Introduction
Student Handbook 2025-2026
Your Guide to Success in the Master of Public Administration Program
A PDF version of this handbook is available for download here.
Mission
We prepare leaders to address complex social issues and foster a commitment to ethical, equitable, and inclusive public service in Orange County and beyond.
Vision
Our vision is to be a program recognized for excellence in value-driven public service and community engagement.
Values
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Collaboration
- Life-long Learning
NASPAA Accreditation
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) since 1989, ensuring the highest standards of public service education.
Core Competencies
Leadership in Public Governance
Lead and manage effectively in public organizations
Policy Process
Participate in and contribute to public policy development
Critical Analysis
Analyze, synthesize, and solve complex problems
Public Service Perspective
Apply public service values to decision-making
Communication & Diversity
Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
Why NASPAA Accreditation Matters
- Ensures high-quality education meeting rigorous standards
- Recognized by employers in public service
- Regular program review and continuous improvement
Degree Requirements
Quick Facts
- Application Deadlines: Fall (May 1), Spring (November 15)
- Program Length: 2 years full-time, 3 years part-time
- Class Schedule: Evening classes, Mon-Thu, 7:00-9:45 PM
- Format: Mix of in-person and online courses
Prerequisites
Core Courses (21 units)
Concentrations
Students must choose one of four concentrations to complete their MPA degree. Each concentration consists of three courses (9 units).
Human Resources Management
Prepare for a career in personnel management with courses focused on managing human resource functions in public or non-profit organizations.
Required Core Course:
Concentration Electives (choose any two):
Public Finance
Prepare for a career in public financial management by developing expertise in public finance concepts, financial management best practices, and economic analysis.
Required Core Courses:
Concentration Electives (choose one):
Local Government Management
Prepare for a career in local government through courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for local government managers.
Required Core Course:
Choose One Core Course:
Concentration Electives (choose one):
Public Policy
Prepare for a career in policy analysis and development through courses focused on the policy process, analysis techniques, and specific policy domains.
Required Core Courses:
Concentration Electives (choose one):
Capstone & Comprehensive Exam
Important Information
The comprehensive exam is a crucial graduation requirement that tests your mastery of core MPA concepts. Begin preparing early and maintain thorough notes from all core courses. Success requires systematic review and synthesis of program material.
Overview
The MPA Comprehensive Examination is integrated into POSC 521 (Capstone Seminar in Public Administration Theory). This culminating experience requires you to demonstrate mastery of:
- Core public administration theories and frameworks
- Application of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios
- Critical analysis and synthesis of public administration literature
- Integration of knowledge from across the MPA curriculum
Exam Format
General Theory Essay
- Take-home format with one week to complete
- Comprehensive analysis of core public administration theories and readings
- Graded on understanding, analysis, and application of concepts
Comprehensive Exam Process
Initial Exam Attempt
Administered during POSC 521 with one week to complete.
Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Retake Opportunity (if needed)
Students who do not pass the initial attempt may retake the exam during finals week of the same semester.
Final Attempt (Oral Exam, if necessary)
- Conducted in an oral examination format.
- Student receives an Incomplete in POSC 521 until completion.
- Must be scheduled within department guidelines.
- Final opportunity to demonstrate mastery of public administration concepts.
Prerequisites & Planning
Required Before Enrollment
- Must be in final six units of graduate work
- All core courses completed
- All concentration courses completed
Recommended Preparation
- Review all core course materials and notes
- Organize theoretical frameworks and key concepts
- Practice integrating concepts across courses
- Form study groups with classmates
Course Catalog
Foundations of Public Administration
Organizational theory and practice, decision-making, systems analysis, performance evaluation and administrative improvement.
Capstone Seminar: Public Administration Theory
Concepts, models and ideologies of public administration within the larger political system.
Administrative Research and Analysis
Conceptual methods employed in administrative research and analysis: Organization and procedure of surveys, performance evaluation, social impact assessment, computer data analysis and report writing.
Public Organizational Theory & Behavior
Management-oriented analysis of organizational behavior. Treatments of decision-making, leadership, communication, group dynamics and ethical aspects of organization.
Diversity in Public Management
Issues in public employment related to gender, race and ethnicity, disability, veteran status, age, culture and other current topics.
Administrative Law
Law as it affects public officials and agencies in their relations with private citizens and the business community. Case materials and regulatory practices.
Seminar in Public Personnel Administration
Advanced topics in public personnel administration and human resource management.
Public Budgeting and Finance
Surveys state and local budgeting and taxes. Local financial management and cost benefit analysis.
Public Budgeting and Finance II
Advanced topics in public sector financial management and accounting.
Local Government Management
Critical administrative issues that local government professionals face.
State and Local Government
Structure, processes, functions and interrelationships of state and local governments in American society.
Policy Analysis
Conceptual approach and skills required to understand and project policy outcomes.
Seminar in Public Policy
Interplay between public policy and program administration in federal government. Discussion of administrators' role in policy development, administrative discretion in implementing policy, use of political resources by administrators.
Criminal Justice Policy
Evolving purposes and practices associated with the development of criminal justice policies, including sentencing legislation.
Economics and Benefit-Cost Analysis
Economics and benefit-cost analysis of public projects, focusing on consumer demand and cost estimation.
Public Finance
Government finance at federal, state, and local levels; impact of taxation and spending on various economic factors.
Selected Topics in Environmental Problems
Exploration of contemporary or historical environmental problems such as endangered habitats, planning, or global issues.
Geographic Information Systems: Introduction
Methods and applications of computer-assisted mapping and geographic information systems.
Land Use Analysis
Urban and rural land use and settlement, with application of geographic tools to local field studies.
Labor and Employment Relations Seminar
Exploration of traditional labor relations and issues in employment relations involving dispute resolution and collective bargaining.
Education Politics and Policy
History and expansion of public education in the U.S., focusing on school district and government roles in education policy.
Metropolitan Politics and Policymaking
Policy issues in urban and metropolitan areas such as transportation, housing, and poverty.
Corruption, Ethics, and Public Policy
Ethical problems faced by public servants, focusing on practical decision-making in the public sector.
Social Welfare Politics and Policy
Analysis of American social policies like welfare, Social Security, and health care, and their political environments.
Internship in Public Administration
Supervised internships in public agencies, with a weekly seminar and practical experience.
Emergency Management in Public Administration
Review of state-of-the-art prevention, evacuation, and recovery systems, with focus on intergovernmental relations.
Collaborative Governance
Topics including federalism, intersectoral public administration, public-private partnerships, and network governance.
Campus Resources and Support
Academic Support
Graduate Studies Office
- Location: McCarthy Hall (MH) 103
- Graduate Studies Website
- Important Dates
Pollak Library
Writing Resources
Student Services
Student Wellness
Career Center
- Langsdorf Hall 208
- Career Counseling
- Interview Preparation
Basic Needs
- Food Pantry
- Housing Support
- Emergency Aid
Campus Services
TitanCard
- Pollak Library 1st Floor
- Student ID Services
- Campus Access
Parking Services
- Permit Information
- Campus Maps
- Parking Locations
IT Services
- Computer Labs
- Campus WiFi
- Tech Support
Documents, Policies, and Additional Resources
Academic Policies
Student Guidelines
Awards & Opportunities
Forms & Documents
Titan Degree Audit (TDA)
Quick Links
Milestones Toward Completion
Program Progress Overview
Track your progress through the program milestones
This timeline represents typical program progression. Your actual path may vary depending on your enrollment status (full-time/part-time), course availability, and individual circumstances. Always consult with the MPA advisor to plan your specific course sequence.
Program Orientation
Resources:
- Orientation Schedule
- Academic Calendar
- Campus Map
First Semester Foundations
Program Planning
Mid-Program Achievement
Concentration Completion
Capstone Preparation
Program Completion
Graduation & Beyond
Next Steps:
- Join Alumni Association
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Sign up for alumni newsletter
Program Contacts
MPA Program Director
Dr. David P. Adams
- Office: Gordon Hall 516
- Phone: (657) 278-7279
- Email: dpadams@fullerton.edu
- Office Hours: By appointment
Contact for: Program policies, curriculum matters, and overall program direction
MPA Program Advisor
Dr. Myungjung "MJ" Kwon
- Office: Gordon Hall 523
- Phone: (657) 278-2446
- Email: mpaadvising@fullerton.edu
- Office Hours: Schedule via email
Contact for: Advising, course planning, and academic progress questions
Division Office
Division of Politics, Administration & Justice
- Location: Gordon Hall 511
- Email: mpaprogram@fullerton.edu
- Phone: (657) 278-3521
- Fax: (657) 278-3524
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact for: Administrative support, forms, and general inquiries
Additional Information
- For the quickest response, please use your CSUF email when contacting program staff
- Include your CWID in all correspondence
- Allow 24-48 hours for email responses during business days
- For urgent matters, please call the Division Office