Admission Requirements

Masters Program in Public Administration

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares students for leadership in public and not-for-profit organizations. Knowledge areas include public policy, political processes, public service values and ethics, leadership dynamics, team development, human resource management, public budgeting and finance management, information technology, statistical analysis, and decision-making. Program graduates will be able to assume middle- to senior-level management positions at all levels of governmental and quasi-governmental agencies as well as a variety of non-profit organizations.

Master of Public Administration Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found under Graduate Program Admission in the Online and Professional Studies section of the University Catalog. Specific admission requirements for the Master of Public Administration are:

1. Grade Point Average
   • A minimum 3.0 for unconditional admission and a minimum 2.75 for conditional admission
   • Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
2. Prerequisite Knowledge: Applicants should possess one of the following:
   • Strong undergraduate preparation in common curriculum requirements including courses in public administration, organizational theory, or public policy
   • A minimum of five years managerial experience in either the public or private sector
3. Resume
   • A current resume documenting all related professional and extracurricular activities
4. Three recommendations, completed on forms provided, must be from professional sources who can personally attest to the candidate’s potential for scholarly and professional success. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations
5. Comprehensive Essay that includes the following:
   • Purpose for entering the program
   • Long-term professional goals
   • Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University