COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at California State University, San Bernardino is a 36-unit graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership and management roles in public and non-profit organizations. The program combines foundational coursework in public administration theory and practice, research methods, human resource management, public budgeting and finance, management of public organizations, and public policy analysis with professional development opportunities and a culminating experience. Students begin the program with core courses that provide essential skills in administration, organizational management, and strategic decision-making, and complete a capstone project in strategic planning for government and nonprofit organizations to demonstrate applied competencies. Beyond the core, students select one of six concentrations, each totaling 15 units, to tailor their studies to their career goals. Options include Community Planning & Management, focusing on sustainability, planning, and economic development; Cyber Security, emphasizing information systems management, cybersecurity policy, and enterprise architecture; Human Resources, preparing graduates for labor relations and strategic HR management; Leadership, with a focus on ethical leadership, digital governance, and administrative regulation; Public Financial Management, covering financial management, program evaluation, and procurement; and Nonprofit Leadership, concentrating on nonprofit management, volunteer coordination, fundraising, and program evaluation. Each concentration includes a combination of required courses and electives to allow flexibility and specialization. The program permits a limited number of transfer credits while ensuring that students acquire advanced-level knowledge relevant to public service. Through the combination of rigorous core courses, specialized concentrations, and a culminating capstone project, the MPA equips students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience necessary to excel as ethical and strategic leaders in government, non-profit, and public sector organizations.