Master of Public Policy and Administration
The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program is an interactive, intimate academic experience that features classes of fewer than 15 students. We offer over a dozen electives and a variety of research options so that you can gain expertise in the areas that matter most to your passions and career goals.
You will also find many opportunities for real-world learning, including faculty-led trips to institutions in Sacramento and D.C., internships with local organizations and events with influential California political leaders.
This degree can be completed online, on campus or via a hybrid approach.
MPPA Courses
39 credits total
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted
Core courses (5 courses/15 credits)
Study of current methods of conducting research in public administration; problem definition, hypothesis construction, research design, sampling, collection, evaluation of data and interpretation of findings.
An examination of moral issues which arise within a public organization, e.g., privacy, obligation to obey the law, government responsibility and more.
Systematic analysis of the ideas and ideals which have influenced the study of public administration; exploring theories of public administration. Emphasis on state and local government.
A broad study of interactive processes which operate in the formation, maintenance and application of public policy. An opportunity to examine the policy process in selected public agencies. An examination of the relevant analysis as it relates to administration in the public sector.
An analysis of the impact of court and legislative decisions on public policy, with particular emphasis on public institutions; examining how public policy is shaped by law. Topics include: employment discrimination, managerial liability for negligence in hiring, training, supervision, etc., civil rights violations, employee rights in the workplace and more.
Electives (8 courses/24 credits)
With the approval of the program director, you will choose 8 elective courses to complete 24 credits. Students in the MPPA program are also eligible to take electives (on the graduate level) from other programs.
Small group tutorial experience designed for in-depth exploration of a topic or problem.
This seminar examines strategies employed in the pursuit of state and local economic development. It emphasizes practical application and implementation of economic concepts and strategies which address the challenges of competitiveness, growth, sustainability and community revitalization.
This course provides an understanding and application of strategic planning and performance measurement in the public and nonprofit sectors. It emphasizes the practical application of economic concepts and planning tools which address the challenges of competitiveness, growth, sustainability and community revitalization.
The course provides a multi-perspective examination of policy development processes through first hand observation of the policy process. Students travel to Sacramento for a four-day seminar at the state capital and interact with lawmakers, lobbyists, media, legislative analysts, regulators, political consultants and executive branch officials.
The course is designed to develop a set of core competencies and improve leadership practices. Topics covered include the historical development of leadership theories, communication, strategic analysis, leadership styles, organizational structure and teambuilding.
The course is intended to prepare students to think strategically about communication and to improve writing, presentation and interpersonal communication skills within a managerial setting. Professional and interpersonal dialogue and group communications will be explored. Managerial writing, public speaking, positive self-presentation and techniques for effective meetings will also be covered.
Topics covered in this course include: public budget planning, formulation, analysis and implementation; the fiscal role of government; and the problems of revenue and expenditure planning, administration and control.
An analysis of the problems, practices and decisions relating to the management and financing of intergovernmental projects and policies.
This course covers subjects such as governmental personnel systems, policies for classification, compensation, training and advancement, public employee unionization and developing strategies for collective negotiations in public organizations.
This course covers subjects such as organization, leadership and decision theory. Contemporary developments in management and behavioral sciences are emphasized.
Examines the role of citizenry in our democracy and in the formulation of public policy. With a focus on local governance, this course introduces the student to the importance of engaging members of the public in decision making.
Introduction to principles and practices of management for nonprofit organizations. Includes surveys of important issues facing the nonprofit sector and best practices. Topics include governance, strategic planning, marketing, advocacy, public-private partnerships and fundraising.
Explore the major concepts and theories of the negotiation process. Special emphasis will be given to the dynamics of interpersonal and intergroup conflict and resolution.
Topics of current and particular interest or concern in Public Administration, e.g., arbitration and collective bargaining, criminal justice policy, environmental policy and public healthcare policy.
- Immigration Policy
- Quantitative Methods for Public Policy & Administration
- Program Management & Evaluation
- Emergency & Crisis Management
- Urban Policy and Planning
- Independent Study
Capstone or thesis (1 course/3 credits)
Students have the option to complete either a capstone or thesis to complete their MPPA degree.
A capstone is typically a group project where students work with an organization to solve a real world problem, gathering data, analyzing it and offering practical solutions to the policy challenge at hand. This can be with a local, state or national government agency or NGO.
In the thesis option, students undertake an in-depth study of a specific problem by collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. Their original research culminates in a thesis paper that contributes new knowledge to their field of study. This research should address a gap in existing knowledge and offer solutions or insights related to the problem investigated.
Internship
MPPA degree candidates without two or more years of public or nonprofit experience are required to complete a public administration internship. The internship typically involves at least 100 hours of supervised work experience in an approved position. This requirement may be waived in certain circumstances.
Institute Trips
Sacramento Policy Institute Trip
This course, centered around a four-day state capital seminar, provides an in-depth examination of policy development processes and pressures by way of firsthand observation and interaction with the institutions at work to develop state policy in Sacramento. Students will interact with lawmakers, lobbyists, media personnel, legislative analysts, regulators, policy committee consultants, advocacy organizations, political consultants and executive branch officials.
D.C. Policy Institute Trip
This four-day visit to the nation’s capital gives students a first-hand understanding of how government institutions shape and implement policy. They also get a feel for the complexities of working in D.C.
On past trips, Cal Lutheran students have visited and interacted with representatives from the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Navy, Sage Publishing, Clearpath, the John Quincy Adams Society, the Austrian Embassy, the Rumi Forum and the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, among others.
Ecuador Travel Seminar
The Ecuador Travel Seminar is designed to help MPPA and other master’s students in the School of Management learn about and witness the operation of small businesses and sustainable tourism practices. In addition, this travel course offers students a chance to understand sustainable development in Ecuador by engaging in first-hand research experiences.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about how sustainable business practices can be put into place and the challenges and opportunities of collaboration between small businesses, local government and other stakeholders.
Request Information
To learn more about the Graduate Degree Programs offered by the Cal Lutheran School of Management and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admission counselor directly by calling us at 866-944-8289.