Nov 08, 2024  
2024-25 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-25 Graduate Catalog

Public Affairs, MA


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Program code: PUBFAH-MA

The MA in Public Affairs program is designed for full-time and part-time students who are seeking or are currently engaged in professional careers as administrators, project directors, staff analysts, and supervisors in government and human service agency delivery systems, trade unions, and interest groups; teachers of the social studies; and those interested in international development and comparative administration or in becoming foreign service professionals.

Admission Criteria

The requirements for admission are (1) an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better; (2) undergraduate course work in political science, economics, and public or international affairs or equivalent professional experiences (in some cases, this may require specific remedial course work that will not count toward degree requirements); (3) for international students, a TOEFL score of 550 or better.

Program Requirements

The MA in Public Affairs requires 36 or 39 graduate credits, including a thesis or a practicum. Students develop a core competence in methodology and in public administration and also select one of six interdisciplinary field specializations.

I. Methodology Core (6-9 cr.)


Students must complete both of the following two courses:

* A student whose undergraduate transcript shows a “B” or better in a political science research methods course AND who passes a research methods exam administered by the Political Science Department may petition the Master of Arts in Public Affairs coordinator for exemption from PLSC 500 .

II. Public Administration Core (12 cr.)


Students must complete the following four courses:

*Students pursing the International Development Administration field specialization should substitute either PLSC 670 - Foreign Policy Studies   or PLSC 675 - International Political Economy  for PLSC 668 - Public Sector Financial Administration .

III. Field Specializations (15 cr.)


1. Local Government Management


2. Human Resources Management


3. Planning and Regional Development


4. Human Services Administration


A. Field Core (9 cr.)


B. Electives (6 cr.)


5. Criminal Justice Administration


6. International Development Administration


IV. Directed Research Requirement (3 cr.)


Students must complete one of the following:

*Only allowed for students who are already employed in a relevant field. Must be approved by Graduate Coordinator.

Total Program Credit Hours: 36-39 cr.


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