MPA, Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for the world of public service, particularly in local and state public agencies and non-profit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical and practical perspectives and combines a rigorous commitment to academic excellence with a focus on the day to day challenges faced by public sector professionals.

Designed with input from city managers, agency heads and elected officials, several of whom teach in the program, the curriculum provides students with a strong foundation for employment and advancement in the public sector.

After completing the MPA program, students will:

  • be prepared to lead and manage people
  • be able to analyze the political sources of public policy and political behavior
  • know how to conduct and assess research on public policy topics
  • know the principles of public finance and budgeting
  • be able to apply ethical standards and relevant law to the policy process and personal behavior

Students may customize their program through the selection of 3 elective courses, one of which may be a fellowship in a local agency or non-profit, or they may select one the following emphases:

  • Local Government
  • Judicial Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Organizational Leadership

Who is this program for?

The MPA is designed for those who desire a career in the public sector. It is also useful to public sector professionals who wish to advance their careers, or who simply wish to acquire new knowledge and skills.

What can you do with a degree in public administration?

The MPA prepares students for careers as city managers, agency heads, court administrators, or for leadership positions in law enforcement or the non-profit sector.

Visit the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration Website at naspaa.org

Admission to the program may be achieved by completing the following requirements:

Satisfactorily fulfill graduate admissions requirements for Brandman University.

If using Option Two in the graduate admissions requirements, submit passing scores from one of the following standard admissions tests:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): achieve the required minimum scores on two out of three of the subsections of the GRE. (Minimum score for Quantitative: 141, minimum score for Verbal: 150, minimum score for Analytic Writing: 4.5)

Miller Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum scaled score of 400.

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): fulfill the formula GMAT + (GPA x 200) > 1000

If using Option Four in the graduate admissions requirements, submit a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: Writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant's ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes he or she is a good candidate for the graduate program. If the portfolio meets substantive approval of the reviewers, the applicant may be invited for an interview.

How to Apply:

  • Complete and submit an Application for Admission
  • Provide official transcripts from the regionally accredited Baccalaureate degree granting institution and transcripts from all institution where post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted.

Only credit from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted for transfers.International applicants or domestic applicants with transcripts from international institutions must also submit foreign transcripts.

PLEASE DO NOT FAX TRANSCRIPTS OR TEST SCORES.

Please mail all official transcripts to the following address:

Brandman University Office of Admission
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine, CA 92618

With the exception of transcripts or test scores, you may also fax additional required documents directly to the Office of Admission at (866) 659-1143 or e-mail the documents as attachments to apply@brandman.edu.

Provide a letter of completion on institution letterhead and/or from registrar's office if you are currently completing a baccalaureate degree from an institution other than Brandman University.

Specific Requirements (2012-13 catalog)

MPA Core (27 credits)

 

OLCU 601     Democracy, Ethics, and Leadership                             3 PADU 600 Intro to Public Administration 3 PADU 605 Public Finance or ACCU 602 Financial Reporting Analysis 3 PADU 607 Public Policy 3 BUSU 610 Data Analysis for Decision Making 3 OLCU 613 Seminar in Organizational Dynamics 3 HRCU 622 Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining 3 PADU 630 Local Government 3 PADU 688 Action Learning Project 3

 

Prior to enrolling in the capstone course (PADU 688), all core classes must be satisfactorily completed; one core class may be taken concurrent. MPA Electives/Emphasis (9 credits)Individualized Electives

MPA students may select an individualized set of electives (9 credit limit) from the graduate courses listed in the following areas (in consultation with an academic advisor): Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Marketing, Computer Science and PADU courses. These electives may be used to acquire either specific leadership related competencies or greater knowledge about the student’s intended professional area.

Graduate-level credits accepted in transfer subject to a 9 credit limit from all sources (coursework, ACE-guide for military personnel, etc.) or otherwise officially approved may also be applied to the electives. Students seeking to obtain credit for coursework taken elsewhere must file a "Request to Transfer Coursework.”

Emphasis Areas

Local Government EmphasisThis area of study is for students who wish to pursue careers in city and county government, especially elected offices.

 

PADU 612 Local Government Leadership                          3 PADU 633 Local Government Law 3

 

And one course from the following selection:

 

PADU 645 Land Use Planning 3 PADU 615 Professional Development Seminar 3 PADU 620 Contemporary Issues in Public Administration 3

 

Organizational Leadership EmphasisThis leadership focus is best suited for students interested in careers in the non-profit sector.

 

OLCU 621 Frontiers of Public and Nonprofit Leadership 3 OLCU 626 Dynamics of Public and Nonprofit Leadership 3

 

And one course from the following selections:

 

OLCU 600 Foundations of Organizational Leadership 3 OLCU 602 Self, Systems and Leadership 3 OLCU 615 Organization Development and Change 3 Total                                                                                                                                           36

 

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