Top Online Master of Public Administration Programs in California (CA)

There are 866,760 public administration professionals in California who play an integral role in ensuring members of their communities have the resources they need, including access to housing, public transportation, or social and community services. Skilled professionals are needed to fill these important roles. If you are in a public administration job and want to pursue a managerial position, in another field and want to change careers, or considering graduate program options, an MPA may be right for you.

Online MPA programs in California can help you reach your goals. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are dozens of California schools that offer advanced public administration degrees, including online and traditional programs.

To explore master of public administration programs in California, keep reading as we explore online MPA programs in California, as well as campus based degrees. We’ll also provide information on ways to fund your education and the job outlook for the public administration field.

Top Online MPA Programs in California

You may be wondering how you’ll fit an MPA program into your busy schedule. Thanks to the convenience of online learning, you can study and continue to work, reaching your goals without sacrificing other responsibilities. Below is our ranking of the top online MPA programs in California, along with information about admission, curriculum, and any on-campus requirements.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MPA Students in California

Earning a graduate degree can be a significant investment, even if you find one of the most affordable MPA programs in California. There are ways to defray the cost of your education, with scholarships, grants, and loans from a variety of sources. You may also be able to receive financial aid from the state or federal government, private companies, or industry organizations.

For example, the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law and Policy Scholarship, provided by the Association of California Water Agencies, is a $7,000 award given to graduate and undergraduate public administration students who are focusing their studies on water resources.

Another significant source of funding is through the colleges and universities that offer on-campus and online MPA programs in California. For example, schools like the University of Southern California, the University of La Verne, and California State University, Fullerton provide awards and resources for their public administration graduate students.

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for MPA Graduates in California

There are several ways to use a master of public administration in California. In fact, several jobs in the public administration sector are expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be a more than 35 percent increase in jobs for medical and health services managers in California, and training and development managers will see an increase of 19.6 percent between in the next six years.

Additionally, you can receive a significant return on your investment after finishing an online MPA program in California. For example, urban and regional planners earn $107,920 per year, BLS reports, while management analysts make $119,370.

To learn more about the earning potential and job growth specific professions will experience, see the table below.

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

California Public Administration Professional and Student Resources

When you graduate from an online MPA program in California, the learning doesn’t end. As a successful public administration professional, you’ll want to continue learning about the field and stay current regarding new laws, regulatory policy and more. To help you continue your education and network with others in the field, we’ve put together the following resources to refer to while still in school or after you’ve completed your degree.

• California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians and Public Conservators
  This organization represents the needs of public administration professionals throughout California. Member benefits include access to legislative education, networking opportunities, and certifications. Also, the organization keeps members abreast of public administration job opportunities in the state. Members can participate in synchronous or asynchronous online training.
• American Society for Public Administration
  The American Society for Public Administration has been working on behalf of public administration practitioners, as well as academics and students, since 1939. The group hosts a job board, organizes events including an annual conference and educational programming, creates publications, and provides opportunities for members to connect.
• The Business of Government Hour
  The Business of Government Hour is a podcast that features discussions about the work of government executives. Some of the topics explored include payment integrity, managerial resilience, managing government risk, and becoming a growth leader.
• Public Administration Review
  The Public Administration Review is a research journal that includes articles on the theory and practice. Published by the American Society for Public Administration, topics explored in this publication include community policing, unethical public service leadership, crowdsourcing data in public administration research, and municipal fiscal health.
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
  The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management advances the public administration profession through research and education. The organization provides peer-reviewed research journals, organizes an annual conference, and supports students who are interested in public policy.