This program enables qualified students to earn, in a continuous plan of approximately five years of study, both a bachelor's degree with a major in any related discipline and the Master of Public Administration.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the combined BA/MPA program requires junior standing, a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale), a completed application form (available from the Department of Public Administration and Policy), a written faculty recommendation, an essay on the student's interests and abilities in public administration, and an interview with the Department of Public Administration & Policy Chair or a Department Academic Advisor.

Acceptance and participation in the combined BA/MPA program does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the graduate program. Students must apply for admission to the graduate program through the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than the last undergraduate semester.

Course Requirements

All requirements for a bachelor's degree with a major in any related discipline

All requirements for the Master of Public Administration

Up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate level courses may be applied to the requirements of both degrees. Recommended preparatory courses include American politics (especially courses dealing with formulation and implementation of public policy), economics, statistics, computer science, accounting, writing and other communication skills. Students admitted to the program may take courses in leadership, public policy topics, statistics, and public administration in the policy process.