The MPA program is offered at our Main Campus in Bakersfield, California (Modality is primarily In-Person)

 

Prospective Students

• MPA Prospective Student Guide
• Application Period
• Application Requirements
• Admission Requirements
• Admission Appeal Request
• International Student Requirements
• MPA Brochure
• Cal State Apply Guide

Current Students

• MPA Current Handbook
• Program Requirements
• Academic Calendar
• BPA Scholarships
• Program Catalog
• Course Descriptions
• Honor Society
• Commencement
• 2-Year Roadmap
• 3-Year Roadmap

MPA Zoom Information Sessions

Spring 2026 MPA Admission Decision Timelines:

 

MPA Contact Information

Dr. Chandra Commuri, Ph.D

MPA DirectorProfessor of Public Policy

Phone: (661) 654-6140Email: ccommuri@csub.eduOffice: BDC 105A

Dr. Creed Tumlison, Ph.D.

Assistant MPA Director Assistant Professor of Public Administration

Phone: (661) 654-2784Email: ctumlison@csub.eduOffice: BDC 118A

Luis Hernandez, M.P.A., MBA

BPA Graduate Programs Advisor

Phone: (661) 654-2780Email: MPA@csub.eduOffice: BDC 120A

About

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program will foster and enhance critical thinking, communication, management, a public service perspective, and engagement in the policy process among present and future managers in government, nonprofit, and health care organizations within the San Joaquin Valley. The critical skills learned from this curriculum will ensure that managers in the government, nonprofit, and health care sectors exercise governance in an inclusive and socially responsible manner.

NASPAA Accreditation

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program enjoys accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) for its Master of Public Administration program.

CSU Bakersfield’s College of Business and Public Administration (BPA) is proud to announce the Extension of Accreditation for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) in June 2017 for the period of six years. The MPA program pursued and achieved accreditation through a rigorous peer review that demonstrated the program’s commitment to quality public service education. 

This means that the educational experience and course content you receive from us will be comparable to that offered at other NASPAA accredited programs. Such national acknowledgment provides “an edge” for our students in both the local and national job markets.

Career Opportunities

The mission of the MPA graduate program is career preparation and development for policy & decision-making, managerial, and administrative positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program is especially responsive to regional government and nonprofit sector needs, preparing graduates for state and local managerial and public service leadership. MPA graduates go on to management and leadership roles in:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Professional associations
• Local government
• State government
• Federal government
• Legislative services
• Colleges and universities
• Consulting firms
• Healthcare facilities
• Public action committees
• Public interest groups
• Private industry

 

 

 

Click here for more information about NASPAA