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 MPA program guides 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*
$25,760
$675 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 and 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: CBU strengthened my administrative understanding of public policy, capacity building and program management while I was actively serving in my career as a fire company officer. While the academic curriculum provided a strong foundation, the true driver of my professional success was the quality of instruction and the professors’ genuine commitment to my development. I have continued to maintain meaningful professional relationships with many of my former professors.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to someone looking to apply to this program?
A: I encourage you to continue investing in your professional development by enrolling in the public administration program at CBU. You will encounter faculty members who are genuinely committed to your success and who consistently act in your best interest. Additionally, you will join a cohort of like-minded individuals who are likely to become lasting professional colleagues and personal friends. I can attest to this experience firsthand, as I am also an instructor at CBU, and some of my closest friends today were once my classmates.
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 an 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.
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
Resume, including at least three years of work experience in the public (government) or nonprofit sector.
Minimum 2.75 GPA cumulative 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.
Provide any supplemental documents required. 01 02 03 Application
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Send official college or university transcripts.
Fall Priority Standard May 15 August 1 Spring Summer November 1 March 1 December 1 April 1
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
