Program Overview

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at California State University, Long Beach is designed to provide students with the professional competencies necessary for leadership and management roles in public service, community-based, and nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes theory, practice, skills, and ethics to promote excellence in public service management.

Program Overview

The MPA program is offered in a distance learning format, allowing working professionals to complete the program in a short period without interrupting their careers. The program features synchronous online instruction, web-based real-time interactive sessions, and asynchronous instruction via Canvas.

Program Requirements

The MPA degree requires 39 semester units of graduate coursework, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students must complete a sequence of pre-selected courses as a learning team, with courses delivered online in weekly synchronous sessions. Additional requirements include:

• Completion of a Student Learning Portfolio
• A minimum of 24 units of 500/600 level courses in Public Policy and Administration (PPA)
• 15 units of elective coursework

Required Courses

The following courses are required:

• PPA 500: Foundations of Public Policy and Administration
• PPA 555: Government Budgeting and Finance
• PPA 577: Public Sector Personnel Administration
• PPA 660: Seminar in Organization Theory and Behavior
• PPA 670: Seminar in Policy Issue Analysis
• PPA 696: Research Methods in Public Administration
• PPA 697: Directed Research

Elective Courses

Elective courses include:

• PPA 535: Intergovernmental Relations
• PPA 570: Negotiating Dynamics: Strategies and Skills
• PPA 512: Urban Executive Management
• PPA 540: Grants Administration
• PPA 610: Seminar in Urban Affairs

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MPA program requires:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• A personal statement expressing reasons for pursuing an MPA degree
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in public service or a career goal of employment in government or nonprofit organizations

Application Process

To apply to the MPA program, students must submit two applications: one to the university and one to the department. The department application requires a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

Program Faculty

The MPA program faculty includes:

• David C. Powell, Program Director
• David Armijo, Adjunct Professor
• Adam M. Butz, Assistant Professor
• Phil Gonshak, Director of Public Safety Strategy
• Edward J. Martin, Professor
• Melissa Mathews, Associate Professor
• Tina Zhao, Assistant Professor and Graduate Advisor

Program Cost

The total program cost is $19,500, with a cost of $500 per unit or $1,500 per course.

Program Location

The MPA program is offered online, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere.

Accreditation

The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).