Master of Public Policy and Administration

Program Highlights

As the purpose and scope of today's private, public, and nonprofit organizations become more complex, so too does the role of the administrative and policy-making professionals who lead them.

Our Master of Public Policy and Administration program is designed to position you to meet and exceed these evolving demands through a highly respected, practical, and flexible program of study that blends practice and theory.

The program is flexible as it offers courses at two of our convenient campus locations — Thousand Oaks and Oxnard. The program is delivered over four 11-week terms each year, with both on-campus and online classes available: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.

Get to know your professors

The MPPA is an interactive academic experience in classes that average fewer than 15 students. You will receive instruction and mentoring from faculty members with real-world expertise and accomplishments in the fields of labor relations, law, public policy, criminal justice, ethics, budgeting and finance, immigration policy, human resource management, health care, and more.

Hands-on learning outside the classroom

You will also find many opportunities for direct-experience learning:

The Sacramento Policy institute sends MPPA students to Sacramento for extended firsthand observation and interaction with the institutions and influences working to develop California state policy.
The Gallegly Center for Public Service, created by former United States Congressman Elton Gallegly, provides fellowships at the nearby Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, internships, and a wide range of learning opportunities at the local, state and national levels. Every graduate program within Cal Lutheran’s School of Management is designed to advance professional acumen and purpose through scholarship, diverse learning experiences and community engagement. In everything we do in and outside the classroom, the school brings together motivated individuals who aim to shape the future with bold, inquisitive and responsible leadership.
Students will have global networking opportunities through a faculty-led travel seminar.
Both in classes and at events hosted at Cal Lutheran and the Reagan Library, students will meet, interact and collaborate with influential California political figures including State Senator Fran Pavley, State Assembly Members Jeff Gorell and Jacqui Irwin, and Former State Senator Tony Strickland, among many others.