Master of Public Administration (MPA): Public Sector Management and Leadership (on-campus) - Frequently Asked Questions

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and previous work experience (at least two years) are required for admission if your cumulative GPA is below a 3.0. All students are required to upload a statement of purpose and resume when they submit their MPA application regardless of GPA. At this time, the program does not require any specific prerequisite courses before admission.

Yes, you must submit an official transcript from any institute of higher education that you attended (even if you did not graduate). Official e-transcripts may also be emailed directly from your previous college or university. Please refer to Step 2a/b on the How to Apply page for guidance on submitting official transcripts.

No, we have access to your CSUN transcripts.

After you have submitted your application to CSUN, you can mail or walk-in the following documents:

1. All OFFICIAL academic records including certificates, degrees or diplomas in original language of issue. Do not fax academic records. Applicants who have studied in the U.S. are required to have the institution(s) in the U.S. send official transcript(s) directly to CSUN.
2. Official English translations of all academic records including certificates, degrees or diplomas. Do not fax translations.

Mail transcripts directly to the following address:

Tseng College
Attn: MPA Program
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8352

If you prefer to walk- in your documents, go to the Extended University Commons Building and submit to Client Services, second floor.

If your cumulative GPA is above a 3.0, you would not need letters of recommendation. However, if it’s below a 3.0, you will need to submit three letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors. Letters of recommendation must include information about work assignments and their completion (e.g., financial management, problem-solving, decision-making, initiative, and creativity, collaboration, perseverance, communication skills, etc.), overall work performance, growth in responsibility in the workplace, and potential as a graduate student. After you have submitted your online application, and all your official transcripts have been received and evaluated, you will be contacted by email with additional instructions on submitting the required letters of recommendation, if applicable.

Application deadlines for different cohort sites and on campus vary. Please contact the MPA office at 818-677-3332 if you have any questions.

Yes, but to remain active in the program, you take at least one class every year.

The MPA program is designed to accommodate working professionals, many whom has successfully graduated. Classes are scheduled one night per week from 6 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. to facilitate success for working adults. Additionally, an online version of the program is also available each fall semester for those students wishing to study remotely.

One important consideration for all students is that courses require a fair amount of preparation and study time in keeping with any master’s program. Academically, the program focuses on research, writing, theory, and practice with an average time commitment for students at around 10 hours per week.

The MPA program takes from two to two and a half years to complete on the average.

If, for compelling reasons, a student finds it necessary to miss either a complete course or a significant number of classes, he/she must consult with their regular cohort or on-campus contact, as soon as the student is aware that classes or courses will be missed.

Student parking lots are B1, B3 & the B5 Parking Structure (located off of Darby Avenue, lot B6 (located off Plummer Street), and lots G3/G4 (located off Zelzah Avenue). Daily parking permits are valid in all of these lots. View a map of the campus.

Parking permits may be purchased once you arrive on campus from a parking dispenser or from one of the Information Booths. View full student parking information here.

Yes. Students can take advantage of many resources through the University Library. Be prepared to show your registration receipt and a picture ID. Students in cohorts have full access to a large array of materials online.

No. The cost of the books are not included with your tuition.

Textbooks can be purchased through Campus Store or online.