To earn the Master of Public Administration degree, students must complete 14 units of required courses, three management competencies courses and three electives. In addition, students who enter the program with less than two years full-time work experience must complete an internship.
» Core Courses
» Management Competencies
» Specialization Electives
» Required Professional Experience
Graduate students in Public Administration are required to take the following four-unit courses:
Students select one four-unit course from each of the following three areas:
Organizational Behavior
Finance
Analytical Methods
MPA students take 14 units of electives. They may select electives from one of the identified area clusters or may take individual classes from among several areas.
Professional Experience Requirement
Most MPA students are classified as pre-service or in-service students at the time of admission. Pre-service students are those who enter the program with less than two years full-time work experience. In-service students are those with at least two years full-time work experience. Students pursuing the Intergovernmental Management specialization or one of the dual degree programs are not classified as pre-service or in-service. Appeals for reclassification of this designation must be submitted during the first semester of enrollment.
Pre-Service Internship Requirement
Pre-service students are required to complete an internship and a one-unit Internship Seminar course (PPD 543). MPA students enroll in Internship Seminar during their first semester. Students complete internships in conjunction with the internship class.
Total Units
Pre-Service Students: 41 units
In-Service Students: 40 units