Graduate Program for Public Management and Policy Studies
MPA - Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares aspiring public service leaders through rigorous coursework emphasizing practical skills and applied knowledge. The 30-credit-hour curriculum includes policy analysis, public budgeting, managerial leadership, human resources management, ethics, democratic governance, participatory collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. The program culminates in the MPA Capstone Project, where students integrate their learning by addressing significant public administration challenges under faculty mentorship, demonstrating their readiness for leadership roles in public governance.
Asynchronous = Accessible
Log in when you’re available, whether that’s at work or at home. Your reading, lectures, and assignments can be completed on your schedule, but maintain a routine thanks to our structured seminars.
Fast track to your degree
Finish in as few as 18 months! With 10 courses (at 8 weeks each) and only 30 hours needed for degree completion, students can finish in less than two years or complete the program over a longer period of time.
No GRE required
Applications are complete without a GRE score, speeding up the application process.
Build your network
Connect with classmates as colleagues in the public policy profession, and discover what opportunities exist inside and outside of your organization.
Explore the (MPA) Program:
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop and present comprehensive strategies for leading and managing in public governance, by analyzing organizational challenges and proposing actionable solutions.
- Critically analyze the policy process by evaluating policy issues, drafting policy briefs, and recommending evidence-based strategies for implementation.
- Produce well-reasoned analyses that synthesize complex public sector challenges, propose innovative solutions, and justify decisions with logical reasoning and evidence-based practices.
- Articulate a public values perspective by identifying and analyzing ethical dilemmas, evaluating alternatives, and defending decisions that prioritize equity, accountability, and transparency.
- Demonstrate effective communication tailored to diverse audiences by preparing inclusive stakeholder engagement plans, fostering equitable dialogue, and addressing the needs of a changing citizenry.
Program Entry Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- English Language Proficiency
Program Overview
MPA-501 Fundamentals of Policy Analysis
MPA-505 Public Policy Process
MPA-510 Public Budgeting
MPA-515 Human Resources Management for the Public Sector
MPA-520 Managerial Leadership
MPA-525 Ethics in Public Affairs
MPA-530 Public Administration and Democracy
MPA-535 Collaborative and Participatory Governance
MPA-540 Data Driven Decision Making in Government
MPA-550 Capstone Project Course
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30
Capstone Thesis
Within the MPA-550 course, students will complete their capstone project. The MPA Capstone Project Course is the culminating experience in the Masters of Public Administration program, providing students with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired throughout their academic journey. In this course, students will undertake a comprehensive research or applied project that addresses a significant public administration challenge or opportunity. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students will develop, implement, and present their capstone projects, demonstrating their readiness to transition into leadership roles in public service. This is the final course in the program.
Proctored Exams
Students must successfully complete the following proctored exams:
- A proctored defense of their capstone project
- At least two other proctored exams
Graduation Requirements
To receive a diploma noting completion of the requirements of the Master of Public Administration students must:
- Satisfactorily complete all published program requirements and complete required proctored exams.
- Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Receive grades of C or better (2.0+) in all courses. [Courses in which the student earned less than a C will not count towards graduation requirements and must be retaken.]
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Estimated Time to Completion
A full-time graduate student completes 18 credit hours per year (six 3-credit hour, eight-week courses). Courses are scheduled with multiple start dates throughout the year. A full-time student who has met the entry prerequisite requirements would take approximately 1 year and six months (80 weeks) to complete the 30 credit-degree.
Depending upon the goals of the student, commitments outside their studies, prerequisite completion and the student’s level of academic preparedness, it is reasonable to assume that a student could complete the program in the specified time. Students will develop a schedule to completion with their academic counselor.
Program Cost
Tuition (Cost per 4 CH course): $1,900 x 10 + $19,000
Books (Estimate)*: $100×10 = $1,000
Application Fee: $100
Proctoring Fee: $60
Graduation Fee: $100
Estimated Total Cost with Fees**: $20,260
* The cost of books estimates about $100 per class. A current list of required texts can be obtained from an enrollment advisor. The application fee is non-refundable.
**This estimate assumes a student has no transfer credit.+ DSU will cover the cost of the Student Tuition Recovery Fund fees of those students meeting the criteria outlined in the Notice to California Students.
Accreditation
Dunlap-Stone University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Read More Here.