Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What do I gain from getting an MPA degree?
  2. Is this a good MPA program?
  3. I have an undergraduate degree in theatre. Can I still enter the program?
  4. Is this program designed for working professionals like me?
  5. How much does it cost per year?
  6. I have not been in school for a long time. Can I do this?
  7. What are the other students like?

General


  1. What do I gain from getting an MPA degree?

    2. There are three reasons for taking the MPA. One is that on average, students with an MA earn $14,000 more than those with a BA.  A second is that you will learn a lot that will enable you to do your job better, thereby increasing you chances of promotion. A third is that it is increasingly a gateway credential in the public sector for higher level jobs.

  2. Is this a good MPA program?

    3. This is generally accepted as one of the best programs in the Southland. It is nationally accredited by NASPAA, it is a little more rigorous than some of the other programs and 95% of our alumni say that it has been helpful to them in their careers. It is especially valuable to those working in Orange County, as it has been the only Orange County PA program for most of the last 30 years and many of our alumni can be found in higher management in the County, the cities and other public entities.

  3. I have an undergraduate degree in theatre. Can I still enter the program?

    4. Yes Virginia there is a life after a theatre degree. We look for intelligent people who have an interest in becoming managers in the public sector. It is probably true that those who majored in public administration or business will have an easier time, but we have many successful graduates with Bachelors degrees in subjects like history and liberal arts. However we do have prerequisites in American Government, Statistics and Economics.

  4. Is this program designed for working professionals like me?

    5. In short, yes! Most of our classes are once a week from 7-9.45 and the others are late afternoon or weekend courses. We also encourage people to bring their jobs into the classroom.

  5. How much does it cost per year?

    6. Most students enroll for two semesters a year. As of Spring 2009, it costs $1,394 a semester if you are taking one or two courses and $2,183 a semester if you are taking three or four courses. The fees do change periodically. Check at http://www.fullerton.edu/  for the latest figures.

  6. I have not been in school for a long time. Can I do this?

    7. We regard real world experience as a plus. We are generally high on people who have been working a long time (or managing children). We find that they are more serious than they used to be, and more focused than they often were as undergraduates.

  7. What are the other students like?

    8. The median student is someone working full time in the public sector or in a non-profit who has been out for three or four years and has decided that they want to manage others. In many cases their bosses have suggested that this is a logical next step. There are smaller numbers of full time private sector workers and full time students, often from overseas.