Mission Statement

The California State University, Northridge Master of Public Administration Program gives practicing professionals a learning environment that supports, develops and assists them in enhancing their skills and professionalism in the varied fields related to public management.

The curriculum, scheduling and availability of satellite sites provide flexibility to meet students' needs. The program is dynamic in its response to change and promotes excellence in public service.

The Program is committed to:

• Combining professional practice and academic experience in a dynamic, creative, flexible learning process
• Leveraging professional skills of the students: "students learning from students"
• Encouraging ethical analysis and behavior
• Analyzing emerging issues, trends, technology and values
• Examining relationships between institutions and public policy
• Pushing boundaries by exploring new theories and combinations of existing theories to address changing situations and emerging issues
• Making representative democracy work effectively in a culturally diverse and rapidly changing environment, thereby instilling a calling to dedicated public service
• Challenging our students to become leaders

We Value:

• Ethical behavior
• Quality instruction
• Students with professional experience
• A curriculum that blends academic theory with practical applications
• Students who accept the challenge to expand their thinking, who actively participate in discussions, projects and assignments, produce high quality work products and meet their personal commitment to finish the program
• Strategic thinking, listening and management skills
• Pro-active leadership in public service
• Dedication to public service
• Flexibility
• Innovation
• Diversity

The Educational Goals of the CSUN MPA Program

The educational goals of the MPA program focus on the skills, abilities, and habits of mind that a public and non-profit sectors professional would need to act in a leadership role in public sector and non-profit administrative service. Through the MPA program a program graduate should:

Learning Objectives #1:

Gain the ability to critically analyze, create or improve, and implement, effective public policy in public sector programs and services.

Learning Objectives #2:

Acquire the foundation knowledge needed to understand the distinctive character and responsibilities of public sector administration in a democratic society.

Learning Objectives #3:

Acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge about the challenges and model practices of contemporary public sector administration needed to be effective in that context.

Learning Objectives #4:

Acquire an understanding of the special challenges and opportunities of public sector administration in a diverse urban context.

Learning Objectives #5:

Develop the skills and theoretical knowledge needed to redesign public sector organizations, staff and delivery systems; as well as develop an understanding of the importance of cooperative and collaboration across unit lines and with external and community partners.

Learning Objectives #6:

Refine the ethical reasoning skills needed to address the complex value challenges that face those in public sector administration.

Learning Objectives #7:

Develop foundation of financial management skills needed to critically analyze, develop, implement, and openly and ethically manage budgets and resources in the public sector.

Learning Objectives #8:

Develop the foundation skills and abilities needed to address the essential issues of human resources management to build a strong and effective team in the public sector through: effective hiring, staff development, staff evaluation, staff discipline and performance correction and dismissal.

Learning Objectives #9:

Develop advanced communication skills needed for leadership in the public sector: strong oral communication skills in small groups and in larger public contexts. Strong written communication and skills appropriate for writing reports, explaining issues and policies, persuasively presenting initiatives, corresponding with colleagues and clients, and media communications.

Learning Objectives #10:

Develop a commitment to and a facility for ongoing learning through a variety of formal and informal modes. Develop the ability to assess the credibility of various information sources.