Public Policy and Administration

College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

The graduate programs in the Department of Public Policy and Administration prepare students for a career in public service through a deeper understanding of how to address complex issues relating to public policy and administration. We serve the State of California and Sacramento Region by developing leaders possessing strong analytical tools, and a deep commitment to public service.

Note: The Department of Public Policy and Administration, in collaboration with the College of Business Administration, also offers an interdisciplinary Master's of Science in Urban Land Development. In addition, it offers an interdisciplinary doctorate in education in collaboration with the College of Education.  Both of these programs are listed separately in this catalog.

Special Features

  • The proximity of Sacramento State to the State Capitol offers significant advantages to students by providing them with a ready ''laboratory'' for observing the policy and administrative issues they will confront professionally, and for gaining experience alongside existing practitioners in public policy and administration.
  • The graduate program's curricular design and scheduling of courses allow students to complete the program in four semesters if enrolled full-time. In addition, part-time students may complete the program after five or a six semesters of attendance. Classes are scheduled in the evening, and sometimes on Saturday, to accommodate the scheduling needs of students who are employed in the daytime, or who have other obligations that require non-traditional schedules.
  • As a reflection of the growing interest in collaborative processes to solve public concerns, and the need for mid-level administrators in the judicial system, the PPA Department also offers certificates in Collaborative Governance and Judicial Administration (through the College of Continuing Education).

Career Possibilities

Policy analyst and/or public administrator for state, federal, or local government; private firm or association; or not-for profit organization

Contact Information

Edward L. (Ted) Lascher, Jr., Department Chair
Suzi Byrd, Administrative Support Coordinator
Tahoe Hall 3038
(916) 278-6557
www.csus.edu/college/social-sciences-interdisciplinary-studies/public-policy-administration/

Faculty

CHANG, AHRUM

KUMAR, AMAL

WASSMER, ROBERT W.