MPA Degree Requirements

There are three main components to the MPA Program curriculum:

  1. Core MPA coursework (27 units - plus 3 to 12 units depending on whether you need to take an internship),
  2. Elective MPA coursework (9 units), and
  3. A capstone project or a thesis (included in core coursework count).

Core MPA coursework:

  • P A 600 - Scope of Public Administration - Units: 3 (only offered in the fall)
  • P A 604 - Methods of Analysis in Public and Urban Affairs - Units: 3 (only offered in the fall)
  • P A 605 - Seminar in Applied Research - Units: 3 (only offered in the fall)
  • P A 606 - Seminar in Quantitative Approaches to Public Administration - Units: 3 (only offered in the spring)
  • P A 630 - Seminar in Public Personnel Administration - Units: 3 (only offered in the spring)
  • P A 642 - Seminar in Administrative Theory - Units: 3 (only offered in the fall)
  • P A 650 - Seminar in Public Financial Management - Units: 3 (only offered in the fall)
  • P A 660 - Administration and Public Policy Development - Units: 3 (only offered in the spring)
  • P A 795/799 - Capstone Experience or Thesis - Units: 3 (capstone only offered in the spring)

You will also complete 9 units as MPA electives:

  • Graduate Elective #1 - Units: 3
  • Graduate Elective #2 - Units: 3
  • Graduate Elective #3 - Units: 3

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.