A master’s degree in public administration (MPA) is an advanced professional degree that can open the doors for a career in the public sector. Individuals with this type of degree may work in government at the local, state, or federal level. The MPA program typically teaches students about how the government and nonprofits operate to improve the quality of life for the community. There are also more and more opportunities for individuals with this degree within nonprofits and other non-governmental organizations. Earning a master’s degree in Public Administration is a good way to increase your salary and career potential, as it allows for the possibility of a career in leadership, management, and administration. Some of the common careers that one can obtain with a MPA include:
- Political Scientist
- Median annual wage: $122,510
- Management Analyst
- Median annual wage: $93,000
- Administrative Services Manager
- Median annual wage; $100,170
- Public Relations Manager
- Median annual wage: $125,780
- Urban Planner
- Median annual wage: $80,890
- Chief Executive
- Median annual wage: $122,480
To be admitted into a master’s in public administration program, most CA programs require the following when applying:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A GPA that is typically 3.0 minimum and is cumulative or applies to the last 60 semester-units that one completed in their bachelor’s program (GPA requirements may vary depending on the university).
- A “statement of purpose”. The prompt is usually provided by the school.
- A resume or experience in a government or nonprofit job (some institutions may allow this to be completed once admitted into the program via an internship).
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is not required by every school, and may only be required by students who don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement.
Some of the institutions have slightly varying requirements as to what should be included in the application, so it’s a good idea to explore the specifics of where you want to attend.
Below are universities in California that offer a master’s degree in public health.
Online, Campus, and Hybrid Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Programs
California Polytechnic State University Pomona
The MPA program at Cal Poly Pomona provides a professional education to students who potentially want to take on leadership or administrative positions in government or other areas, or those who want to earn a doctoral degree. The program can be completed in about two academic years of full-time study. The program as a whole is 36–39 semester hours. Students who already have a job in the public or nonprofit sector are required to complete 36 hours. Students without that kind of job may also need to complete a 400 hour internship, which equals an additional three semester hours. All students will complete a project or thesis.
Tuition: $6,336
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
University of Massachusetts Global
UMass Global offers an MPA program that students can complete online. This program educates students on how to analyze political behavior and the sources of public policy. Students will explore the ethical standards of law and the principles of finance and conduct research to prepare for their future careers. Students must complete 24 credits worth of core courses and 12 credits worth of electives or emphasis areas. There are three emphases offered:
- Organizational Leadership
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Healthcare Administration
To enroll at UMass Global, along with filling out the application, students must meet one of the four GPA options.
Tuition: $2,085 per three units
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Golden Gate University
The MPA program at Golden Gate University provides students with a comprehensive education that will educate them on subjects such as administration, public affairs, and policy. This program is unique from others in California in that it is accelerated. Students have the option to complete their coursework in as little as 18 months. Golden Gate University offers this program either online or in a hybrid format. Near the end of this program, students will be required to complete a capstone project that involves research and a presentation regarding public policy. There is also the option to enroll in a dual program where one can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a Public Administration concentration and follow it by entering the master’s degree program. Students can choose among three concentrations:
- General Concentration
- Law Enforcement and Security
- Urban Innovations
Tuition: $825 per unit
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
The MPA program at Middlebury Institute emphasizes applying knowledge gained in the classroom to the real world through direct experience. This is accomplished through a semester-long practicum requirement. The program is 42 credits that are completed over three semesters (12-16 months). The program is offered both online or in-person. The online option is available for the 12 month option. Students also have the option to attend via a hybrid option by switching between the online and in-person classes as preferred.
Tuition: $22,383 per semester
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
California Baptist University
The MPA program at California Baptist University prepares students to address global issues from a leadership standpoint. The education provided helps students develop self-reflection, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. The university is Christian-faith based for individuals who are interested in that option. The program is 36 units and can generally be completed in 16 months. Applicants should ideally have background knowledge on public policy, public administration, or other supporting subjects.
Tuition: $625 per unit
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
National University
The MPA program at National University helps students gain the skills needed to address complex issues in society through a management or leadership role in government. Students are taught critical thinking skills and research methods through a curriculum that focuses on traditional business skills. Students will complete 72 quarter-units over 16 courses. At least 54 quarter-units must be completed to earn the degree. Students can choose between two specializations:
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Leadership
Courses are four weeks each so that a student can focus on the subject and achieve the degree in an effective manner.
Tuition: $442 per quarter unit
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Notre Dame de Namur University
The MPA program at Notre Dame de Namur educates students on the application of practical leadership skills while serving the public by finding creative solutions to problems in the community. Students complete 36 units over 12 courses. The program is generally completed within 18 months. The classes are offered in 8-week sessions in the evening to accommodate students with other responsibilities, and the courses are given both online and in-person. The GMAT is not required to be admitted into the program.
Tuition: $800 per unit
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University offers a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree that combines both subjects in a unique curriculum that is designed to help students develop the needed skills for their future career in management or administration in the public sector. The program is 13 courses at 39 credits and it can be completed in 18-24 months. Students complete their classes through a hybrid on-campus and online format. THe courses are year round and take place over 11-week terms in the evening. The MPP/A department of California Lutheran University’s website features a list of relevant scholarships to which students can apply.
Tuition: $820 per credit
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
University of La Verne
University of La Verne’s MPA program helps students become professional administrators who ethically serve their communities. The programs promote the opportunity for students to connect with mentors and network with peers. Students can enjoy flexibility of the fully online and hybrid formats offered for the MPA program at University of La Verne. There are several specializations in the program, including:
- Public Health
- Nonprofit
- Urban Management and Affairs
There is also the opportunity to earn a dual degree of a masters in Public Administration and a Juris Doctor degree. Courses in the MPA program are 8 weeks long, and students are required to complete 39 units over the course of 15 months of full-time study, and three years of part-time study.
Tuition: $850 per unit
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
San Diego State University
The MPA program at San Diego State University educates students on how to take on a leadership role in the public or nonprofit sector to address complex issues in their community. The 36-unit program can be completed in as little as 16 months and is offered in an online and asynchronous format to accommodate experienced professionals who are already employed in the field. There is also an on-campus program available to those who have that preference as well. There are six modules in the curriculum that are eight weeks long each, with a two-week break in between each module.
Tuition: $19,836
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University’s MPA program is 39-42 units, 24 of which involve core courses, 3 go towards the internship (if required), 12 go towards electives, and 3 of the units go towards the culminating experience a student must complete. Students can choose between two options to complete their culminating experience requirement. The first is a capstone course and a subsequent comprehensive exam. The second is a research project and thesis. There are multiple scholarships and fellowships available through SFSU’s MPA program that students can apply for to receive financial assistance.
Tuition: $20,166
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
San Jose State University
The MPA program at San Jose State University is designed to help professionals in the public and nonprofit space advance their careers by helping them gain new skills in ethical management and leadership. SJSU typically admits 45 students into the program per semester. The 36-unit program takes place in-person and is designed to accommodate working professionals, as each class occurs one night per week in the evening. Students typically complete the program in four semesters of full-time enrollment and eight semesters of part-time enrollment.
Tuition: $20,576
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University’s MPA program is designed flexibly with courses that take place during weeknights. The program combines theoretical and practical learning strategies to educate students how to achieve the goals within the future agencies where they work. Students learn how to analyze and implement public policy within the program and gain other important skills. Students choose between a Public Management or Nonprofit concentration. The program overall is 40 units total.
Tuition: $16,680
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
University of Southern California
The MPA program at University of Southern California prepares students for future careers in public administration through the comprehensive and multifaceted curriculum that includes six specialization options. These options include:
- Local Government Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Heath Management
- Public Financial Management
- International Management
Students choose between a full-time program that can be completed in two years, or a part-time program that can be completed in three years. The online format allows students flexibility if they have other responsibilities. For those who choose to enroll in the in-person courses, there is a campus in Los Angeles and one in Sacramento.
Tuition: $2,137 per unit
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Bakersfield
The MPA program at CSU Bakersfield helps students develop skills that will benefit them in their future careers such as critical thinking, management, and communication. Students will also learn how to engage in the policy process of a number or different organizations such as governmental, nonprofit, and healthcare. The university emphasizes teaching students to take on their roles in an inclusive manner. Students choose between a two and three year roadmap. To graduate in two years, students should enroll in at least three courses per semester.
Tuition: $9,071
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Chico
CSU Chico’s MPA program began in 1969. Since then, the program has followed its mission of helping students graduate with a deeper understanding of the skills that public service managers need to know. This program is unique because it focuses on the specific needs of the North State region. The school partners with external organizations where students can participate in their required internship. Along with standard requirements of classroom courses, students will also complete a culminating activity requirement.
Tuition: $9,216
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Dominguez Hills
The MPA program at CSU Dominguez Hills offers classes online and on-campus in the evenings. The on-campus program has 16-week modalities, the online accelerated program has 8-week modalities, and the online flexible program has 12-week modalities. The on-campus and accelerated online program work in a cohort structure, while the flexible online program is self-paced. Both online courses are asynchronous. The concentrations offered in the CSU Dominguez Hills include:
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Healthcare Policy and Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Management
The on-campus and flexible online program offer solely the Public Management concentration, while the others are available in the accelerated online program.
Tuition: $497 per unit
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, East Bay
CSU East Bay offers a 32-semester-unit MPA program that emphasizes building a student’s awareness of the realities of serving the community within public organizations. Students will learn how to become public administrators that address issues through creative and innovative strategies. Students will choose between two concentrations: Healthcare Administration or Public Management and Policy Analysis. Courses are offered in-person during the week and on some Saturdays.
Tuition: $28,998
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
California State University, Stanislaus
CSU Stanislaus’ MPA program is designed to help students impact their communities and the world by teaching them the skills and framework needed to excel in any field they decide to join after graduation. The program accomplishes equipping students with these skills through a variety of learning and program objectives. The program is 36-39 semester units and involves students choosing between completing a thesis or comprehensive exam. There is also an internship requirement for those who have not served in the public or nonprofit sector.
Tuition: $9,168
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Fullerton
The MPA program at CSU Fullerton prepares students to become ethical administrators for their communities by educating them on a variety of skills and public service values through the lens of specific core competencies developed by the NASPAA. Along with the standard courses, students who do not have a background in the public or nonprofit sector will need to complete a three-unit, 300 hour internship that involves working in an external organization and completing written work as well. There are four concentrations offered in the MPA program:
- Human Resource Management
- Public Finance
- Local Government Management
- Public Policy
Tuition: $3,998
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Long Beach
CSU Long Beach’s MPA program teaches students to be effective and efficient public administrators while working with citizens in the community. There are several concentrations offered in the program:
- Public Works Administration
- Urban Affairs
There are also certificates that a student can pursue alongside their MPA, including:
- Employer-Employee Relations
- Personnel Management
- Public Management Analysis
- Public Sector Financial Management
The program combines in-person and both synchronous and asynchronous online courses. Although the courses are primarily online, they involved one face-to-face meeting on a Saturday. The program can be completed in as little as 24 months.
Tuition: $500 per unit
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Los Angeles
The MPA program at CSU Los Angeles prepares students to work as leaders in a diverse environment while performing services related to public and community service. The program is 36 units in total and can be completed in about two years of full-time study. The university offers this program in a hybrid format, with courses taking place once per week in the evening to accommodate working professionals. Along with regular coursework, students will complete a capstone project. Before advancing as a master’s student officially, students must complete 12 units of relevant graduate coursework while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. They must also pass the writing exam given by the university.
Tuition: $2,617 for six units
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Northridge
The MPA program at CSU Northridge is offered online. There are multiple off-campus locations where the courses take place. The university has partnered with multiple government agencies at several different levels to allow students to gain relevant experience to the degree. There are two concentrations offered through CSU Northridge:
- Nonprofit Sector Management
- Public Sector Management and Leadership
Students only take one course at a time through the MPA program, which allows one to focus fully on the subject matter. The cohort learning format of the program guarantees enrollment in each required course. The total program is 12 courses long and a total of 36 units.
Tuition: $786 per unit
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
California State University, Sacramento
The MPA program at CSU Sacramento prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to address issues in their state and beyond. 36 units are required to complete the degree along with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all required courses. If an applicant wishes to enroll in this program but has not earned a bachelor’s degree from another institution where English is the primary language should also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. GRE scores are also required as a part of the application process.
Tuition: $4,518
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
California State University, San Bernardino
The MPA program at CSU San Bernardino has a mission to educate students while incorporating and emphasizing their values of diversity, democratic governance, and inclusiveness. 36 units are required to complete this degree program. 21 of the units consist of core courses, then there are nine units that go towards concentration courses. A student will take six units worth of electives. There is a two-semester professional seminar that students will attend as well. At the end of the program, students will take a comprehensive exam. Students can choose among four concentrations:
- Leadership
- Public Financial Management
- Cybersecurity
- Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $19,300
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
California State University, Fresno
The MPA degree program at CSU Fresno promotes effective and ethical public program administration by teaching core competencies defined by the MPA program accrediting institution, NASPAA. The core competencies emphasize leadership, management, ethics, critical thinking and analysis, communication, and decision-making. The program is 36 units long. Students will be taking certain courses related to public budgeting, human resources, public administration, public policy, ethics, and much more. Towards the end of the program, students are required to demonstrate their culminating experience through either an exam or a thesis project.
Tuition: $2,805 per semester
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)