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Fall 2025 Deadline is May 1, 2025

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ADMISSION TIPS

  • A statement of purpose/interest: In 1-2 pages, tell us why you are interested in the MPA Program.

  • Official transcripts: must be sent directly from your graduating institution to CSUF's Office of Admissions. You may choose to mail or send them electronically.

    Please visit CSUF's Office of Admissions website for detailed instructions on how to send your official transcripts.

  • Letters of Recommendation: from individuals who can speak to your aptitude for success in graduate school and/or public service (if possible one from an immediate supervisor and one from a professor).
  • GRE scores: are not required but should be sent directly to the department if you have them.

Apply through Cal State Apply

Cal State Apply Graduate Application Tutorial

Cal State Apply requires applicants to submit the following:
- Unofficial Transcripts from all institutions attended*
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume

*Official transcripts must be sent directly from your graduating institution to CSUF's Office of Admissions (different from MPA Admissions). You may choose to mail or send them electronically. Please visit CSUF's Office of Admissions website for detailed instructions on how to send your official transcripts.

 

Please view the  MPA Handbook for details on Program Cost, Admission Requirements, Concentrations, and more!

CSUF Alum

    • CSUF Alum: Do not have to submit official transcripts to CSUF's Office of Admissions. 

      If you are not a recent graduate, we recommend contacting the CSUF Office of Admission to see if they still have your transcripts on file. 

 

Questions? Send us an email

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Admissions - FAQ

What are the entry requirements?

Our minimum requirement for GPA is a 2.75. The average GPA of our accepted students is 3.3. For all students, we look at your grades in the last 60 units, how well you performed in your major, any experience in the public sector, your GRE scores (if supplied), and the quality of your written statement of purpose. The higher your grades, the less we will need to weigh your supporting documents. Given the nature of our program, priority is given to those with experience in the public/nonprofit sector.

Are there any prerequisite courses?

There are three prerequisites: American Government or US History; Economics; Research Methods or Statistics. American Government or US History must be completed before taking any MPA course. The other prerequisites may be taken during the first two semesters in the program. In order to count, courses must be taken at an accredited college, university, or community college and students must earn a “C” or better.

What semesters are students admitted to the Program?

Students are normally admitted in the Spring and the Fall. Spring admissions are typically due at the beginning of December and Fall admissions are typically due at the beginning of May.

Can I apply before I finish my BA?

Yes, but the BA must be completed by the tme you start the program.

Can I transfer into your Program from another Public Administration Program?

In most cases yes, and often we will give credit for courses taken eslsewhere. However, 21 of the 36 units must be taken in our Program.

What if I am an international student?

If you are an international student, you must have a score of 570 (paper) or 230 (computer based) on the TOEFL exam, in addition to the other requirements. The TOEFL code for CSUF is 4589. Students who feel their English is not yet up to this level often do a semester in our English as a Foreign Language Program before commencing graduate classes. More information for international students can be found on Extension and International Programs website.

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