MPA Program Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions are likely to be shared by others who are interested in the program. For your convenience, we have included answers to some of the most common questions here.

Prerequisites

Q. What prerequisites do I have to complete to be admitted to the MPA program?
A. A bachelor's degree and previous work experience (at least two years) in the public, non-profit, or private sector are required for admission. At this time the program does not require any specific prerequisite courses prior to admission.

Testing Requirements

Q. Do I have to take the GRE? Can I still be admitted if I don't pass it?
A. If your Cumulative Undergraduate GPA is less than 3.00, you must take the GRE. You may be admitted if you don't have a passing score on the test. A passing score consists of a score in the 50th percentile or above on at least one section of the test.

Q. If I am required to take them, are scores for the GRE and/or the UDWPE required to apply to the program?
A. You may be admitted conditionally so long as you take the GRE or WPE before completing more than twelve graduate units.

Q. Do I have to take the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Examination (UDWPE)?
A. The only students who are exempted from taking this exam are those who received their bachelor's degree from a campus of the California State University since 1994.

Q. If my bachelor's degree is from another Cal State campus, do I have to (re-) take the UDWPE?
A. No. You will have to provide proof of a passing score from that campus if you graduated before 1994. Those who graduated thereafter from a CSU campus need only document their degree completion date.

Transcripts

Q. Must I submit a transcript for every college that I have attended?
A. Yes. For any school that you list on the application, you must submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope.

Q. If I received my bachelor's degree from CSUN, do I have to include transcripts with my application?
A. No, we have access to your CSUN transcripts.

Other Application Questions

Q. Do I have to submit letters of recommendation?
A. No, recommendations are not required by the MPA Program.

Q. What's the application deadline?
A. Presently, the MPA Program accepts applications year round. Semester deadlines appear on the application web page.

Program/Post Admission Questions

Q. If I take classes on campus, can I take fewer than 12.0 units in any given semester?
A. Yes, but MPA students must take at least 3.0 units each semester to remain active in the program.

Q. Can I work while I'm in the program?
A. Yes, our program is designed specifically for the working professional. All of our classes are scheduled either in the evenings or on the weekends. An important consideration to keep in mind is that our courses are very intense and will require a fair amount of preparation and study time. It is important to remember, though, that attending graduate school is more time-consuming than most undergraduate programs. You will be required to complete group projects, participate in discussions, deliver presentations, and other activities as a part of your experience. Graduate school is not a race, but, rather, an opportunity to develop professional skills and maturity.

Q. How long will the program take to complete?
A.The MPA program takes about two years to complete on the average.

Q. What if I need to temporarily stop attending?
A.If, for compelling reasons, a student finds it necessary to miss either a complete course or a significant number of classes, s(he) must consult with the director of Public Sector Programs, Dr. Henrik Minassians, as soon as the student is aware that classes or courses will be missed. A re-application to the university is mandatory after two semesters of absence.