Online Master of Public Administration
Program Overview
The Online Master’s Program of Public Administration (MPA) at Cal Poly Pomona is offered through the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science. It is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
You Know How the System Works. The MPA Gives You the Authority to Change It
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.
NASPAA accreditation is the gold standard for public administration programs — what public sector employers recognize, what civil service advancement tracks expect, and what separates this degree from every online MPA without it.
At A Glance
Program Highlights
- NASPAA-accredited — the credential that public sector employers recognize
- 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 credential 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 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.
Every course connects to real situations public servants face: competing priorities, limited resources, political complexity, and the pressure to serve communities well under all of it.
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.
State Authorization Regulations
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is approved to offer online programs to students residing in the following states. This list will be updated upon additional authorizations/exemptions.
Approved States:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
For State-based admission limitations and additional information, please visit: Accreditation and State Regulatory Authorizations
Path to Enrollment
Bachelor's degree, transcripts, statement of purpose, and resume required. Work experience in public or nonprofit sectors is valuable but not mandatory.
Applications open October 1, 2026 for Fall 2027 admission. Deadline: July 1, 2027. Contact an advisor to confirm your entry term.
100% online with evening and weekend flexibility. Designed to accommodate working public servants without requiring career interruption.
Affordable CSU tuition. Financial aid available. Many government employers offer tuition support — ask your HR department or an advisor.
More Information
Important Dates for Domestic Graduate Applicants
| Term of Application | Application Deadline | Supporting Document Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | July 1, 2026 | August 1, 2026 |
Important Dates for International Graduate Applicants
| Term of Application | Application Deadline | Supporting Document Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | May 1, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
What NASPAA Accreditation Means for Your Career
What NASPAA Accreditation Means for Your Career
NASPAA is the global standard of excellence in public service education. Government, nonprofit, and civic sector employers recognize NASPAA-accredited programs as the benchmark for graduate public administration training. Cal Poly Pomona's MPA holds this distinction. When you apply for a director-level role, a promotion panel, or a senior government position, the NASPAA credential carries weight that non-accredited online programs cannot match.Important Links
Contact Us
Dr. Brady Collins
Department of Political Science
