Degree Requirements
Master of Public Administration (MPA)

In pursuit of academic excellence and diversity, high quality student experiences, and community engagement, the mission of this graduate program is career preparation and development for policy/decision-making, managerial and administrative positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program is especially responsive to regional government and nonprofit sector needs, preparing graduates for state and local managerial and public service leadership.

MPA Foundation (may be taken as an undergraduate)

  1. PPA 491
  2. PPA 401
  3. PPA 492
  4. PPA 493

MPA Core Requirements (25 units)

  1. PPA 610
  2. PPA 611
  3. PPA 671
  4. PPA 680
  5. PPA 691

MPA Electives (15 units)

Students in the MPA program must complete three additional approved courses at the 400- or 600-level, offered by the Department of Public Policy and Administration. Electives presented by other departments may be taken upon approval of a petition to the MPA Graduate Coordinator. Graduate students may take 300- or 400-level courses if augmented to reflect graduate credit.

Internship (1-5 units)

Graduate students who do not have two years of supervisory experience in the public or nonprofit sector will be required to take a public or nonprofit sector internship. See the Internship Coordinator for more information.

Master's Paper (5 units)

PPA 698 Master's Paper - Candidates for the MPA degree must complete a culminating activity in accordance with Title V of the California Administrative Code. The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate competency acquired in the graduate program. This includes mastery of knowledge in the discipline and in the ability to use theory and method in the preparation of an applied research project.

Research for the master's paper that involves data from/about human subjects may be required to be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Research (IRB/HSR). For additional details, see their website http://www.csub.edu/grasp/irbhsr/.

Specialization in Nonprofit Management

Students interested in pursuing a career in nonprofit management may complete a specialization of at least three elective courses and an internship at the graduate level.

And at least two of the following courses:

Other electives as approved by the Program Coordinator.

Specialization in Health Care Management

Students interested in pursuing a career in health care management may take the MSA-HCM degree described below or may elect to complete an MPA specialization of at least three courses and an internship at the graduate level.

And at least one of the following courses:

Or other courses as approved by the graduate program coordinator.

*Must be augmented for graduate credit.

Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Graduate Level)

An individual who desires to begin post-baccalaureate study in nonprofit management may apply for a certificate. Five courses are required for the graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management:

And at least two of the following:




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