Program: Public Administration, M.P.A. - San Diego State University

Apr 06, 2025

2024-2025 University Catalog

(Major Code: 21021) (SIMS Code: 666901)

Also offered at SDSU Global Campus

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, students must satisfy the basic Requirements for Master’s Degrees as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees and be recommended by the faculty. In order to be recommended for advancement, a student must have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below B- (2.7) in the core courses: P A 600 , P A 604 , P A 605 , P A 606 , P A 630 , P A 642 , P A 650 , P A 660 .

Specific Requirements

Students must also complete as a part of their programs:

1. Public Administration

P A 600 - Scope of Public Administration Units: 3
P A 604 - Methods of Analysis in Public and Urban Affairs Units: 3
P A 605 - Seminar in Applied Research Units: 3
P A 606 - Seminar in Quantitative Approaches to Public Administration Units: 3
P A 630 - Seminar in Public Personnel Administration Units: 3
P A 642 - Seminar in Administrative Theory Units: 3
P A 650 - Seminar in Public Financial Management Units: 3
P A 660 - Administration and Public Policy Development Units: 3

2. Nine Additional Units

Nine additional units numbered 500 or above in public administration or related fields, selected with prior approval of the graduate advisor. Maximum of nine units may be at the 500-level.

3. Fulfillment of Plan A or Plan B

Plan A

P A 799A - Thesis Units: 3
or

Plan B

P A 795 - Capstone Seminar in Public Affairs Units: 3

4. Internship

Internship of up to 12 units beyond the 36 units of coursework is required of students who have not had equivalent managerial-level experience.