CSUN’s 100% ONLINE Master of Public Policy with a Concentration in International Development

For the first time in history, more than half of the world’s human population lives in cities. Because most demographers expect widespread urban population growth to continue indefinitely, the old public-policy paradigm based on whatever worked in the past is being replaced by an emphasis on solutions that address urban growth’s current challenges. Today, as never before, career advancement for public sector managers and administrators depends on being expertly prepared to respond quickly, creatively and effectively to these myriad challenges.

CSUN’s 36-unit, two-year MPP program emphasizes four core areas: policy analysis, public-sector economics, budgeting procedures and sustainability issues. It is the only public-policy degree program in the United States that focuses on urban public policy- making and its implementation in a comparative international context.

Offered entirely online for the convenience of working public-sector professionals, the CSUN MPP program provides a blend of theory and practice, with contemporary examples from diverse localities to illustrate value differences and their impact on problem solving. It prepares students for leadership positions in complex public policy environments.

The online format makes the program available to regional, national and international professionals who want to assess practices in their own locales and prepares graduates internationally in urban analysis and management.

The outcomes-driven MPP curriculum is taught by distinguished CSUN faculty and urban public policy analysts and administrators. In addition, the MPP program is taught in cohort format, which maximizes student-faculty interaction and fosters the development of networking with fellow participants.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for this option/graduate certification are the same as for those who wish a post-baccalaureate status.

To be admitted to this program, an applicant must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
• Have been in good academic standing at the last educational institution attended;
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or greater in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted. The entire semester or quarter in which the 60/90 units began will be used in the calculation. Postgraduate course work is included in the calculation only if it is standard academic offerings at the upper level (third year/junior level or above). Nonstandard credit offerings (professional training, CEU courses, non-degree or other professional credit) are not included in the calculation. Students with less than 3.0 GPA will not be considered for the program unless they have extensive and relevant professional experience working in an urban, policy-oriented setting. Note: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for applicants whose cumulative undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. The applicant must score at or above 50th percentile on at least one of the three GRE sections within the first two semesters of the program;
• Have at least two years of professional, related experience, regardless of the GPA;

Applications for the program are processed through the Tseng College and follow the standard college procedure. Applications must be submitted online at a website URL that will contain all required documents. Students must apply and be admitted to the program prior to beginning any certificate program course.

To earn the Master of Public Policy, the student must:

• Successfully complete all 11 courses;
• Successfully complete the culminating experience;
• Successfully complete the requirements for each course, such as an examination or field experience assignment;
• Earn no less than a grade of C in any course;
• Maintain an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in the program.

Course List (12 courses, 36 units)

A total of 36 units is required for the completion of the degree (33 units of coursework and three units of the culminating experience).

MPP 610 Theoretical Approaches of Policy Making (3)
MPP 615 Applied Policy Research and Quantitative Analysis (3)
MPP 620 Policy Analysis (3)
MPP 630 Leadership, Ethics and Practical Policy Management (3)
MPP 640 Public and Nonprofit Budgeting (3)
MPP 645 Urban Economic Policy (3)
MPP 650 Introduction to Comparative Public Policy (3)
MPP 655 Policy Making for Sustainable Urban Communities (3)
MPP 660 Urban Morphologies (3)
MPP 665 Contested Issues in Public Management (3)
MPP 670 Strategic Management and Systems Analysis (3)
MPP 690 Culminating Experience (3)

If you would like more information about this program, please contact ravi.roy@csun.edu.