Public policy administration is in demand in California because the state has an extensive system of local government that manages public functions. Public administrators are problem-solvers who meet complicated challenges in the service of the public good. In California, some positions available to those with a master’s in public administration include management analyst, city housing administrator, county treasurer, legislative coordinator, and labor relations specialist. The job outlook for public administrators is bright in California. For example, according to the State of California Employment Development Department, management analyst jobs should increase 13.9% by 2028. Thankfully, the state of California has many approved master’s in public administration college and university programs that will help prepare future public administrators for a career in the state.
MPA Programs in California
There are 34 master’s in public administration or policy programs offered by colleges and universities in the state of California. This includes both online and campus-based programs. In California, most MPA programs are accredited by either the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)/ (WSCUC). California Lutheran University’s MPA program is the only program in the state of California to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Another outlier is the MPA program offered by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, which is the only MPA in the state of California accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). That is because although its campus is in California, MIIS is considered a graduate school of Middlebury College in Vermont.
The NASPAA-accredited MPA programs based in California will be discussed in the following section of the article, but first, here’s a quick overview of the non-NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of California.
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- Online only
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
36 Units
Tuition: $650/unit for 36 units is approximately $23,400 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at California Baptist University prepares future leaders in government agencies and non-profit organizations to serve society’s diverse needs. MPA courses at CBU help develop critical thinking, decision-making, team building, and human resource management skills.
California Lutheran University
- Thousand Oaks, CA
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy and Administration
Credit Hours: 39 Hours
In-person at the Thousand Oaks or Oxnard campus, with some online courses.
Tuition: $820/credit hour for 39 credit hours is approximately $31,980 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPPA at CLU is an interactive educational experience in courses that average fewer than 15 students. Students will study law, criminal justice, immigration policy, labor relations, ethics, human resource management, budgeting and finance, and health care.
California Polytechnic
State University-San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
50 Units
In-person at the San Luis Obispo campus.
Tuition: $12,924 per academic year for California residents and $26,970 per academic year for non-residents. This does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPP program at California Polytechnic is structured to equip graduates to work as program managers and analysts. This two-year program focuses on public policy, quantitative methods, economic policy, and policy analysis.
California State University-East Bay
- Hayward, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
32 Semester Units
In-person at the Hayward campus.
Tuition: $8,539 per academic year for California residents and $15,567 per academic year for non-residents. This does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at CSU East Bay helps students prepare for careers in public organizations, teaching positions in community colleges, and advanced doctoral studies in public administration. CSU East Bay offers concentration studies in Health Care Administration, Policy Analysis, and Public Management.
California State University-Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
33 Semester Units
Online and in-person at the Northridge campus.
Tuition: $8,524 per academic year for both California residents and non-residents, but non-residents need to add $396 to their tuition for each unit. For a non-resident taking 16-semester units a year, that means an additional $6,336 per academic year. Tuition for both residents and non-residents does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
CSUN offers on-campus and online options for MPA program students. CSUN offers concentrations in Nonprofit Sector Management and Health Administration.
California State University-Sacramento
- Sacramento, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy and Administration
36 Units
In-person at the Sacramento campus.
Tuition: $8,524 per academic year for California residents. Non-residents need to add $396 to their tuition for each unit. For a non-resident taking 18 units a year, that means an additional $7,128 per academic year. Tuition for both residents and non-residents does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree at Sacramento State differs from most programs because it focuses on preparing students for state and local government careers in California.
Claremont Graduate University, School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation
- Claremont, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy & Evaluation
48 Units
In-person at the Claremont campus.
Tuition: $2,020/unit for 48 units is approximately $96,960 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The CGU MAPPE program permits students to take policy-relevant elective courses at any CGU school with the approval of their academic advisors. The program offers students graduate-only education in small, seminar-style courses taught by highly knowledgeable faculty.
Golden Gate University-San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- Online + Campus
Program:
Executive Master of Public Administration
36 Units
Both online and hybrid options at their San Francisco campus.
Tuition: $825/unit for 36 units is approximately $29,700 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The public administration program at Golden Gate University is the oldest in Northern California. The program prepares professionals for careers in public policy and offers concentrations in Judicial Administration, Public Administration, and Law Enforcement.
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
- Monterey, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration in Social Change.
42 Credits
In-person at the Monterey campus.
Tuition: $1,664 /credit hour for 42 credits is about $69,888 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA in Social Change at Middlebury Institute helps students prepare for careers in the public and non-profit sectors.
National University
- San Diego, CA
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
36 Quarter Units
Online or in-person at the La Jolla campus.
Tuition: $727/unit for 36 units is approximately $26,172 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
National University offers students flexibility through online and on-campus MPA options. Students can pursue concentrations in Human Resource Management or Organizational Leadership.
Notre Dame de Namur University
- Belmont, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
In-person at the Belmont campus.
Tuition: $800/credit for 36 credits is approximately $28,800 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA degree at Notre Dame de Namur University prepares students for careers in public and non-profit organizations. Specialized areas of study include human resources management and public affairs administration.
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
50 Units
In-person at the Malibu campus.
Tuition: $46,140 for two semesters. The program requires four semesters to complete, so it costs about $92,280 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPP program at Pepperdine is aimed at students aspiring to pursue analyst careers. The MPP offers several specializations, including Public Policy and American Politics, Public Policy and Economics, and State and Local Policy.
Sonoma State University
- Rohnert Park, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
40 Units
In-person at the Rohnert Park campus.
Tuition: $8,524 per academic year for California residents. Non-residents need to add $396 to their tuition for each unit. For a non-resident taking 18 units a year, that means an additional $7,128 per academic year. Tuition for both residents and non-residents does not include additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA degree at Sonoma State provides a potent combination of theoretical and practical learning. The MPA offers concentrations in nonprofit agency management and public management.
Stanford University
- Jane Stanford Way, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
37 Quarter Units
In-person at the Stanford campus.
Tuition: Approximately $38,913 for the entire program, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
Stanford’s MPP degree is a two-year professional degree program available to current seniors, graduate students, and alums. It offers varied specializations in the field of public policy.
University of California, Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
54 Units
In-person at the Berkley campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $12,264 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $24,528. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents $24,528 and non-residents $49,056, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
UC Berkeley offers an MPP program comprising core courses, summer internships, analysis projects, and elective classes. Concentration options include Energy and Resources, Public Health, and Social Welfare.
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
72 Credits
In-person at the Irvine campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $12,264 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $24,528. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents $24,528 and non-residents $49,056, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The University of California, Irvine Master of Public Policy Program is for students passionate about public service and social welfare.
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
80 Units
In-person at the Los Angeles campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $12,264 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $24,528. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents $24,528 and non-residents $49,056, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
UCLA offers students a two-year MPP degree program with the option of joint degrees in Law, Medicine, Management, Public Health, or Social Welfare.
University of the Pacific
- Los Angeles, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy.
MPA – 36 Units; MPP – 44 Units
Hybrid programs with about 50% of course hours conducted online and the rest in-person at the Sacramento campus.
Tuition: The total cost for the 36-unit MPA degree is $54,000, and $66,000 for the 44-unit MPP degree, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPP program at the University of the Pacific emphasizes a blend of rigorous academic exploration and real-world application. The MPA program at UP is the only MPA program offered by an accredited law school in California.
University of California-Riverside
- Stockton, CA / Sacramento, CA / San Francisco, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Policy
72 Units
In-person at the Riverside campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $12,264 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $24,528. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents $24,528 and non-residents $49,056, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPP program at UC Riverside offers a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum that stresses evidence-based policy research and cross-learning from international and domestic problem-solving experiences.
NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs in California
There are currently fifteen NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of California. NASPAA accreditation acknowledges that a master’s degree program in nonprofit or public administration, policy, or affairs has undertaken a rigorous peer review process conducted by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA). The following list provides a good overview of all the NASPAA-accredited programs in the state of California.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- Pomona, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
Semester Hours: 36 Hours
In-person at the Pomona campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $8,872 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $15,208. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents $17,744 and non-residents $30,416, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The main goal of the MPA program at Cal Poly Pomona is to provide professional and scholarly education to students who hope to prepare themselves for administrative careers and leadership positions in local, state, and national government.
California State University, Bakersfield
- Bakersfield, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
39 Credits
In-person at the Bakersfield campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $9,074 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $16,202. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents about $18,148 and non-residents $32,404, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at CSU Bakersfield teaches students critical skills in public administration, nonprofit management, and healthcare organization management. The study requirements include communication, management, and policy processes.
California State University, Chico
- Chico, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
36 to 37 Units
In-person at the Chico campus.
Tuition: For California residents, tuition is $7,716 per academic year, and for non-residents, it is $16,680. Therefore, the entire program should cost California residents about $15,432 and non-residents $33,360, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at California State Chico offers options in Local Government Management and Healthcare Administration. This program also provides instruction on public administration in a non-metropolitan setting.
California State University, Dominguez Hills
- Carson, CA
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
42 Semester Units
Online or in-person at the Carson campus.
Tuition: For California residents, the total estimated cost of the on-campus MPA program is $19,300, and approximately $36,000 for non-California residents. The total program cost for the online modality, which does not distinguish between California residents and non-residents, is $25,200, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
Students can complete their MPA online or on campus at CSU Domingues Hills. This program offers several concentrations: Healthcare Administration, Criminal Justice Policy, and Non-Profit Management.
California State University, Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
36 Units
In-person at the Fullerton campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs $16,888 for California residents, and $31,144 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Cal State Fullerton has strong relationships with local governments and agencies in Southern California that employ many graduates. Some of its alumni include city managers in at least six Orange County cities.
California State University,
Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
39 Units
Online or in-person at the Long Beach campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs $10,000 for California residents, and $25,444 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
CSU Long Beach offers an MPA program with concentration options in Urban Affairs and Public Works Administration. The MPA program also offers graduate certificate programs in Employer-Employee Relations, Personnel Management, and Public Sector Financial Management.
California State University, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
36 Units
In-person at the Los Angeles campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $16,492 for California residents and $30,748 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
CSULA’s MPA program prepares students for the challenges of governing and managing in a metropolitan area. Graduates will gain public administration skills, including effective human resources and financial management.
California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
36 Semester Units
Online and in-person at the San Bernardino campus. However, online students must plan carefully to ensure their desired classes are offered online the semester they want them as core offerings alternate between in-person and online every semester.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $16,822 for California residents taking on-campus classes and $31,080 for non-residents. For those opting for the online program, tuition costs about $23,302 for California residents and $37,560 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
CSUSB’s MPA program prepares students for leadership roles in public service and is available in-person or online. The areas of concentration available at CSUSB include Cybersecurity, Leadership, and Public Financial Management.
California State University, Stanislaus
- Turlock, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
36 – 39 Semester Units
In-person at the Turlock campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $28,704 for California residents and $42,960 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Stanislaus State is unique because it emphasizes preparation for careers in government and non-profit organizations in the Central Valley.
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
39 Units
Online or in-person at the San Diego campus.
Tuition: The entire program on-campus program costs $19,488 for California residents and $ $33,704 for non-residents. The online program costs $19,836 for both residents and non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
San Diego State University’s MPA program is offered on campus or as a 100% online program that students can complete in 16 months. The San Diego State MPA is a highly-ranked and well-regarded program.
San Francisco State University
- San Francisco, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
39 – 42 Units
Hybrid and in-person courses at the downtown San Francisco campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $29,148 for California residents, and $45,780 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA degree at San Francisco State requires the completion of an internship. The program offers six emphases of study: Nonprofit Administration, Public Management, Public Policy, Urban Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, and Environmental Administration and Policy.
San Jose State University
- San Jose, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
36 Units
In-person at the San Jose campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs about $11,484 for California residents and $16,236 for non-residents, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
San Jose State University’s MPA program offers two academic tracks: MPA in General Management and Emergency Management.
University of La Verne
- Ontario, CA
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
39 Units
Online or in-person at the Ontario campus.
Tuition: At $785/unit, the entire program costs $30,615, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
La Verne’s MPA program provides students with the theoretical foundations necessary for pursuing public service fields. The areas of concentration offered are Non-Profit and Urban Management.
University of San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
38 Units
In-person at the San Francisco campus.
Tuition: At $1,270 /unit, the entire program costs $48,260, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at USF offers small class sizes that allow faculty to provide more individual attention to students. Health Services Administration is one of the possible concentrations on offer at USF.
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Master of Public Administration
Accreditation: NASPAA
40 Units
Online or in-person at the Los Angeles or Sacramento campus.
Tuition: The entire program costs $86,840, excluding additional fees students may incur.
Program Overview:
The MPA program at USC Sol Price aims to prepare students for public management careers. It specializes in Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Finance, and Health Administration.
Online Masters in Public Administration Programs in California
There are ten online MPA programs in the state of California, including six NASPAA-accredited programs that were highlighted above. The 100% online MPA programs include those offered by the University of Southern California, University of La Verne, San Diego State University, California State University, San Bernardino, California State University, Long Beach, California State University, Dominguez Hills, National University, Golden Gate University, California State University-Northridge, and California Baptist University.
Accelerated MPA Programs in California
For many ambitious professionals, time is of the essence. Luckily, the state of California has several accelerated MPA programs. These include the MPA programs at California State University, San Bernardino, San Diego State University, California Baptist University, National University, Northcentral University, and Golden Gate University. These programs offer the option to complete the program in as little as 12 months, and most have online options.
Affordable Masters in Public Administration Programs in California
In terms of affordability, the majority of the most affordable MPA programs in the state of California are those offered by public institutions. The MPA programs at California State University, Long Beach, and San Jose State University, at $10,000 and $11,484 for the entire program for California residents, are by far the most affordable. Other affordable programs include California State University, San Bernardino, California State University, Los Angeles, California State University, Fullerton, California State University, Chico, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. California State University-Northridge, Sonoma State University, and California State University-East Bay also offer affordable MPA programs. Generally speaking, those programs within the California State University system will be the most affordable in the state of California.
All MPA Programs in California
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MPA Degree in California?
The state of California offers myriad educational opportunities for preparation for a career in public administration. This makes sense, considering California’s extensive network of administrators at the state and local levels who work behind the scenes to help California communities operate and respond to challenges. From city managers to budget analysts who secure funding for programs, public administration specialists are integral parts of the human infrastructure that helps California function.
According to Salary.com, the following are some of the average salaries for careers one can pursue with an MPA in the state of California:
| CAREER | MEDIAN SALARY IN CALIFORNIA |
|---|---|
| Budget Analyst | $86,400 |
| City Manager | $124,281 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $93,973 |
| Policy Analyst | $71,510 |
| Urban Planner | $57,731 |
