This degree-completion program is ideal if you possess 60 transferable units and wish to earn your bachelor’s degree. Whatever your ambition, this program can prepare you for an enriching career in public service.
Watch what our student say about this program.
Known for job security and great benefits, the public sector is an excellent option for ambitious professionals who desire a career of purpose.
Our alumni occupy some of the field’s top positions, from Chief Executive Officer to Chief of Police. Nationwide, more than 3,000 graduates of CSUN’s public sector programs work in the industry – and that number is growing every year.
Companies they work for:
To create this program, we worked closely with city and county agencies to identify the most useful and professionally attractive skills for the sector. In each course, faculty use real-world experience to introduce concepts and methods you can apply immediately.
At CSUN, we don’t fill courses. We build them, entirely from scratch, each and every time we launch a program. This leads to a unique education, with real and lasting outcomes in your career.
Our world-class faculty design and teach all courses, helping you gain today’s most in-demand skills – and bringing the industry directly to you.
When you enroll, we place you in a small, interactive group of peers from diverse organizations and industries. And from day one to graduation, you’ll learn and grow together.
As you earn your education, we’ll stay with you every step of the way, offering close, personal support when and where you need it.
Taught by faculty from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication, the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, in addition to well-seasoned public sector professionals, CSUN’s PSM program has been recognized with an “Outstanding Program Award” from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), a national organization that promotes excellence in higher education.
In the program, you'll work on real-world scenarios that prepare you for a variety of possibilities in the sector. You’ll also engage in practical exercises and learn tools for ethical and competent financial management. And through cases studies and exposure to topical business scenarios, you’ll learn to use academic models to solve everyday issues.
This 60-unit program typically takes 2.5 years to complete.
Answer: Credit-bearing programs conform to Carnegie hours (i.e., one credit equals one hour of class time, plus two hours of homework). Our programs usually have six to nine credits per term. Nine credits equals 27 hours a week dedicated to classes.
Answer: Ninety percent of students work in the public sector or want to enter the public sector. Examples:
Many employees are working professionals who completed their degree for various reasons, such as needing the degree to qualify for a promotion, receive a merit increase or for personal reasons.
Answer: We do not require high school transcripts unless students took AP classes. If they did, those transcripts would need to come directly from the College Board.
Answer: No. CSUN is one of the few CSU's that does not offer a second bachelor's degree. We recommend the Master of Public Administration if you already have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in additional education in the field of Public Sector Management.
Answer: Yes, there are weekly virtual sessions one night per week where students connect with the professor and one another.
For additional questions and answers, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
CSUN’s PSM program has been recognized with an “Outstanding Program Award.”— niversity Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)
“Working 40+ hours a week it was difficult to attend college full-time. This program made it much easier and provided me with all the tools to graduate in a timely manner.”— Kathryn English
Chief Business Official
Pleasant Valley School District
Each year, CSUN’s online programs receive national recognition for their innovative curriculum, instruction and methods.
“Great program! The professors care about your education and help you achieve your goals. CSUN offers programs for working adults recognizing the need of students.” — Donna Kumar
Parent-Student Lead Coordinator
Ingenium Schools
Workers with a bachelor's degree on average earn well over $1 million more than high school graduates during their working lives. — Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Current Issues in Economics and Finance
“Convenience, cost and curriculum. Completing the Public Sector Management program motivated me to pursue my MPA with CSUN. This has been the best thing I could have done for myself.” — Mayra Gonzalez
Assignment Technician
Los Angeles Unified School District
