COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program requires a total of 36 units and is designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills for leadership roles in public and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum includes 15 units of core courses that provide a foundation in public administration, covering areas such as administrative research methods, policy analysis and evaluation, public management, and public budgeting, with Introduction to Public Administration fulfilling the GWAR requirement. These courses must be completed before enrolling in the culminating experience. Students then complete 9 to 18 units of advanced seminar electives, selecting three courses from topics such as regional governance, public personnel administration, organizational theory, public financial administration, nonprofit management, law and public administration, and specialized topics, allowing them to deepen expertise in specific areas of interest. Depending on their chosen pathway, students may also complete 0 to 9 units of additional electives, which can include internships, directed readings, advanced seminars, or approved coursework from related departments. The program concludes with a 3-unit culminating experience, where students choose between Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (project), demonstrating their ability to apply analytical, research, and problem-solving skills to real-world public administration challenges. Overall, the program integrates theory, policy analysis, and applied practice to prepare graduates for effective management and leadership in government and nonprofit organizations.