The mission of the Master of 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.

There are two options in the MPA Program. One is the regular MPA program. The other is the MPA Fast Track Option for International Executives, which is designed for non-US experienced practitioners who undertake their degree completion using an intensive format.

Admission to the Master of Public Administration

Applications are accepted for the fall quarter only. Complete applications must be submitted to the Department of Political Science by the deadline to be considered:

Departmental Requirements

Admission to the Master of Public Administration requires a grade point average in the last 90 units taken in undergraduate status of 3.0, plus an acceptable departmental application, personal statement, current resume and two letters of recommendation.

Applicants who have failed to earn at least a 3.0 grade point average in their last 90 quarter units taken in undergraduate status will not be admitted to the Master of Public Administration in the absence of clear and compelling evidence of their current capacity for satisfactory graduate academic performance.