Master's in Public Administration
Program Overview
Our society has become more and more dependent on the work of government and non-profit organizations. This sector continues to grow, as does the demand for well-trained, capable, and ethical public administrators. The Master of Public Administration program at SDSU’s School of Public Affairs is structured around meeting this need through the pursuit of five Degree Learning
Outcomes:
- Best program in the West
- Lead and manage in public governance
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
The MPA degree is offered both in person and online.
MPA students can specialize in Criminal Justice or City Planning or develop their own specialization (in consultation with the program coordinator). We also offer a joint graduate degree with Latin American Studies.
The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. (NASPAA)
MPA Mission
SDSU’s MPA program develops innovative leaders who champion public service values including diversity, equity, ethics, and accountability, to support the well-being of communities through educational opportunities within and outside the classroom in a multicultural binational region.
Program Information
- Program Structure: For information about the program structure, please view the handbook for the program.
- List of Courses: For a detailed list of courses for each MPA program variation, please visit the appropriate catalog page below:
- Presentation Slides: For an overview of the program, please review the presentation slides from the 2024 orientation.
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Culminating Experience: For more information on the Capstone Project or Thesis option please visit the Culminating Experience Guide.
Tuition and Fees
For more information on tuition and fees, please visit the Office of Financial Aid's page for graduate and doctoral students and the SDSU Bursar's Office. The Bursar’s page provides information on basic tuition, in-state tuition, out-of-state, and international student fees.
Additionally, for scholarships, please visit the Aztec Scholarships page and the School of Public Affairs Scholarships page.
Important Program Links
MPA Student Learning AssessmentSteps to Apply
Note for Prospective JD-MPA Applicants:
Students who are interested in the JD-MPA dual degree program should use the MPA application to apply, as there is no separate application for the JD-MPA program. Please follow the steps outlined on this page, including the Interfolio application process, and indicate at the top of the Personal and Professional Statement that they are applying for the JD-MPA program.
For additional information on the JD-MPA program, please visit the SDSU JD/MPA Program Page and the USD JD/MPA Program Page.
To apply to the graduate program in Public Administration:
- Complete the University Online Application via Cal State Apply – Must be completed by February 1.
- All applicants must fill out the application on Cal State Apply and pay the required fee.
- A SDSUid Number will then be assigned which allows tracking of application status online.
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Send official transcripts Graduate Admissions – Must be received by February 15.
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For colleges/universities that provide an option to send transcripts either electronically or by mail, electronic is preferred. If you are required to provide an email address when ordering an electronic transcript for SDSU, please use [email protected].
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If your school does not send electronic transcripts, then they can mail the official transcript. To be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed/stamped school issued envelope.Graduate AdmissionsSan Diego State University5500 Campanile DriveSan Diego, CA 92182-8225
Please Note: When you send us mail, please include the last four digitsof the ZIP code to ensure your mail arrives to the correct office.
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- Complete the Program Online Application via Slate – Must be completed by March 1.
- Within 72 hours of submitting your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email with a personalized link to Slate to complete your program application.
- Applicants must upload all program documents in Slate. Do not send application documents directly to advisors or the coordinator.
The following documents must be submitted via Slate:
- Personal Statement: 500-word statement of your interest in the SDSU MPA program and your motivation for pursuing this degree.
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Professional Statement: 500-word statement of your professional background, areas of interest in public affairs, and professional goals
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Current Résumé
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Unofficial Transcripts Reminder: Official transcripts must be sent to Graduate Admissions (see Step 2), but you are also required to upload unofficial transcripts in Slate.
International applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply.
For international applicants, please follow the same steps as those listed for U.S. applicants when applying to our graduate program. In addition, please visit the following pages for further information:
- International Graduate Students Admissions Page – for details on applying to the university as an international student and other related information.
- The International Admissions Office - to schedule a time to meet with an international admissions advisor.
There are three main components to the MPA Program curriculum:
- Core MPA coursework (27 units - plus 3 to 12 units depending on whether you need to take an internship),
- Elective MPA coursework (9 units), and
- 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)
Electives (9 units):
- Graduate Elective #1 - Units: 3
- Graduate Elective #2 - Units: 3
- Graduate Elective #3 - Units: 3
See the Graduate Bulletin for details.
For more information, contact:
