Overview

The Public Administration program at Sonoma State University recognizes a need for a strong combination of theoretical and practical learning. Students choose from two concentrations: 1) Public Management; or 2) Nonprofit Agency Management.

Each student is required to complete a 20-unit analytic core, a 16-unit concentration, 4 units of electives, and a culminating experience of either a comprehensive exam, a capstone project or master's thesis. If students choose the thesis or capstone option, they can apply those four units to the elective requirement. Students who choose the comprehensive exam must use regular coursework for the elective units, and register for an additional four units of Pols 596 Graduate Tutorial, in the semester they take the exam. Courses are based upon the professional curriculum established for public administration programs by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Core courses include: organizational theory; fiscal and budget administration; research methods; program implementation; planning and evaluation; and nonprofit dynamics. The two concentrations include specialized courses oriented toward the operation and management of public and nonprofit agencies. Concentration courses typically include fiscal management; personnel administration; legal issues; public policy; labor relations; marketing and resource development for nonprofits; and grants and contract management. Electives cover a wide range of important topics, including: ethics; organizational computer usage; and internships. Electives are generally taken from the MPA curriculum.

Learning Goals and Objectives

As a professional degree program, the MPA emphasizes both the theoretical and practical aspects of public and nonprofit administration. Students are expected to develop an understanding of the theoretical principles informing the field, and the practical management techniques necessary to administer public and nonprofit organizations. The link between theory and technique is a special emphasis of the program. Students are trained in organization analysis, and in the research, analytical, and communications skills necessary to implement public policy and to become successful managers. The program strives to foster in students a commitment to social purpose and the public interest. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities and to undertake course and masters thesis research in areas that directly affect their career interests or other objectives.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Administrative State

Public Finance

Public Personnel Administration

Organizational Theory and Analysis

Budget and Fiscal Administration

Research Methods

Planning and Evaluation

Nonprofit Dynamics: Politics and Community Environment

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rohnert Park, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 604 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association;
Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
Have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.00) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted;
Proof of English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS examination scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

8064 USD / year

≈ 8064 USD / year
Out-of-State

8064 USD / year

≈ 8064 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8064 USD / year

≈ 8064 USD / year

Living costs

Rohnert Park

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Learning Goals and Objectives

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rohnert Park

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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