Quick Facts
Duration: 18 to 24 months, on average
Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Class schedule: Weeknight classes available
Format: On campus, online, hybrid
On-campus options: Thousand Oaks, Oxnard
The need for skilled public policy and administration leaders has never been greater. Our Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) prepares you to become an effective leader who can navigate intricate systems, earn stakeholder support and achieve results.
Our program is a unique blend of MPA degree and MPP degree content, designed to develop your ability to create and manage public policy. You’ll develop a big-picture understanding of the issues that affect policymaking and acquire the skills to create solutions tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities and groups. See the MPPA curriculum.
MPPA Program Features
- Flexible learning that fits your life. Complete the MPPA degree as a full-time or part-time student, take evening classes and attend online. If you opt for an on-campus or hybrid approach, our program offers two convenient locations in Thousand Oaks or Oxnard. Additionally, you will have access to a program advisor who will help you create an academic plan that aligns with your goals.
- Real-world engagement and networking opportunities. The MPPA degree program emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement in and out of the classroom. Students have many opportunities to interact with influential leaders in California and beyond.
- Learn from accomplished experts across a range of fields. Courses are taught by highly experienced faculty members from fields such as labor relations, law, public policy, criminal justice, ethics, budgeting and finance, immigration policy, human resource management, health care and more.
- Small class sizes and personal attention. With classes of just 15 students on average, you have the space to genuinely connect with instructors and peers. This setting enables our highly qualified instructors to provide you with personalized attention and share valuable insights based on their extensive industry experience.
“The knowledge and experience provided by the MPPA program increased my ability to understand and assimilate regulatory and policy changes within my industry, thus bringing more value to my clientele. The caliber of professors and the speakers introduced to us opened doors for me and strengthened my confidence in networking.”
What Can You Do With a Public Policy and Administration Degree?
The Cal Lutheran MPPA program sets up graduates for success in California and beyond. They have found new positions or earned promotions in the private sectors as public relations officers, college professors and insurance executives. In the public and non-profit sector, they are serving in public policy and public administration jobs such as:
- City managers
- Public safety administrators
- Lobbyists
- Human resource managers
- Police and correctional management
- Policy analysts
- Recreation directors
- Mental health directors
- Directors of philanthropic organizations
- School administrators
- Managers in federal, state and city offices
Want to see the MPPA in action? Read about the experiences of three recent Cal Lutheran MPPA graduates who used their education to advance their careers in a variety of ways. You can browse more posts on The Public Sphere blog.
- “How The MPPA Helped My Career in SEO and Digital Marketing”
- “MPPA in Action Interview: Public Service Entrepreneurship”
- “Transcending Silos: What Your MPPA Degree Can Do for You”
If you’re currently an undergraduate at Cal Lutheran, find out how you can take MPPA courses during your senior year.
Ready to learn more? Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum page, admissions page and FAQ page.
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.