Master of Public Administration

You Know How The System Works. The MPA Gives You the Authority to Change It.

MPA leaders shaking hands

Advance Your Career in Public Service

100% online program built for professionals ready to lead in government and nonprofit sectors

Cal Poly Pomona's NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration prepares public sector professionals to move from analyst to director, from coordinator to executive, from the people who implement policy to the people who shape it.

100% online. Evening and weekend scheduling. No GRE required.

NASPAA

Accredited — the global standard of excellence in public administration education. Fewer than 200 programs worldwide.

$81K+

Average salary for MPA graduates (PayScale 2024). Director and executive roles earn significantly more.

100% Online

100% Online Evening and weekend scheduling. No GRE required. Built for working public servants.

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What NASPAA Accreditation Means for Your Career

NASPAA is the global accreditor for public administration, public policy, and public affairs graduate programs. Fewer than 200 programs worldwide hold this accreditation. When your application for a director-level role, a promotion panel, or a senior government position includes a NASPAA-accredited degree, it carries weight that non-accredited programs cannot match.

California civil service classification systems, government hiring panels, and nonprofit executive search processes increasingly recognize NASPAA-accredited programs as the benchmark for graduate public administration training. This is the credential public sector leaders carry.

Program Highlights

NASPAA-accredited - recognized by public sector employers
100% online with evening and weekend flexibility for working professionals
Applied curriculum built on real public service challenges
Faculty with direct experience in government, nonprofits, and civic leadership
Focus on ethics, equity, and evidence-based decision-making
Capstone project addressing a real policy or organizational issue in your field
Authorized for students in multiple states - check your state's eligibility

Who Should Apply?

The MPA is for public servants who are ready to lead. If you have been in government, nonprofit, or civic service for 3 or more years and want the degree that opens senior doors, this program was built for your career stage.

City, county, and state government employees seeking director or management-level promotion
Nonprofit managers and program coordinators who are ready for executive leadership
Policy analysts who want the credentialing authority to shape decisions, not just inform them
Public servants doing the leadership work without the leadership title - and ready to change that

What You’ll Learn

The Skills That Move You From Analyst to Director

The MPA curriculum equips you to analyze and evaluate public policy, manage budgets and organizational resources, and navigate human resources and labor relations specific to government and nonprofit organizations. You develop leadership skills, ethical frameworks, and strategic decision-making tools that drive career advancement in public service.

Where MPA Graduates Go

MPA graduates advance into roles including City Manager, County Program Director, Policy Analyst, Nonprofit Executive Director, Department Director, and Public Affairs Officer. Alumni serve across government agencies, nonprofits, NGOs, and higher education institutions in Southern California and beyond.

Important Dates for Domestic Graduate Applicants

Deadline dates for Online MPA program
Term of Application	Application Deadline	Supporting Document Deadline
Fall 2027	July 1, 2027	August 1, 2027

Important Dates for International Graduate Applicants

Deadline dates for Online MPA program
Term of Application	Application Deadline	Supporting Document Deadline
Fall 2027	May 1, 2027	June 1, 2027

Where This Degree Can Take You

Leadership Paths in Public Service and Community Impact

Graduates of the MPA program step into leadership roles that shape policy, programs, and communities. Many go on to become city or county managers, policy analysts, or executive directors of nonprofit organizations. Others serve as program or department directors, or lead in public affairs and community engagement. Alumni bring their expertise to government agencies, nonprofits, NGOs, higher education, and advocacy organizations, creating policies and programs that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Alumni and Current Students

I chose CPP’s online MPA program to prepare for executive leadership in public service. As a CPP graduate, I valued the university’s support and wanted to learn from experienced faculty who could help me become a stronger leader.

Yamileth Camberos Social Worker II, San Bernardino County's Department of Aging and Adult Services

The most valuable part of the program has been building strong connections with my cohort. Together, we created a supportive online community that encourages us to succeed as public administrators in our fields.

America Magana Program Advisor for Upward Bound, Cal Poly Pomona

The most valuable part of the program has been learning how to connect theory to practice. The coursework has helped me better understand public budgeting, human resources, organizational leadership, and policy while applying them to real issues.

Angela Wonzo Behavioral Health Counselor III

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor's degree, transcripts, statement of purpose, and resume required. Work experience in public or nonprofit sectors is valuable but not mandatory.