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MPA

Program Information


Steps to Complete Your MPA Degree

Students must submit the application to the MPA program (see "Apply" tab above) prior to taking the first class in the program.

A. Admission to the University:
Students must submit the application to CSUN Admissions and Records prior to taking the first class in the program. Students are required to arrange for official transcripts from the required institutions; however, if students meet the entrance requirements, they are allowed to begin classes up to 12 units before officially being enrolled in the university. An interview with a graduate coordinator is mandatory for on-campus students.

  1. Conditionally Classified Graduate (GRAD) Status
    Students accepted by a department must meet specified CSUN and departmental requirements in order to achieve Classified Status before completing more than 12 units toward the graduate program.

    Applicants who have not taken the WPE prior to admission to the MPA program are admitted on a conditionally classified basis. Contact the WPE office at (818) 677-3303 for more information. For cohort studnets, the test will be given at your location. Dates and times will be announced to your class.
  2. Classified Graduate Status
    Students who meet university and departmental requirements for admission to the MPA program can proceed with their course of study.

    Students must take or have taken the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) prior to their entrance into the program.

    The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Exempted students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Contact the GRE office at (800) 473-2255 or go online at www.gre.org for further information.

    Send a copy of your WPE and GRE results to the MPA Office.
  3. Course Work
    In order to graduate from the MPA program, students must successfully complete the following:
    • All required courses.

      Thirty-six units are required to complete the MPA degree program. Thirty-three units of this requirement are fulfilled through course work. Students earn the remaining three units by passing the comprehensive examination.
    • All required course work with a 3.0 grade point average (B) or above.
    • A comprehensive examination.
    • The Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) and/or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), if applicable.

B. Applying for the Degree
On successful completion of all course work and requirements, file the application for graduation and submit it with a $47.00 fee to the MPA office.

  1. Advancement to Candidacy
    Students request in writing that their name be listed in the graduation program after formal notice of classification and no later than at the beginning of the third term prior to expected graduation. File the request with the MPA office.