The Center offers an innovative professional graduate program of studies leading to the degree of Master of Public Administration. The 36-unit program is designed with a professional emphasis and a recognized need to provide students with increased competency and perspective of the analytical and administrative processes of government. The MPA degree is sufficiently flexible that students may select a program of elective courses oriented toward a generalist program of study, place emphasis on a staff specialization such as personnel, or permit a focus on a specific public program field such as criminal justice administration. In all cases, a common grounding in the core areas of public policy and administration is required; beyond this, considerable freedom of choice enables students to select subjects which fit their particular backgrounds or career objectives.
Admission Requirements
Faculty will consider each application to the MPA program, based upon the following criteria:
1. Minimum 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
2. Demonstrated competence in professional writing. A listing of ways you can demonstrate writing competence is available in the Center office (ET 235) or on the Center website: www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/ppa/
3. Quality of professional experience as evaluated by Center faculty. This evaluation will be based on the applicant’s current job description, resume, any other materials submitted by the applicant, and the length of professional service.
4. Other evidence of applicant’s potential to undertake and successfully complete the MPA course of study: faculty may consider other evidence submitted by the applicant; for example, scores on optional standardized examinations such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other recognized standardized examinations.
Following admission to the University and acceptance to the Center, each student should meet with a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will provide advice to the student on program course requirements and elective opportunities, and counsel the student in the chosen elective area.
A student whose overall grade point average is less than 3.0, but who presents acceptable evidence of professional potential shown through recent academic performance and experiential background, may be admitted by special action of the Center.
Orientation Requirement
All students must attend a mandatory Center orientation within the first two semesters of acceptance into the MPA Program.
Advancement to Candidacy
Requirements
A wide variety of graduate courses in other departments also are acceptable. Graduate course descriptions are found in the department listings in which they are offered. Consult with Center Faculty for more information.
The purpose of the Option in Urban Affairs in the Master of Public Administration degree is to provide students who have particular interest in urban problems and processes with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and awareness in the field. In this broadly based interdisciplinary program, students can develop an understanding of the systemic nature of the urban environment and the interrelatedness of many urban problems. The program is designed to provide urban managers with ideas and techniques for dealing with various urban situations. Emphasis is on state and local government issues and responses.
Admission
The general standards for admission are identical to those for the Master of Public Administration degree program. An applicant must demonstrate a background of related undergraduate course work of twelve units, or significant management and/or staff experience in public administration.
Requirements
This Option is designed to provide advanced knowledge to practitioners and pre-career students in the growing field of public works management. Course work prepares students in general public administration and specialized public works management activities, including appropriate technical subjects such as air and water pollution, water supply, waste disposal and management, energy, housing, and transportation.
Admission
The general standards for admission are identical to those for the Master of Public Administration degree program. An applicant must demonstrate a background of related undergraduate course work of twelve units, or significant management and/or staff experience in public administration. For this degree option, the experiential background would be targeted to the public works and infrastructure sector.
Requirements
This program is designed to serve the post-graduate executive development needs of men and women aspiring to top level positions in city and county governments. The goal of this program is to provide urban executives with a comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning processes; dynamics of human relations; strategies for implementing policies; consensus building techniques; and economic and financial forces impacting on local governments.
Prerequisite
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants for the graduate certificate in Urban Executive Management should have significant upper level management experience in Public Administration, and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in government.
Requirements
This program is designed for men and women who work or desire to work in budgeting, policy formulation, financial management, or program evaluation offices of government agencies. The program prepares candidates with such skills as defining a problem; conducting cost benefit analysis; utilizing basic statistical techniques; conducting behavioral/political analysis; preparing and presenting reports; learning to blend qualitative, behavioral, and political skills necessary for success as an analyst in government.
Prerequisite
In addition to general admission requirements, students should be employed in public service or related activities, or have a goal of public service-related activities.
Requirements
This program is designed for public sector managers and those aspiring to enter public service who need the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to deal effectively with the critical area of public sector employee relations and personnel management. The primary goal is to provide the necessary training for public managers to effectively utilize human resources to their greatest potential in conjunction with the needs of the public organization.
Requirements
This Certificate Program is designed for public managers and others interested in obtaining an understanding of governmental financial management concepts, functions, techniques, and issues. The program is designed to familiarize students with financial management problems and the techniques available for solving them. An emphasis is placed on how to recognize, evaluate, and utilize financial information in decision-making.
Those most interested in pursuing the Certificate would likely fall into one of three categories. First, current private sector finance professionals who wish to develop an understanding of financial management functions and practices within the public sector. Second, current public sector financial managers who wish to further develop expertise in public sector financial management. Finally, in-service public sector employees who wish to start a career in government finance and who may use the courses for the Certificate as a guide for their course work towards the Master of Public Administration degree.
Requirements
18 units: PPA 555, 590T, 560, 567; ACCT 610; IS 601.
Note: Appropriate substitutes for the required courses may be allowed subject to permission of the Public Finance Specialization Faculty Advisor. Also, ACCT 610 and IS 601 have substantial prerequisites. Prospective students should refer to the University Catalog for details.
The purpose of this certificate program is to provide instruction in the skills and knowledge appropriate to professional activity in transportation policy and planning for urban transportation. Key support areas include urban planning, policy analysis, environmental policy, intergovernmental policy, personnel policy, and grants administration.
Requirements
