The Online Master’s Program in Public Administration (MPA) at Cal Poly Pomona is offered through the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science.

Fall 2024 Admissions

Applications for the Online Master of Public Administration for Fall 2024 are now open through the Cal State Apply website. The deadline for Fall 2024 applications is July 1, 2024.

NOTE: GRE is not required

Why Earn an Online Master in Public Administration?

The Online Master’s Program in Public Administration at Cal Poly Pomona offers coursework leading to a Master of Public Administration (MPA). The MPA is housed within the university's Department of Political Science. The main goal of the MPA is to provide scholarly and professional education to students who wish to prepare themselves for higher degrees, and for administrative careers and leadership positions in government.

Program Expertise 

The online MPA program is geared towards those currently working in correctional management or those seeking a position in correctional management. As the most populous state in the United States, California has a complex and extensive correctional system that includes 35 state prisons, 58 county jails, and numerous other detention facilities. California has made a real commitment toward rehabilitation, education, restorative justice, and reentry of its in-custody and formerly incarcerated populations.  

Cal Poly Pomona plays a pivotal role in this transformation. It is the founding home of the Reintegration Academy and the Prison Education Project (PEP), founded by Dr. Renford Reese. PEP is the largest prison education program of its kind in the U.S. Dr. Reese was a co-founding executive director of the CSU Project Rebound Consortium and was the founding executive director of Project Rebound at Cal Poly Pomona. He will be the Program Coordinator of this new online MPA program, which will combine his expertise with that of experienced correctional management practitioners and scholars in public administration. 

In this context, Cal Poly Pomona’s online Masters in Public Administration is well-positioned to prepare those aspiring to or currently working within correctional facilities for the next step in their careers. With classes taught by both full-time professors as well as veteran practitioners, this program will ensure both early and mid-career professionals graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to continue to improve California’s correctional system. 

While most graduates take positions in American local, state, and national governments, the degree program may lead to work in international and other organizations, such as private foundations, nonprofit organizations, interest groups, and other community institutions and businesses.

Our Mission

To provide an academic and professional graduate education by developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to serve in the public sector and nonprofit organizations.  

Learning Outcomes

1. Determine, collect, and analyze the evidence appropriate for evaluating and implementing public policies and programs.
2. Work fluidly and collaboratively across the public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors.
3. Apply leadership, ethical standards, and equity in fiscal and human resource management. 
4. Utilize effective and concise written and oral communication for a diverse audience of stakeholders.
5. Develop a critical understanding of and respect for the policy-making process and the diversity of perspectives and interests involved in governance. 

Our Competitive Advantage

Student-focused 

As a smaller program, we pride ourselves on hiring faculty and instructors who place the unique needs and interests of their students first. We attract and serve students from all backgrounds and perspectives and provide one-on-one career advising to ensure our program helps our students achieve their goals as civil servants. 

Convenience

Our MPA program is both affordable and online with a flexible schedule. It is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals alike. Whether you recently completed your Bachelor's degree or have ten years of professional experience, our program will help you advance in your career in public service.

“Learn-by-doing”

Housed in a polytechnic university, our online MPA program embraces Cal Poly Pomona’s “learn-by-doing” philosophy by emphasizing practical skill-building in our coursework and capstone experiences and cultivating connections with public and nonprofit organizations in the Southern California region. Nearly half of our faculty are working professionals in the field, and our curriculum is broad enough to allow students to develop knowledge and competencies that will be widely applicable to careers in public service. 

Core Values

1. Collaboration and community service
2. Equity, diversity, and inclusivity
3. Student support and accommodation
4. Camaraderie, integrity, and mutual respect
5. Polytechnic “learn-by-doing”

Faculty and Staff

Important Dates for Domestic Graduate Applicants