California Baptist University College of Arts and Sciences
“Integration of faith with learning is key to our identity and mission, tasks and goals. Our commitment to applying faith to life is second to none. If you want to pursue a job to earn a living, a degree program from most any university will do. But if you want to pursue a calling, CBU and the College of Arts and Sciences programs will prepare you to live for something greater.
Lisa Hernandez PhD Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to empower service-minded, working professionals to put their creative ideas into action at federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to guide working professionals in addressing complex challenges facing the world by integrating theory and practice. Students will expand their ability to collaborate across sectors, apply public service values, and develop creative solutions to address societal problems.
Faculty teach from a biblically-rooted perspective, enabling students to enhance their ability to be compassionate and ethical servant leaders.
Program Length
36 units
16 months, full time (part-time options are available)
Program Cost*
$24,860*
$650 per unit
$365 per semester general fee
Program Start Term
Asynchronous online Fall (September) Spring (January) Summer (May)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
What does Asynchronous mean?
CBU’s asynchronous class format means our online programs provide the maximum amount of flexibility for a minimum amount of interruption to your busy schedule. Additionally, the 8-week format means you can complete your degree twice as fast as a traditional semester schedule.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Our purpose is to help you live yours.
Dr. David Hernandez Class of 2015
Dr. David Hernandez is the Regional Forest & Fire Coordinator for the Inland Empire Community Foundation. In this role, Hernandez seeks to increase forest and fire resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Q: Why did you want to study Public Administration?
A: At the time, I was seeking a promotion to Fire Battalion Chief. I pursued public administration to reinforce my knowledge of policy development and implementation to help manage fire department operations.
Q: Why did you choose to study Public Administration at CBU?
A: I selected CBU because a colleague advised me that CBU is genuinely concerned about its students’ academic success and overall wellness.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about working in your industry or specific job role?
A: The most rewarding thing about working in my industry is that I’m using the tools to perform in my position at a high level of efficiency based on my success in both the Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Public Administration programs at CBU.
Q: How did CBU prepare you for your career?
A: Academics were the foundation, but the real reason for my success is due to the instruction by the professors and their sincere desire for my success. I have maintained my professional relationships with many of my past professors.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to someone looking to apply to this program?
A: I would tell them that a future graduation date to celebrate their academic success will happen whether or not they sign up, so why let that opportunity go by without trying to increase their success and knowledge?
Beth Groves, DPA Program Director, Master of Public Administration
After completing a bachelor’s degree in journalism, I began my professional career in the private sector as a reporter for a local community newspaper. Then I transitioned into a hospital public relations position. I was in an MBA program when I first met and went to work for a State Senator in Orange County, California. I had committed to staying for 18 months to handle some policy issues. However, I never left the public sector after that. I found a passion for public policy, switched to a MPA program and built a 20+ year career in government at the state, county and city levels. My passion is local government—counties and cities. Working with local elected officials, public administrators and community members brought visible results that could impact a community in the short term. It has been a way for me to enhance the quality of life in my community.
I have held several positions within the City Manager’s Office in the City of Corona, California, promoted through the ranks and ultimately serving as Corona’s City Manager for four years. In 2009 I was named City Manager in Norco, California, and served until 2013, when I focused on completing a DPA degree and teaching full-time at California Baptist University. Serving as a City Manager brought opportunities to create large-scale community projects in partnership with other local and state agencies.
Teaching at CBU has provided the opportunity to connect with public administration professionals seeking to advance in the field as well as those students desiring to enter the profession. I teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate student levels. Additionally, I enjoy the opportunity to serve on dissertation committees for DPA students. I am interested in research related to local government structure and how that structure impacts representation and citizen participation. As an instructor, I teach multiple courses within the MPA and in the BPA and DPA programs. These include public policy, public personnel management, leadership, organizational theory and design, public budgets, strategic management, and state and local government.
Prerequisite
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
2.75 or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA.
Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice).
Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address:
• What are your educational goals?
• How will this program help meet those goals?
• What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Send official college or university transcripts.
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Fall Priority Standard May 15 August 1 Spring Summer November 1 March 1 December 1 April 1
*Online only
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!
Graduate Admissions
8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
951.343.4249
calbaptist.edu
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of History and Government 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615
calbaptist.edu/history-and-government
