Program Overview
TUW’s Master of Arts in Public Administration is a change-focused MPA designed to help students understand and analyze public policies and manage organizational environments in ways that support positive change. The master’s in public administration prepares graduates for leadership and administration in public and nonprofit organizations, as well as private and military-affiliated organizations and roles connected to local, state, and federal government.
For working professionals in California and nationwide, the MPA degree may fit government and nonprofit employees moving into management, military and veteran-services personnel, and career changers entering public service. Coursework develops knowledge in public leadership, administration, nonprofit management, organizational behavior, and policy analysis. The program does not lead to licensure or certification.
Admission Requirements
Applicants entering the MPA must meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Be a graduate transfer student in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
International applicants must also meet TUW’s international admission requirements. Applicants using TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency need a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL or 61 on the iBT. TUW’s TOEFL code is 3157.
To complete the admission process, applicants must:
- Submit an application.
- Submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions. Applicants educated outside the U.S. must follow TUW’s international transcript translation and credential evaluation requirements.
No GRE is required. TUW has waived the application fee for prospective MPA students and offers six start dates throughout the year.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Tuition for the Master of Arts in Public Administration is $500 per semester credit. At that rate, tuition for the full 36-credit program is $18,000 before financial aid, scholarships, employer assistance, or approved transfer credit.
A range of tuition assistance options is available to eligible students, including scholarships and student loans. Students should also check with their employers about available tuition assistance programs. TUW tuition assistance counselors can help students review financial aid and other funding options.
Military & Veteran Benefits
Eligible military students and family members may qualify for a discounted military tuition rate and receive assistance with military education benefits. TUW participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts eligible VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
Credit may also be awarded for eligible military training or experience based on TUW’s evaluation and applicable transfer-credit policies. TUW provides military-specific advising and resources to help service members and veterans understand their education benefits.
Military personnel often bring experience in administration, personnel management, budgeting, operations, and policy implementation that relates closely to public administration. The MPA can build on that experience for those preparing for civilian public-service, nonprofit, or veteran-services roles.
What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Public Administration
An MPA prepares graduates to apply management, public policy, budgeting, organizational, and administrative skills across government, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations connected to public service.
Core Requirements
36 Semester Credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines a range of management issues and strategies within the context of managing public organization. The core focus is on an enhanced understanding of the theoretical and practical approaches to public management, an examination of day-to-day dilemmas faced by competent public managers, and the application of relevant theories to public management.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the way government policies emerge from the political process and are implemented through participating institutions. Students will demonstrate how analysis can contribute to informed policy-making and examine the factors involved in developing effective implementation strategies.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course explores organizational behavior through the theoretical lenses of micro and macro levels, and their associated influences of organizational culture, psychology, and sociology. Students will apply these theories as they relate to individuals, teams, and groups within organizations as well as explore organizational processes in public administration.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to the law and legal system as it applies to public administration and policy. Students have an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the current legislation on the management and efficiency of public administration in organizations. The consequences of law and public policy formation on public administration will be discussed and assessed.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Public budgeting provides the student with an in-depth understanding of operations and public budgeting processes, the underlying theories, and the tools to understand and perform these critical activities.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an overview of Human Resources Management (HRM) theory and HR managers’ contributions to accomplish organization goals through employee performance and satisfaction in public administration. A variety of topics that influence HR Management are addressed, which include legal/ethical principles, staffing, pay, training and development, empowerment, health and safety, and conflict resolution.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course students explore the role and responsibilities of management in the public organization by developing and maintaining assessments. Special topics include the Performance Management System designed for improving organizational effectiveness, performance standards, development plans, providing feedback, measuring and evaluating progress towards goals, managing performance gaps and using positive and progressive discipline. The aforementioned topics and more will assist students in learning how engaging employees in a thoughtful and thorough performance assessment process can enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention rates in the public organization.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, issues of ethics and conflict of interest will be discussed. The administrator’s role in ethical decision-making will be examined along with external and internal controls. The course will offer studies in leading and building organizations of integrity and diversity.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on the role the impact of diversity and multicultural environment in public administration. Special topics include the role of race, gender, ethnic origin and tradition in creating an effective, rewarding and harmonious public organization work place in national as well as global settings.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will examine fundamental statistical techniques that are used in the analysis of data in public administration. Special emphasis will include exploring empirical research in public administration including descriptive and inferential statistical methods, parametric and nonparametric analyses, sampling distributions, generalizations, inferences, and interpretations that can legitimately be made on the basis of public administration statistical evidence.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students conduct research in a project that addresses a contemporary issue in Public Administration. Students utilize their skills learned in the MPA program to build a research project that synthesizes the impact of demographics, technology, and the environment on public administration and/or public policy.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Capstone Course is the final course in the MPA degree program. The capstone is intended to demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate all facets of public administration study by applying what has been learned to a real-world project.
CREDITS
3
Credits
36
Format
100% online, 8-week courses
Next start
October 26, 2026
Apply by
October 23, 2026
Accreditation
WSCUC
Tuition
$500 per credit
Transfer credits
Up to nine
Entry requirement
Accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, or graduate transfer status in good standing with a minimum 2.75 GPA
Application deadlines are generally the Friday before the term begins. Confirm the date with an enrollment counselor.
Request Information
Accreditation & Institutional Recognition
Touro University Worldwide is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Institutional accreditation applies to TUW as a university, including its online academic programs.
TUW is a California-based nonprofit institution and part of the Touro University System. The MPA is offered through distance education under TUW’s institutional accreditation.
Why TUW: Faculty, Proof & Credibility
TUW’s MPA combines a 36-credit public administration curriculum with faculty whose backgrounds include public administration, organizational leadership, government, and military service. The online eight-week format is designed to allow working professionals to continue their careers while completing graduate study.
Faculty expertise
Glenn Zimmerman, DBA, MPA
Before joining TUW, Dr. Zimmerman served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years. He also holds a Master of Public Administration and brings experience in military leadership and administration to his academic work.
Quintin Robinson, PhD, MPA
Teaches in the MPA program and serves as TUW’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness. His background combines graduate training in public administration with work focused on institutional planning and effectiveness.
Student & alumni outcomes / testimonials
Sabina Rasaily
“I have learned about the importance of the relationship between public administration and the legislative branch in the public policy process, as well as how policy, law, and public administration interact to shape outcomes. I also developed an understanding of the impact of public policy and law on public administration practices.”