Political Science
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
MPA students learn about urban sustainability in Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at California State University, Fresno, provides a professional degree to individuals seeking to serve the public through the effective and ethical administration of public programs. To accomplish this, the program faculty promote and teach the following core competencies: To lead and manage in public governance; to participate in and contribute to the public policy process; to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions; to articulate and apply a public service perspective; and to communicate and interact with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
For more information, please read our information sheet or contact the MPA program at 559-278-2866 or reach us by email (mpa@mail.fresnostate.edu). You can also find us on LinkedIn as MPA Program at Fresno State.
Alumni Highlights
Blake Zante MPA '24 Executive Director of the Kenneth L Maddy Institute "I am fortunate that I get to have the opportunity to help connect students with hands-on internships in public service and public policy. Also, I love being able to convene conversations on important topics with policymakers on both sides of the aisle. "
Celeste Cabrera-Garcia MPA '20 City Clerk and Event Coordinator for the City of Mendota
"The MPA program provided me with the knowledge and tools to better understand my
role as a public servant and to carry out my responsibilities effectively. It helped
me develop a deeper appreciation for public administration and gave me the confidence
to approach my work with purpose and professionalism."
Jose Verduzco MPA '20 Government Affairs Representative for PG&E "My favorite part
about my job is being able to assist City Managers, CAOs, Mayors, Councilmembers,
and County Supervisors to bring forth critical projects that improve the quality of
life in their respective communities."
Fall Semester Core Courses
MPA 200 - Administration and Society (3 units)
MPA 201 - Quantitative Applications for Public Admin (3 units)
MPA 245 - Human Resource Management (3 units)
Spring Semester Core Courses
MPA 210 - Organizational Theory in Public Admin (3 units)
MPA 230 - Public Budgeting (3 units)
MPA 260 - Public Policy Administration (3 units)
Additional Core Courses (Offered periodically)
MPA 215 - State and Local Government (3 units)
MPA 240 - Seminar in Public Management (3 units)
MPA 250 - Ethics and Public Administration (3 units)
MPA 280T - Topics in Public Administration (3 units)
Degree Requirements (Minimum: 36 units)
All students will be required to take 21 core units; 18 of these core units are prescribed
for students.
(MPA 200, 201, 210, 230, 245, 260)
The remaining 3 core units must be selected from the courses listed under the “Additional Core” heading. Students may take more than one course listed under the “Additional Core” heading. If they do, these courses will count towards meeting their “Approved Electives” requirement. (MPA 215, 240, 250, 280T)
MPA students may also choose to take units offered as Practitioner Seminars (MPA 289T). Pre-service or in-service students with less than six months of experience in the public or non-profit sector will be advised to take MPA 287. This will provide them with both a valuable learning and working experience.
Approved elective courses may used to build on the foundation of the program’s core offerings. The courses to be used as electives in the MPA program are to be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor and must be approved by the MPA director. The students’ selection of electives should be guided by their interest in a particular course/topic and its relationship to the practice of public administration.
To culminate their MPA experience, students admitted starting in Fall 2024 may choose either the comprehensive exam, capstone class, or thesis. Students beginning Spring 2025 and after may choose between the capstone class or thesis. The comprehensive exam does not count for any units towards the degree, but does satisfy the requirement that students be provided with a culminating experience to their program, and may be chosen by students who start prior to Spring 2025. The capstone class (MPA 298) is worth three (3) units toward the degree and satisfies the culminating experience requirement. Beginning in Spring 2026, the capstone class will be offered every spring semester. The thesis (MPA 299) is worth three (3) units toward the degree and also satisfies the culminating experience requirement, though it typically takes longer than one semester to complete.
Some MPA students write a thesis to complete their degree. For an example, please take a look at The Administrator / Educator Influence on the Transition of Students, with Idea Services, from K-12 to Postsecondary / College during the COVID-19 Pandemic by MPA student Laura Clark, which won the 2021-2022 Outstanding Thesis Award from the College of Social Sciences at Fresno State.
Please see the thesis checklist if you are interested in completing a thesis: MPA Thesis Checklist
Prospective students can apply through the CalStateApply website.
Fall 2025 application deadline: April 1
Spring 2025 application deadline: November 1
Materials required for application:
- Program application through CalStateApply
- ONE set of official transcripts (must be submitted to California State University, Fresno - Graduate Admissions)
- Statement of Purpose: No more than 500 words explaining your reasons for wanting to pursue the MPA degree and what benefits you expect to derive from your studies.
- Writing sample showcasing your writing ability
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
- PLEASE NOTE: The GRE is no longer required for application starting with Fall 2024
All additional questions should be directed the MPA Graduate Director, Dr. Naomi Bick.