Master of Public Policy and Administration

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is required for admission to postgraduate programs at CLU.
      

2. Minimum Academic Percentage:

   • International students applying for postgraduate courses are expected to have a minimum academic percentage of 55% or above in their undergraduate studies. This criterion ensures a foundational level of academic achievement.
      

3. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

     • Overall Score: 6.5
     • No individual band score less than 6
        

   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): Overall Score: 88

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall Score: 58

   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall Score: 120

California Lutheran University is dedicated to making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including international students. The university offers several scholarship opportunities to support the academic pursuits of international students. 

1. International Student Scholarship: CLU provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. The International Student Scholarship is competitive and varies in amount based on the applicant's academic profile.

2. Presidential Scholarship: The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award offered to high-achieving students, including international students. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs and is renewable for each year of a student's undergraduate studies, provided they maintain the required GPA.

3. CLU International Grant: The CLU International Grant is another form of financial assistance available to international students. This grant is based on financial need and is designed to supplement other forms of aid to help students meet the cost of attending CLU.

4. Community College Transfer Scholarship: CLU values the contributions of transfer students, including those transferring from community colleges. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is available to eligible international transfer students, providing financial support to ease the transition to CLU.

5. CLU Endowed Scholarships: The university administers various endowed scholarships, and international students may be eligible for some of these awards. These scholarships often have specific criteria, such as academic excellence, leadership, or involvement in particular fields of study.

6. External Scholarships: CLU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.

7. Work-Study Opportunities: While not a scholarship per se, CLU offers international students the opportunity to participate in work-study programs. These programs allow students to work part-time on campus, gaining valuable work experience while helping to finance their education.

8. International Education Assistance Fund: The International Education Assistance Fund is designed to support international students facing unexpected financial challenges. It provides emergency financial assistance to help students overcome unforeseen obstacles that may impact their ability to continue their studies.

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program at California Lutheran University emerge with a skill set and knowledge base that positions them for success in a variety of public sector and nonprofit roles. The program’s career prospects are expansive, offering graduates opportunities to make a positive impact on communities and contribute to effective governance. The Master of Public Policy and Administration program at California Lutheran University not only provides a robust education in policy analysis and administration but also opens doors to diverse and impactful career paths. Graduates are poised to become effective leaders, advocates, and change-makers in the dynamic and evolving landscape of public service.

1. Public Policy Analyst: MPPA graduates are well-equipped to work as policy analysts, examining the implications of proposed policies, conducting research, and providing recommendations to government agencies or advocacy groups. They play a crucial role in shaping effective public policies.

2. Government Administration: Graduates may pursue careers in government administration, taking on roles such as city manager, county administrator, or administrative services director. These positions involve overseeing day-to-day operations, managing budgets, and implementing policies at various levels of government.

3. Nonprofit Leadership: The MPPA program prepares individuals for leadership roles within nonprofit organizations. Graduates can work as executive directors, program managers, or policy advocates, contributing to the missions of organizations focused on social justice, healthcare, education, and more.

4. Urban and Regional Planning: With a focus on policy analysis and strategic planning, MPPA graduates are well-suited for roles in urban and regional planning. They can contribute to community development, land use planning, and sustainable initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents.

5. Legislative Affairs Specialist: Graduates may pursue careers in legislative affairs, working for government agencies or advocacy groups. They engage with lawmakers, analyze proposed legislation, and advocate for policies aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities they serve.

6. Public Affairs and Communications: MPPA graduates may excel in public affairs and communications roles, shaping the narrative around policies and issues. They can work as communication directors, public relations specialists, or community outreach coordinators.

7. Research and Evaluation Specialist: Many MPPA graduates find fulfilling careers as research and evaluation specialists. They assess the impact of policies, programs, and initiatives, providing valuable insights that contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

8. International Development: For those interested in global issues, MPPA graduates can explore careers in international development. They may work with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to address global challenges such as poverty, health, and human rights.