The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at CSUCI prepares students for thriving careers in public service. Coursework focuses on knowledge, skills, and expertise key to lifelong professional development in local, county, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations and the public sector components of for-profit entities. The M.P.A. program emphasizes high quality, professional approaches to addressing real world problems using multiple and diverse perspectives. Graduates of the program understand how to tackle public challenges in the 21st Century and beyond through committed and professional public service.

Students who meet the university’s general graduate admissions requirements and who have demonstrated interest in public sector work will be accepted into the program. Interest may be demonstrated through a variety of ways such as a personal statement, a work sample portfolio, an interview with the program admissions committee, letters of recommendation, or some combination of these and other artifacts. This approach to admissions was strongly recommended in sessions focused on augmenting student diversity at recent Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) conferences and seminars. Students must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to starting the program.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) will not be required for admission. There is no prerequisite coursework, however, students who have yet to take courses in basic statistics or American Government will be strongly encouraged to complete these prior to starting the program. Students without significant professional experience in a public or nonprofit agency will be required to enroll in the MPA 692 - Public Internship course. If students do not complete an internship due to in-service status, then they will complete an additional elective course with program director approval.