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The Master’s in Public Administration program provides students the opportunity to learn about the operations of governmental and nonprofit organizations and their role in improving the quality of life for members of the community. The program combines the theoretical foundations of public sector management with the practical application of tools and techniques used by public administrators.

Completion of the program requires 36 semester hours for students currently working in the public or nonprofit sectors. Full-time students may complete the MPA within approximately two academic years.

The program is composed of 24 hours of core coursework required of all MPA students, 12 hours of elective coursework, and 3 hours for a culminating project or thesis. Students not currently employed in the public or nonprofit sectors may be required to complete a 400-hour internship, which constitutes an additional 3-hour course for a total of 39 semester hours.

The 24 semester hours of core coursework are graduate-level courses at the 5000 level or above. Elective or concentration area credit may be taken at the 3000 or 4000 level (upper-division undergraduate courses) but must be selected in consultation with the MPA Graduate Coordinator. Students without full-time employment in the public or nonprofit sector may be required to complete 3 units of an internship.

Core Coursework (24 Semester Units)
Core coursework provides the foundation for all MPA students in theory, methodology, and applied skills. These courses ensure a broad understanding of public administration, ethics, fiscal and human resource management, and quantitative methods. All students are expected to complete these core courses before enrolling in the culminating experience.

Elective Coursework (12 Semester Units)
Elective coursework allows students to specialize in areas aligned with their academic interests and career goals. Elective courses may focus on public policy, urban planning, human resources, public finance, nonprofit administration, or other approved subjects. These electives must be selected in consultation with the MPA Graduate Coordinator to ensure alignment with the Program of Study. Upper-division undergraduate courses at the 3000 or 4000 level may be used for elective credit with approval.

Culminating Experience
The final educational component of the MPA program is the successful completion of a culminating project or thesis. In both cases, the student must prepare a substantial written document and deliver a formal oral presentation to an audience open to the public.

Final Project
Students choosing the project option must develop a major report that addresses a policy issue or management problem encountered by a public service agency with which the student has direct experience. The project must demonstrate the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical administrative challenges. Students completing a project should enroll in MPA 6950.

Thesis
A thesis is a comprehensive research effort similar in scope and scholarship to peer-reviewed academic publications. Thesis topics must be approved by the MPA faculty before enrollment in MPA 6960.

Comprehensive Exam
In rare circumstances, MPA faculty may approve a culminating written comprehensive examination as an alternative to the project or thesis. This option requires special approval and must follow department guidelines.

Graduate Writing Test (GWT)
All Cal Poly Pomona graduate students must pass the Graduate Writing Test (GWT) in order to graduate. The Learning Resource Center’s University Writing Center provides study tips, skill-building handouts, and practice prompts for students preparing for the test.

Students who have already earned a degree from a California State University (CSU) campus are not required to take the GWT again. Those who did not graduate from a CSU institution must contact the Learning Resource Center to register, receive test scheduling information, and review testing requirements.