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The second academic component of the Master of Public Administration program is the concentration area. Each student selects a concentration aligned with their academic interests and career goals. Options may include courses in public law and ethics, public management, public policy, human resources, budget and finance, or an individually designed area approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

Students may take elective courses in other departments or colleges. However, prerequisites, course availability, and enrollment policies must be discussed directly with the course instructor. Advisors will help identify appropriate options, but all elective choices must align with the student’s Program of Study and receive approval from the Graduate Coordinator.

Suggested Courses in Related Disciplines

MPA 5200 – Intergovernmental Relations (3 units)
Explores governance structures, federalism, intergovernmental grants, local and state relationships, legislative and administrative relationships, legislative intent, oversight and monitoring, intergovernmental decision-making, and administrative ethics.
Three hours.

MPA 5225 – City Management (3 units)
Examines the theories, issues, and practical realities of city management. Integrates public management and policy theory with city administration practice. Addresses ethical challenges involved in community development and public service.
Three hours.

MPA 5245 – Non-Governmental Organizations (3 units)
Identifies and assesses challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations. Focuses on public benefit charities, tax and regulatory processes, organizational models, planning and management functions, ethical issues, cross-cultural and international approaches, and career opportunities.
Three hours.

MPA 5265 – Emergency Management (3 units)
Introduces core concepts of emergency and crisis management. Covers threats under emergency management, connections to homeland security, and the administrative skills required for planning, mitigation, and response.
Three hours.

MPA 5285 – Leadership in Public Organizations (3 units)
Focuses on the role of leadership versus management. Covers leadership skills such as conflict management and team building, leadership tasks including agenda setting and resource mobilization, the impact of followership, and diversity in leadership.
Three hours.

MPA 5500 – Public Policy Program Evaluation (3 units)
Examines the history, successes, and failures of public policies. Considers the role and function of policy analysts and their relationship to legislative and executive branches. Discusses policy alternatives, new development models, and implementation strategies.
Three hours seminar.

MPA 5585 – Urban Governance Policy and Administration (3 units)
Explores theoretical and practical approaches to urban governance and public policy. Analyzes urban development history, city politics, institutions, urban sprawl, transportation, public education, national urban policy, and reform efforts.
Three hours.

MPA 5605 – Criminal Justice Politics and Administration (3 units)
Covers concepts and institutions related to criminal justice administration. Discusses the political context of crime, interagency collaboration, constitutional issues, ethics, white collar crime, prison reform, rehabilitation, and re-entry.
Three hours seminar.

MPA 5655 – Community Sustainability Policy (3 units)
Introduces social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Emphasizes regenerative principles, resilience, climate change mitigation, and the roles of government, business, and nonprofit organizations.
Three hours.

MPA 5990/5990A/5990L – Special Topics for Graduate Students (1–3 units)
Group study of selected topics, with titles specified in advance. May include lectures, seminars, activities, laboratories, research, or a combination. May be repeated for credit.
Example topics include organizational development, public organization innovation, legal structures, and leadership in public administration and business contexts.

Areas of Interest for Electives

Courses in the following areas are recommended for electives. Students must consult with the MPA Director prior to enrolling. Courses not listed here may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Community Development and Urban Planning
URP 3010 – Introduction to Urban Planning*
URP 4200/A – Methods of Engagement: Participation, Negotiation, Mediation
URP 4220 – The Just City
URP 4240 – Public Participation
URP 4240/L – Community Development and Housing
URP 4370 – Planning for Infrastructure
URP 4380 – Land Use Entitlements
URP 4390 – Infrastructure Finance
URP 4510/A – Land Use and Urban Design Policy
URP 4830/A – Development Processes
URP 4840/A – Neighborhood Development
URP 5400 – Planning for Community Change
URP 5340/A – Urban Housing and Community Development

Education Administration
EC 5510 – Diversity and Cultural Perspectives
EC 5530 – Leadership in Multicultural Communities of Learners
EDL 5470 – Theory, Practice II, and School Improvement Leadership
EDL 5490 – Learning to Lead Content Module I: Professional Learning and Growth
EDL 5500 – Learning to Lead Content Module III: Organizational and Systems Leadership
EDL 5480 – Theory, Practice III, and Community Leadership
EDL 5530 – Schoolwide Change Initiative and Candidate Assessment

Environmental Issues and Administration
RS 3030 – Organization for Regenerative Practices*
RS 4140 – Current Applications in Regenerative Studies: Energy Efficiency and Conservation
RS 4500 – Sustainable Communities
RS 4990 – Urban Resiliency
URP 4820 – California Water
URP 4870 – Local and Regional Environmental Planning
URP 4910/A – Climate Change
URP 5370 – Environmental Policy

Finance and Accounting
EC 4408 – Money and Banking
EC 4407 – History of Economic Thought
EC 4430 – Economic Development

*Note: 3000-level courses are permitted as electives on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by both the MPA Director and the course instructor.