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

Best Masters in Public Administration US News Best Ranked Graduate School College Factual NASPAA

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.
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 Assessment

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.

U.S. Applicants

Apply to the University via Cal State Apply (by February 1, 2025).
- This allows you to create an SDSU RED ID Number, which you will use to track your application status.
Send transcripts to Graduate Admissions (by March 1, 2025).
- Please follow SDSU's instructions for submitting official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Complete the MPA application via Interfolio Apply Now (by March 1, 2025).
- The Graduate Applicant Guide has specific instructions for navigating Interfolio (for additional assistance with Interfolio, please call their help desk at 877-997-8807).
- MPA-specific application requirements:
  1. Personal statement
    - 500-word statement of your interest in the SDSU MPA program and your motivation for pursuing this degree
  2. Professional statement
    - 500-word statement of your professional background, areas of interest in public affairs, and professional goals
  3. Unofficial transcript
    - Only submit to Interfolio a transcript from the most recent College/University attended
  4. Current resume
  5. Two letters of recommendation (professors, employers, or others capable of speaking to your fitness for the program

International Applicants

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.

Degree Requirements

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)