Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2011-2012 (PRINTED) 
    
University Catalog 2011-2012 (PRINTED) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Public Administration, M.S.


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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.

There are two options in the MSPA Program. One is the regular MSPA program. The other is the MSPA 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 Science in 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:

Deadline Consideration For
   
April 10 Fall (September)

Departmental Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in 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 M.S. degree program in Public Administration in the absence of clear and compelling evidence of their current capacity for satisfactory graduate academic performance. 

Prerequisites (8 units)


Completion of the following political science courses or their equivalent is required of all students entering the MSPA program. Students must earn a minimum B (3.0) grade in each of these courses. These courses must be satisfactorily completed before taking any 500 level course.

Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the student’s academic background.

Requirements for the Degree (minimum 48 units)


A minimum of 48 units is required. In addition to course requirements, students must complete the equivalent of a one-quarter full-time internship in public administration or an approved field project. This requirement may be waived if the candidate holds, or has held, a position entailing managerial or professional level of responsibility in a public or private nonprofit agency. To enroll in the following 500 level courses all students must have completed all required 400 level courses. All 500 level courses require a permit to enroll from the department of political science.

Required Courses (36 units)


Comprehensive Examination or Thesis (0, 4 units)


After completing all coursework on their programs, students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (POLS 596) in the next quarter in which it is offered. All course work on their programs must comply with college and departmental requirements.

Students will be allowed a maximum of three attempts to complete the comprehensive examinations successfully. Failure to pass the comprehensive examinations, or any portion thereof, will result in disqualification from the program.

A thesis, in lieu of the written examinations, may be authorized for exceptional students who present a proposal the department deems worthy of study. POL 599 (4 units) may be taken in place of one of the elective courses

Fast Track Option for International Executives Option Requirements


The Department of Political Science and the Institute for Executive Leadership will enforce identical MSPA admission requirements of a minimum grade point average in the last 90 units taken in undergraduate status of 3.0, and a TOEFL score of 550 or above, in addition to the institute requirement of four-year recent experience in a non-us administrative agency.

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