Advance your opportunities in the public sector and become the confident and influential leader you were called to be.

PLNU’s Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) is designed for individuals committed to making a positive impact in their communities through public service. Our fully online asynchronous program offers a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences through mentorship from faculty that are scholar-practitioners, ensuring that each graduate is equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead with integrity and effectiveness in the public and non-profit sectors.

An MPA will equip you to expand your leadership opportunities in a variety of organizations, building vital skills such as:

• Management
• Policymaking
• Public communication
• Government relations
• Planning and development
• And more!

All students will complete a capstone project working on active policy initiatives with highly regarded local organizations.

Program Features:

• Dedication to Public Service: Our curriculum emphasizes collaborative and ethical leadership, preparing students to navigate complex public service environments while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
• Integrated Management Approaches: Students will learn to combine management techniques across fiscal and human resources, policy formulation, and program administration. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates can enhance service provision in both governmental and non-profit organizations.
• Experienced Faculty: Learn from leaders deeply connected to San Diego organizations. All faculty for this program are both scholars and practitioners in the public, nonprofit, and social sectors, with expertise in government relations, statistics, cross-sector collaborations, and more.
• Evidence-Based Solutions: The program equips students to deliver thorough analyses and develop corresponding solutions to pressing societal issues, with a strong focus on public policy considerations.
• Commitment to Equity: We are dedicated to fostering cultural responsiveness and equity in all aspects of public administration. Students will engage with diverse populations and learn to implement inclusive practices in their professional endeavors.

Fully online leadership learning

Through this flexible online program, you can become a thoughtful, innovative, and effective leader in administration. You’ll gain the skills to progress your career in the public sector in a study format that fits with your schedule. Earning an online master’s can expand your opportunities without interrupting the responsibilities you’ve been called to.

This online program gives you the flexibility to learn when and where you want. You can complete coursework in the comfort of your home, favorite coffee shop, or local library while choosing a study schedule that works best for you. 

Mentorship and support

Benefit from an exceptional level of personal mentorship and support from an interdisciplinary program faculty — helping you really do it, not just know it.

You’ll work in a collaborative learning environment that will provide you the opportunity to develop a professional and personal network of people who share your goals. You will also use technology to test team building and communication skills, a dynamic that mirrors what you will experience outside the classroom in the marketplace.

Build an impactful future

Whether you’re deeply involved in the public sector or looking to shift into a career with big impacts, the Public Administration M.A. will give you the skills and confidence to be an adaptive, creative leader in a variety of sectors.

This degree can significantly enhance career prospects in public service, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noting that positions in management and leadership roles within government and non-profit sectors often require or prefer candidates with advanced degrees. The BLS links higher earning potential to higher educational attainment. Additionally, the BLS projects growth in public administration-related fields, particularly in areas like urban planning, health services management, and social services, where the demand for skilled leaders is increasing.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
• Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad I — May 11, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad II — July 6, 2026

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — December 12, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad II — February 27, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad I — April 24, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad II — June 19, 2026

All applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application. However, if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package and the exceptions policy.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's MPA program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.) 
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to: 
   Point Loma Nazarene University 
   Office of Graduate Admissions 
   3900 Lomaland Dr. 
   San Diego, CA 92106 
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to: 
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu 
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.

3. Submit a statement of purpose.
   
   The Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) program at Point Loma Nazarene University is committed to cultivating leaders who are passionate about serving their communities with integrity, equity, and effectiveness. As part of your application, please submit a Statement of Purpose (500-750 words) that addresses the following:

   1. Personal and Professional Goals: What are your long-term personal and professional goals, and why is the MPA program at Point Loma Nazarene University the best fit for helping you achieve them?

   2. Dedication to Public Service: Describe your motivation for pursuing or continuing a career in public service. How have your personal and/or professional experiences shaped your desire to contribute to your community through leadership and ethical decision-making?

   3. Commitment to Equity: Discuss your understanding of equity and cultural responsiveness in public administration. How will you foster inclusivity and fairness in your professional practice?

   Your Statement of Purpose should highlight your personal and professional experiences, values, and aspirations in relation to public service.

Start Application

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

Opportunities include leadership and management positions in the following areas:

• Accountant/Auditor
• Chief Administrative Officer
• Chief Development Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Law Enforcement Official
• City/County Manager
• Community Affairs Representative
• Emergency Management Specialist
• Emergency Services Director
• Environmental, Economic or Social Consultant
• Healthcare Administrator
• Human Resources Manager/Director
• Manager/Director for non-profit organization
• Political Campaign Specialist
• Professor
• Public Works Director
• Researcher
• Urban Planner

Professionals working in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, churches, community-based institutions, and businesses will further enhance their leadership competencies through this practical, industry-informed degree. Rising leaders within in-demand areas like urban planning, health services management, and social services particularly benefit from a graduate-level degree in public administration.

PLNU $1,000 MPA Inaugural Scholarship

We are giving away $1,000 scholarships to all students who enroll in PLNU's inaugural M.A. in Public Administration Fall 2025 class! This opportunity will only be offered to M.A. in Public Administration students who apply to start and enroll for the Fall 2025 semester. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on the number of enrolled students, but all Fall 2025 enrolled students will receive the $1,000 scholarship. To take full advantage of this opportunity, please make sure to connect with a Graduate Enrollment Counselor for more information.

For information about the courses required for the Public Administration, M.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog.

Course Information