The Master of Public Administration

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 36-37 units

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 6 semesters units of special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework may be counted toward the degree requirements.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education.

Graduate Time Limit:

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

3. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies.

4. Evidence of American Government/Politics coursework at the post secondary level or successful completion (B- or better) of POLS 355: American Government and Politics.

5. Completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 (80 on the internet-based TOEFL) by all applicants who have not attended post secondary educational institutions for at least three years where English is the principal language of instruction.

While taking 600-level courses, all new students enter as conditionally classified graduate students.

Conditionally classified students are expected to make no grade lower than a B- and finish all course work (no "Incomplete" or "Satisfactory Progress").

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Completion of a minimum of 9 units of graduate study as a conditionally classified student, including a graduate seminar.

2. Formation of a graduate advisory committee. This should be done as early as possible, after completion of 9 units of graduate study, and in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. Generally, no more than 15 units will be counted toward the graduate degree program in Public Administration taken before the formation of the graduate committee. Students selecting the thesis option must have a committee of three faculty members. At least two of the three faculty members on the committee, including the chair, must be chosen from the Department of Political Science. Students selecting the professional paper plan must have a committee of two faculty members. The chair of the committee must be the faculty member instructing POLS 680B the semester that it is taken. For students who select the Comprehensive Exam Plan, the Graduate Coordinator organizes the graduate advisory committee and is responsible for the guidance of the student through completion of the degree.

3. Development of an approved master's degree program plan. The graduate advisory committee works with the student in the development of the student's master's degree program plan. The plan must be approved by the graduate advisory committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Completion of at least 15 units of the student's approved master's degree program plan.

2. Graduate advisory committee approval of the student's thesis proposal or professional paper topic and enrollment in POLS 680B.

3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Requirements for the Master of Public Administration:

Completion of all requirements as established by the departmental graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 36-37 units of 600-level courses, as follows:

(a) At least 30 units in the discipline of Public Administration.

(b) At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 6 semesters units of special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework may be counted toward the degree requirements.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.) Not more than 6 units from another department within the University, and only with approval by the graduate advisory committee.

(c) Not more than 3 units of internship course work and only if the student's graduate committee or the Graduate Coordinator agrees that the internship is a meaningful educational experience. Internships are encouraged for pre-service students.

(d) Not more than 9 units of independent study, Master's Thesis (POLS 699T), or Culminating Practicum (POLS 680B) combined; not more than 3 units of Master's Thesis (POLS 699T). Independent Study (POLS 697) topics cannot be the same as POLS 680B papers or thesis topics.

2. Completion and final approval of one of the following three plans as specified by the student's graduate advisory committee.

(a) Comprehensive Examination Plan

1. Preparing for the Comprehensive Examination: Students shall enroll in POLS 680A the semester before they intend to take the Comprehensive Examination. Students are provided lists of suggested readings. The exam involves synthesis and practical application of public administration theory, knowledge, and skills acquired in the program.
2. Written Comprehensive Examinations: The candidate shall complete and pass a written examination in public administration.
3. Grading: Each examination shall be graded as pass or fail.
4. Repeating the Written Comprehensive Examination: The candidate may repeat the examination once.
5. Approval by the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the university.

(b) Professional Paper Plan

Enrollment in POLS 680A and POLS 680B and successful completion of a professional research paper (Policy Analysis) of sufficient range in subject and method to demonstrate a broad acquaintance with the relevant theory and methodology and a capacity for in-depth analysis and investigation. The completed paper shall be presented before interested faculty and graduate students and approved by both members of the graduate committee.

(c) Thesis Plan

The candidate shall submit an acceptable thesis based upon research developed by the student and agreed to by the student's graduate advisory committee.

1. Thesis Proposal: A proposal (prospectus or detailed outline) of the thesis must be submitted and approved by the graduate advisory committee before the student begins the thesis. The proposal includes at least a statement of the problem or hypothesis, the basic research methods to be employed, justification of the study's value, and estimated time of completion. The proposal is a formal document that must have appropriate attention given to the matters of format, documentation, and quality of writing.
2. Registration in POLS 699T, Master's Thesis: The student should register for POLS 699T no earlier than the third semester in the program and in accordance with his/her thesis plan. However, it is advisable that students complete most of the program course work before registering for POLS 699T. An approved thesis proposal is required for registration in POLS 699T.
3. Approval of Thesis: The thesis shall be approved by all three members of the graduate advisory committee.
4. Oral Defense: A required oral defense of the thesis shall be conducted by the candidate's graduate advisory committee. Interested faculty may attend. The oral defense is generally limited to matter within the scope of the thesis. The candidate may repeat the oral defense one time if failed by the committee on the first attempt. The time and place of the defense must be noted in print and circulated to the office of Graduate Studies at least one week prior to the date. The Political Science and Criminal Justice Department should be notified of the oral defense two weeks prior to the date.

3. Approval by the department graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

Completion of the following core courses is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses for the general MPA and the Option in Health Administration are outlined following the core course requirements.

Core Requirements:

18 units required:

Culminating Activity

3-4 units selected from:

1. Comprehensive Examination: For students who select the Comprehensive Examination, 3 units are fulfilled by taking an additional elective course. Students selecting the Comprehensive Examination must also enroll in POLS 680A the semester prior to the semester in which they intend to take the Comprehensive Examination.

2. Professional Paper:

3. Master's Thesis (in exceptional circumstances):

Must be taken for 3 units

The following courses are required dependent upon whether the student choose the general MPA or the Option in Health Administration.  Students must select one of the following paths for completion of the degree.

General MPA Electives:

15 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 600	American Institutions and Public Organizations		3.0	FA
This is a first-semester course. It provides an introduction to the relationship of American political institutions and public organizations. The focus of this graduate course is on developing an understanding of the interdependency of American political institutions (e.g., Congress, parties) and the performance of public organizations. The major objective is to familiarize the new graduate student with the broad field of public administration in preparation for the more direct focus offered by subsequent courses in the Master of Public Administration degree program. A legislative analysis paper is required. 3 hours seminar. (007684)
POLS 601	State and Local Government		3.0	FA
Intensive reading and research on topics related to this sub-field of political science. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007685)
POLS 652	Legal and Ethical Issues in Health and Human Services		3.0	INQ
A seminar providing an integrative analysis of ethical and legal forces in the environment of health and human services as they relate to health and human services organizations' behavior and management decision making. 3 hours seminar. (004471)
POLS 653	Environmental Policy and the Law		3.0	INQ
Development and implementation of environmental policies by the various levels of government within the U.S. federal system, with a particular focus on the legal context of environmental policy making. 3 hours seminar. (007694)
POLS 659	Collaborative Community Management		3.0	INQ
With increasing frequency, many government programs have moved beyond privatizing to encouraging, or even mandating, collaboration between governmental and nongovernmental organizations in resolving community problems. As an introduction to the theory and practice of collaborative management, this course provides students an opportunity to examine case studies of successful practices of collaboration as well as to critique strategies and methods used in fostering collaborative management. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice collaboration both in the classroom, and in the community through a community project. 3 hours seminar. (020919)
POLS 661	Seminar in Public Administration		3.0	SP
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to this sub-field of political science and community services. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. Topics vary, dependent upon seminar leader. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007701)
POLS 664	Public Policy in Health and Human Services		3.0	INQ
A graduate seminar which focuses on initiation, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of Health and Human Services policies. An exploration of policy development, policy analysis approaches, new policy directions. This course will focus on how to develop a policy issue paper, including how to identify values, develop alternatives, and make policy recommendations. Health and Human Services policy will be explored at the national, state, and local levels, including the public, private, non-profit, and profit-making sectors. Policy of other nations will be examined for their implications for American Health and Human Services policy. 3 hours seminar. (007703)
POLS 665	Issues in Global Public Health		3.0	INQ
An examination of the health care industry in relation to health financing, insurance, grants, contracting, and resource allocation as they relate to management decision making in health and human service organizations. 3 hours seminar. (004475)
POLS 666	Mental Health Policy and Administration		3.0	INQ
Relationship of mental and physical health policy in the U.S. and selected other countries. Considers elements essential to administration of community mental health programs and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAP efforts at helping employees deal with personal problems that affect job performance are considered. History, theory, legal and policy issues related to the above are considered. Focuses on mental health administrative issues and mental health personnel issues. 3 hours seminar. (007704)
POLS 667	Administration and Planning		3.0	INQ
Comprehensive consideration of political, social, and administrative issues related to the rural and town planning process. 3 hours seminar. (007707)
POLS 668	Public Policy Formation		3.0	INQ
This course examines complex information embedded in the theory and practice of public policy formation and analysis at the professional level. The course includes an examination of the approaches, methods, and concepts used in public policy analysis. Further the course examines the statutory, social, and political factors influencing policy development in a wide range of substantive policy areas including but not limited to the environment, business, labor, health, and criminal justice. A policy evaluation paper and oral presentation are required. 3 hours seminar. (007708)
POLS 669	Public and Non-Profit Program Evaluation		3.0	INQ
This course applies specific techniques for evaluating both program operations and the outcome of program activities. It applies the research methodologies and techniques employed for policy and program assessment including use of social indicators, quantitative and qualitative methods, and quasi-experimental designs used in applied policy and program research. Finally, students learn about writing grant proposals and managing contracts. 3 hours seminar. (007709)
POLS 671	Topics in American Politics		3.0	INQ
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to American national government. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007710)
POLS 672	The U.S. Presidency		3.0	INQ
This course explores the office of the chief executive through several academic lenses. In addition to an analysis of the constitutional debates regarding this office, presidential power, the modern presidency, presidential war powers, presidential personality and character, presidential decision making, and presidential selection are all possible topics for exploration through reading and research. 3 hours seminar. (007711)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

Note: POLS 689P recommended for pre-service students

The Option in Health Administration

9 units selected from:

6 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 600	American Institutions and Public Organizations		3.0	FA
This is a first-semester course. It provides an introduction to the relationship of American political institutions and public organizations. The focus of this graduate course is on developing an understanding of the interdependency of American political institutions (e.g., Congress, parties) and the performance of public organizations. The major objective is to familiarize the new graduate student with the broad field of public administration in preparation for the more direct focus offered by subsequent courses in the Master of Public Administration degree program. A legislative analysis paper is required. 3 hours seminar. (007684)
POLS 601	State and Local Government		3.0	FA
Intensive reading and research on topics related to this sub-field of political science. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007685)
POLS 652	Legal and Ethical Issues in Health and Human Services		3.0	INQ
A seminar providing an integrative analysis of ethical and legal forces in the environment of health and human services as they relate to health and human services organizations' behavior and management decision making. 3 hours seminar. (004471)
POLS 653	Environmental Policy and the Law		3.0	INQ
Development and implementation of environmental policies by the various levels of government within the U.S. federal system, with a particular focus on the legal context of environmental policy making. 3 hours seminar. (007694)
POLS 659	Collaborative Community Management		3.0	INQ
With increasing frequency, many government programs have moved beyond privatizing to encouraging, or even mandating, collaboration between governmental and nongovernmental organizations in resolving community problems. As an introduction to the theory and practice of collaborative management, this course provides students an opportunity to examine case studies of successful practices of collaboration as well as to critique strategies and methods used in fostering collaborative management. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice collaboration both in the classroom, and in the community through a community project. 3 hours seminar. (020919)
POLS 661	Seminar in Public Administration		3.0	SP
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to this sub-field of political science and community services. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. Topics vary, dependent upon seminar leader. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007701)
POLS 664	Public Policy in Health and Human Services		3.0	INQ
A graduate seminar which focuses on initiation, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of Health and Human Services policies. An exploration of policy development, policy analysis approaches, new policy directions. This course will focus on how to develop a policy issue paper, including how to identify values, develop alternatives, and make policy recommendations. Health and Human Services policy will be explored at the national, state, and local levels, including the public, private, non-profit, and profit-making sectors. Policy of other nations will be examined for their implications for American Health and Human Services policy. 3 hours seminar. (007703)
POLS 665	Issues in Global Public Health		3.0	INQ
An examination of the health care industry in relation to health financing, insurance, grants, contracting, and resource allocation as they relate to management decision making in health and human service organizations. 3 hours seminar. (004475)
POLS 666	Mental Health Policy and Administration		3.0	INQ
Relationship of mental and physical health policy in the U.S. and selected other countries. Considers elements essential to administration of community mental health programs and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAP efforts at helping employees deal with personal problems that affect job performance are considered. History, theory, legal and policy issues related to the above are considered. Focuses on mental health administrative issues and mental health personnel issues. 3 hours seminar. (007704)
POLS 667	Administration and Planning		3.0	INQ
Comprehensive consideration of political, social, and administrative issues related to the rural and town planning process. 3 hours seminar. (007707)
POLS 668	Public Policy Formation		3.0	INQ
This course examines complex information embedded in the theory and practice of public policy formation and analysis at the professional level. The course includes an examination of the approaches, methods, and concepts used in public policy analysis. Further the course examines the statutory, social, and political factors influencing policy development in a wide range of substantive policy areas including but not limited to the environment, business, labor, health, and criminal justice. A policy evaluation paper and oral presentation are required. 3 hours seminar. (007708)
POLS 669	Public and Non-Profit Program Evaluation		3.0	INQ
This course applies specific techniques for evaluating both program operations and the outcome of program activities. It applies the research methodologies and techniques employed for policy and program assessment including use of social indicators, quantitative and qualitative methods, and quasi-experimental designs used in applied policy and program research. Finally, students learn about writing grant proposals and managing contracts. 3 hours seminar. (007709)
POLS 671	Topics in American Politics		3.0	INQ
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to American national government. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007710)
POLS 672	The U.S. Presidency		3.0	INQ
This course explores the office of the chief executive through several academic lenses. In addition to an analysis of the constitutional debates regarding this office, presidential power, the modern presidency, presidential war powers, presidential personality and character, presidential decision making, and presidential selection are all possible topics for exploration through reading and research. 3 hours seminar. (007711)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

Note: POLS 689P recommended for pre-service students

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

Graduate students in Public Administration will demonstrate their writing competence through POLS 602 or the first graduate seminar in which they enroll. The instructor of that seminar will certify to the Graduate Coordinator that the student has met the requirement. Students should consult with the Graduate Coordinator for specifics.

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

In addition, no course in which a grade lower than B- is earned will be counted toward the fulfillment of any graduate degree requirements.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory each semester for all Public Administration majors. Units taken outside the discipline of Public Administration must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator and the student's graduate advisory committee. Consult with the Graduate Coordinator for specifics.