, analytic, and problem-solving skills and experiences enabling them to deal with public sector policy and administrative issues, problems, and opportunities. The Sacramento State programs differ from other similar programs in that they focus on California State and local levels of government. This attractive feature is facilitated by the proximity of the Sacramento State campus to the main operations of the California state governments.
- Graduate Admission requires:
- A baccalaureate degree;
- a GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate course work and in the last 60 units;
- results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test;
- completion of: STAT 1, ECON 1B, and GOVT 1 (or their equivalents at other colleges or universities as determined by the Department Chair);
- a written statement of purpose from one to two pages in length (typewritten), addressing the applicant's purpose in pursuing the Master of Public Policy and Administration;
- a minimum score of 560 (220 if computer-based) on the TOEFL (this requirement applies only to students earning degrees abroad whose primary language is not English); and
- three letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant's academic and professional potential.
- Requirements for the course consist of: Units required for the MPPA: 36-39
Minimum required GPA: 3.0
- Number of full-time faculty: 6
- Number of enrolled students: approximately 100
- Cost: Part-time $1500, Full-time $2000.
- Books: $200-500 per semester.
- Part-time: Yes
- Classes are all on campus.
- Program Director: Robert Wassmer
- Link: http://aaweb.csus.edu/catalog/current/PROGRAM/PPA.asp
CSU San Bernardino*
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is a broad program designed to prepare students for a career in administration in the public sector. The major objective is to provide the student with a generalist perspective of public administration, including tools of decision-making, an understanding of the total public administrative system, and a capacity for working within the public environment.
This degree is intended for graduate students and career employees seeking to develop and strengthen academic and professional skills for admission and advancement in the professional practice of public administration.
- The program is open to all students, regardless of undergraduate major.
- Cost: Full-time $1500, part-time $967
- Number of full-time faculty: 9
- Number of enrolled students: 120-160
- Part time: Yes.
- Program Director: Monty Van Wart
- Online courses available: Yes. The whole degree can be completed online.
- Link: http://www.csusb.edu/majorsDegrees/graduate/mpa/
CSU Stanislaus*
CSU, Stanislaus offers an accredited program of 42 semester units in professional graduate level study leading to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The MPA Program provides education and training of public administrators and policy analysts for leadership and management careers at the local, state, and national levels—with particular emphasis on government and non-profit organizations in California. The MPA Program covers management science and the political, ethical, and organizational challenges that will be encountered in the public sector of the 21st century.
- Admission materials include: two copies of official undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, and letter of intent.
- Application can be completed online.
- Cost: $1350 per semester (6 unites).
- Number of full-time faculty: 8
- Number of enrolled students: 60
- Part time: All students are part-time. Classes offered one day a week in evening.
- Program Director: Jason C. Myers, Ph.D.
- Online courses available: All on-campus.
- Link: http://www.csustan.edu/ppa/Data/MPA/index.html
Golden Gate University
The executive master of public administration (EMPA) is offered to students interested in a thorough understanding of the processes and practices associated with the management of public sector organizations at the federal, state and urban levels of government. It will introduce you to the relevant set of knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a managerial or executive role within such organizations.
Unlike the traditional MPA which includes a core of common classes and an emphasis program to prepare the student for work in a specific focus area of their choice, the executive MPA assumes that you already have developed competence within a specific functional area. It provides in-depth exposure to the critical areas of executive and managerial focus common to middle and upper level management in all public organizations. This includes: planning; process management; financial management; human resources and labor relations; organizational development and change; law and administrative process; public policy formulation, analysis and implementation; and ethics.
- Two tracks of study offered: Executive Masters of Public Administration (EMPA) and a Judicial Administration concentration (EMPA-JA)
- Application can be completed online.
- Cost: Executive MPA (EMPA): $1,980 (per 4-unit course)
- Admission deadline: mid-May (for following fall)
- Number of full-time faculty: 1 (rest are part-time)
- Number of enrolled students: N/A
- Part-time option: Available. Most students are enrolled part-time.
- Program Director: Joaquin Gonzalez
- Online courses available: Yes. The whole program is offered online.
- Link:http://www.ggu.edu/academic_programs/public_administration/executive_mpa
Monterey Institute of International Studies
This master's degree is an excellent platform for a career in international development. MPA graduates demonstrate competencies in managing international nonprofit and public organizations. MPA students individualize their academic experiences from a wide range of courses and practical opportunities and with support from a faculty that includes distinguished professors in international public administration and management. The MPA at Monterey Institute emphasizes integrating theoretical knowledge of international policy with management practice and advanced language competency. The MPA framework strengthens students’ values of ethical individual behavior, social responsibility, and respect for diversity.
- Program focuses on expanding critical knowledge and skills in:
- Policy research
- Policy analysis
- Organizational governance
- Nonprofit management
- Strategic planning
- Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resource management
- Program development
- Program monitoring and evaluation
- Advanced foreign language and inter-cultural competence
- Application can be completed online.
- Cost: Full-time $15528; Part-time $1500 per unit.
- Admission deadline: Rolling admissions
- Number of full-time faculty: N/A
- Scholarships: Several available for application.
- Number of enrolled students: N/A
- Part-time option: Available.
- Program Director: N/A
- Online courses available: No.
- Link: http://policy.miis.edu/programs/mpaim.html
National University
The Master of Public Administration is designed for students who want to pursue the challenging career of government management at the federal, state, or local level and nonprofit management. With an emphasis on the proactive public administrator, it is for those public administrators who aspire to top-level positions.
The degree provides a wide range of skills in financial management, budgeting, quantitative methods, urban planning and redevelopment, personnel policies, politics and grant writing.
Pepperdine
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) requires 64 units of course work with four four-unit courses taken each semester for two academic years (four semesters). The first year is primarily composed of core courses and provides a foundation for the students specialization courses, most of which are taken in the second year.
- Admission Requirements:
- A Completed and signed application must be submitted by the May 1 deadline. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
- $50 nonrefundable application fee.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Two essays. One essay should address an ethical and moral dilemma and the other essay should be a personal statement.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Official Graduate School record Examination (GRE), *Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or *Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scores.
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOELF) or International English Language Testing System (ELTS) scores (Band score of 7.0 required).
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four year college or university.
- Official undergraduate transcripts with degree posted.
- Evidence of financial responsibility (if applicable).
- Specializations: Public Policy and Economics, Public Policy and American Politics, Public Policy and International Relations, and State and Local Policy.
- Cost: $29,863 (All-inclusive ex: tuition, books, housing, etc.)
- Number of full-time faculty: 10-12 (Depends on the semester).
- Scholarships: Applications are online—included in scholarship.
- Number of enrolled students: 54
- Part-time option: No. Purely full-time program.
- Program Director: Melinda VanHemert, Assistant Dean to admission and financial aid.
- Online courses available: All on campus.
- Link: : http://publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/master-public-policy/
Phoenix Online*
The Master of Management/Public Administration introduces students to public policy analysis, policy research and formulation, and public financial management. The courses enable students to learn how to negotiate varying stakeholder needs and develop creative solutions to public sector needs in an environment of limited resources.
Master's Program Requirements:
- A nationally or regionally accredited U.S. bachelor's degree.
- International students need a comparable undergraduate degree from a recognized institution outside of the United States.
- A cumulative graduate GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Minimum of 3 years working experience with exposure to organizational systems and management processes.
- 45 Credit program.
- Cost: $655 per credit. 29,500 for full-time. Application fee: $45. Course materials fee: $105 (per course-available online)
- Every class is a 3 credit course.
- Number of students enrolled: N/A
- Program Director: N/A
- Number of full-time faculty: N/A. Faculty are required to work in the field they are teaching.
- All classes take place online.
- Monica Fjardo: 800-266-2107 ex: 8722417
- Part time degree offered: No. All full-time.
- Link:http://www.phoenix.edu/degree_pa/business_and_management/mmpublic_administration/235.html
San Francisco State University*
San Francisco State University offers a Masters in Public Administration that caters to working professionals in the field of public service. SFSU offers four tracks specified to the demands facing public administrators. These include urban administration, Public Management, Policy Making and Analysis, and Nonprofit Administration.
- After submitting the application for post-baccalaureate study to the university graduate admissions office, applicants should:
- Write a letter of application or intent to the MPA program, setting forth professional and academic interests and relevant experience. A resume is also extremely helpful and is appreciated.
- Send two letters of recommendation to the MPA program from persons familiar with the applicant's academic or professional ability and who could speak to the candidate's potential for succeeding in graduate school.
- Send one set of transcripts of prior academic work directly to the MPA program. Another set is required by the graduate admissions office.
- Have a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units, or submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined scores of at least 1100 for the Verbal and Quantitative portions. Due to limited space in the program, this requirement is only a minimum.
- Foreign students from non-English speaking countries must submit a paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550 or a computer-based score of 213 to the graduate admissions office.
- Cost: Part time: $1446 per semester. Full-time: $2235 per semester.
- Number of full-time faculty: 6
- Number of enrolled students: 150
- Part-time option: Yes.
- Two prominent scholarship opportunities exist:
Eugene I. Pearl Memorial Scholarship - Students specializing in urban administration are eligible, on a competitive basis, for the Eugene I. Pearl Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship reimburses students for the cost of their textbooks; can be renewed each semester, also on a competitive basis.
Cho Public Service Scholarships - SFSU Cho Public Service Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for incoming and continuing students. Students are selected on the basis of outstanding academic achievement, outstanding community service, and potential for excellence in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Link: http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/programs/public.htm#929
San Jose State University*
The program leads to the professional degree of Master of Public Administration. It provides pre-service students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective administration of local, state and federal government agencies and of nonprofit organizations. It also offers mid-career administrators and professionals in public service an opportunity to improve their management skills and qualifications. For the convenience of students who are employed full-time, all courses are offered in the evening or on weekends. Alumni assist with orientation and mentoring activities.
The MPA program provides each student with a basic understanding of the environment of public policy and the ability to deal with:
- Economic and social institutions and processes
- Political and legal institutions and processes
- Organization and management concepts, and human behavior resource administration
- Concepts and techniques of budgeting and financial administration
- Application of quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis in policy and program formulation, implementation and evaluation, and decision making and problem solving
UC Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy
The heart of GSPP is its two-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) program, with a core curriculum emphasizing practical and applied dimensions of policymaking. The curriculum includes core courses that provide a foundation in subjects ranging from political elements of the decision-making process and legal analysis to such specific analytic tools and concepts as microeconomic theory and statistical modeling. The curriculum also includes five electives, taken either at GSPP or elsewhere on the Berkeley campus, that allow students to focus on a particular policy area or a set of policy tools.
- Admissions offices recommend:
- Previous work experience in the field (this is not required, however)
- Proof of writing and analytical skills
- GRE Score
- Three letters of recommendation
- Cost: N/A
- Number of full-time faculty: 5
- Number of enrolled students: 76
- Application can be completed online: Yes.
- Link: http://gspp.berkeley.edu/
University of La Verne*
The mission of the University of La Verne’s Master of Public Administration program is to offer an innovative and practical curriculum that stresses intellectual and theoretical foundations to professionals preparing to take on socially responsible roles in public leadership and service.
- The MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The main features and benefits of the MPA program include:
- Personal attention, networking, and a high level of interaction among students and faculty
- Evening classes designed to fit the schedule of working professionals
- Well-qualified faculty members who are highly competent professionals with a personal understanding of the current workplace
- Year-round coursework allowing students to begin the MPA in any of four terms (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer I)
- A highly diverse institution, drawing students, faculty, and staff from an interesting variety of backgrounds, professions, and disciplines
- A computerized research laboratory, available for student research and other study projects
- Cost: Currently Under Review. Currently under $2300 per semester for full-time.
- Number of full-time faculty: N/A
- Scholarships: Offered upon admission.
- Number of enrolled students: Typically 20-25 per class.
- Part-time option: Yes.
- Online courses available: Currently all on-campus.
- Link: http://www.laverne.edu/catalog/0809/public-administration-ms/
University of San Francisco
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the MPA with an emphasis in Health Services Administration (MPA/HSA) programs provide mid-career and aspiring professionals with an opportunity to obtain advanced managerial education applicable to a broad range of public sector, nonprofit, and health care organizations. The program is designed to be completed in 23 months.
Key program information includes:
- Cost: $885 per unit.
- Program Director: Maren Trader
- Number of full-time faculty: N/A
- Scholarships: Yes.
- Number of enrolled students: N/A
- Part-time option: Yes.
- Online courses available: Mostly on-campus.
- Link: http://www.cps.usfca.edu/prospective/MPA.html
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