Develop essential leadership skills for the public sector and learn about strategic management, public policy, government relations, budgeting, finance and more.
Why study Public Administration?
This program is designed for professionals employed in all areas of the public sector who wish to improve their management skills and knowledge. Offered online, on campus, and at various Southern California locations, CSUN’s MPA features three options:
- Public Sector Management and Leadership
- Data-Driven Governance and Organizational Change
- Nonprofit Sector Management
Graduates will possess the sophisticated skills and knowledge to excel in top positions within the sector. Each MPA option features a unique, highly specific curriculum, designed to help professionals rapidly advance in their careers.
Why study Public Administration at CSUN?
CSUN is California's leading provider of MPA degrees and the nation's third-largest provider (behind only Harvard and Columbia universities). It ranks 1st nationally in the Top 17 MPA Programs by GraduatePrograms.com. Of the nation's top four MPA providers, only CSUN offers both online and face-to-face instruction, and has more off-campus locations than any other provider.
Working in partnership with 10 Los Angeles County agencies, eight cities and two counties outside of Los Angeles, CSUN ensures that public sector professionals possess the means to thrive in their chosen fields and to become effective agents of change at all levels of government and within their communities. Since 1985, more than 2,000 graduates have earned their MPA degrees.
This program is offered through self-support. Visit Tseng College for more information.
What You'll Learn
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program at CSUN is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles across a wide range of public sector organizations and agencies. Through a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, strategic planning, and effective decision-making, the program equips students with the tools needed to manage complex challenges and drive meaningful change. Students develop skills in organizational management, policy implementation, and efficiency improvement, enabling them to lead with confidence in high-pressure environments.
The program offers three specialized options to tailor the learning experience to specific career goals.
From driving decision-making to transforming policy, proficiency in data analytics and strategic applications has become essential for today’s leaders in the public sector. The Data-Driven Governance and Organizational Change option within CSUN’s Master’s in Public Administration provides you with the data analysis experience employers nationwide look for.
This option includes the same core standards as the regular MPA track with a unique blend of technical proficiency and organizational change expertise. This concentration represents a carefully curated curriculum that blends foundational concepts of data analytics and organizational assessment skills with advanced coursework in organizational change management.
Designed for working professionals, the MPA option in Nonprofit Sector Management speaks to the sector’s evolving needs and prepares you for its top administrative positions. Taught by CSUN faculty as well as industry leaders, this program presents you with the business tools and concepts to manage the nonprofit sector.
You'll work on real-world scenarios that prepare you for a variety of possibilities in the sector. You’ll also engage in practical exercises and learn tools for ethical and competent financial management. And through cases studies and exposure to topical business scenarios, you’ll learn to use academic models to solve everyday issues.
The Public Sector Management and Leadership option within CSUN's MPA program develops and enhances management skills, enabling graduates to function more effectively within all types of public organizations. This option emphasizes both the quantitative aspects of management (i.e., decisions based on analytical data) and the human dynamics of leadership. By emphasizing conceptual and professional development, the program offers a well-rounded perspective of the field and develops leaders with a broad understanding at both the organizational and theoretical levels.
Careers & Outcomes
This program is ideal for staff and administrators who are currently employed in the public, private or nonprofit sectors and looking to advance their careers, as well as for those seeking employment in these areas. It is also an excellent choice for professionals in other fields who are interested in transitioning to the public sector. Graduates of the program build valuable working relationships with public sector administrators, which serve them throughout their professional lives.