Home

Overview

Welcome

Dean

Curriculum

Schedule

Admission

Academic

F.A.Q.

Technical

Contact

>F.A.Q.

 

1. How many classes are required in the MPA Online Program?
   If your baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is in Public Administration or a related area, your MPA coursework will generally consist of twelve classes for a total of 36 units; 27 units in core courses and 9 units in electives. If your baccalaureate degree does not meet the above criteria, you may be required to complete prerequisite coursework.
   
   
   
2. How long will it take to complete the program?
   That depends on how many classes you take each term. Most to many working students enroll in two classes (6 units) each term. This is possible, but unusual, to complete the program within 18 months. However, demands of the courses and the work schedule of students often require students to reduce their course load and, therefore, the program cannot completed within 18 months. Variations in the schedule of classes offered may also delay completion of the program within an 18 month period. Students who require additional prerequisite courses may need up to an additional 6 months (2 terms) to complete these requirements. University regulations require that the MPA degree be completed within 5 years.
   
   
   
3. Is the MPA Online Program accredited?
   The MPA Online Program is fully accredited. The MPA Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. California State University, Dominguez Hills is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The School of Business and Public Administration is fully accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.
   
   
4. What is the tuition for the MPA Online Program?
   Effective January 2009, tuition for MPA Online graduate courses is $1,320.00 (U.S.) per three unit course; prerequisite courses are $880.000 (U.S.) per two unit course. Course fees are the same for both resident and international students. All fees are subject to change.
   
   
5. What are acceptable methods for payment of tuition?
   Payment for tuition and fees may be made by personal check, company or cashier's check, money order, or Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card. Payment is made to CSUDH MPA Online Program.
   
   
   
6. Are there additional fees?
   Some courses may require additional material and shipping costs. A late fee of $25 (U.S.) will be levied if tuition is paid after a class begins. A $55 (U.S.) application fee is required when applying to the program and must be paid by check only and submitted with the completed application.
   
   
   
7. Is financial aid available?
   Grant aid is generally not applicable to the MPA Online Program, but in some cases loans or other types of aid may be available. For official information about what sorts of financial aid might apply and the forms that must be filed, contact the Financial Aid Office at (310) 243-3647 or visit their website
   
   
   
8. What is the refund policy?
   Refunds are granted in accordance with the CSU refund schedule.
   
   
   
9. How are MPA Online Program courses taught?
   Courses are taught in a combination of online lecture and case study. Online lecture typically involves text materials provided, video presentations, video conferencing, NetMeeting, individual and group threaded discussions. Core course are generally taught as 25% online lecture and 75% case study. Grades may be based primarily on assigned case studies. Some courses may use examinations administered online.
   
   
   
10. Can coursework be transferred to the MPA Online Program?
    A maximum of three MPA classes (9 units) may be transferred from an accredited institution with approval from the MPA Online Program Coordinator. The grade (s) received and the institution where the course (s) were taken will be considered in making this determination.
    
    
    
11. What equipment will I need for the program?
    Our technical requirements page is comprehensive and will provide you with equipment, software, access and contact information.
    
    
    
12. Do I need to be near a University Library?
    Most materials will be available online, if not at a local university library. Details of individual course materials requirements will be provided in the course syllabus. The resources available online will be utilized extensively in the courses.
    
    
    
13. What is the California State University?
    The California State University is a 23 campus, statewide system of comprehensive and polytechnic universities and the California Maritime Academy. The CSU awards bachelor and master's degrees in more than 200 subject areas, employs 40,00 faculty and staff, and serves some 350,00 students. A limited number of doctoral degrees are offered jointly with the University of California and with private institutions in California. The Dominguez Hills campus was established in 1960.
    
    
    
14. Where can I learn more about GWE?
    Go here to learn more about the GWE program
    
    
15. What is the application procedure?
    Your completed application package will be evaluated when it is submitted. The Admissions Committee will inform you by letter regarding your acceptance status into the MPA Online Program within 4-6 weeks.
    
    
    
16. What if English is not my primary language?
    Students whose primary language is other than English must submit a test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) score of 550 or higher.
    
    
    
17. Whom do I contact for additional information?
    The MPA Online Program Office: MPAonline@csudh.edu; (310) 243-3917
    

© 1998 - 2009 CSUDH - College of Business and Public Policy - All Rights Reserved. Program policies are subject to change. Please contact the Public Administration department for the most current program information.