With concentrations in Planning and Regional Development, Human Services Administration, Human Resources Management, Local Government Management, International Development Administration, and Criminal Justice Administration, the MAPA program requires 36 or 39 graduate credits, including a thesis or an internship.
Students develop a core competence in methodology and in public administration, and also select one of six interdisciplinary field specializations.
The MAPA Program consists of the following courses:
Public Affairs 36-39 credits
1. Methodology Core, 6-9 credits*
Students must complete both of the following two courses:
- PLSC 500 Research Methods in Political Science* (3 credits)
- PLSC 674 Analytical Techniques (3 credits)
Plus one additional course from the following:
- CRIM 605 Research Methods (3 credits)
- GEOG 612 Quantitative Techniques in Geography and Regional Planning (3 credits)
- GSR 615 Elements of Research (3 credits)
- SOC 761 Microcomputing Applications in Sociology (3 credits)
*A student whose undergraduate transcript shows "B" or better performance in a Research Methods in Political Science course may petition the MAPA program for exemption from PLSC 500.
2. Public Administration Core, 12 credits
Students must complete the following four courses:
- PLSC 570 Introduction to Public Administration (3 credits)
- PLSC 666 Public Policy Analysis (3 credits)
- PLSC 668 Public Sector Financial Administration (3 credits)
- PLSC 671 Seminar in Public Administration (3 credits)
3. Field Specializations, 15 credits
Students must select one of the following field specializations:
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Human Resources Management
- Human Services Administration
- International Development Administration
- Local Government Management
- Planning and Regional Development
4. Directed Research Requirement, 3 credits
Students must complete one of the following:
- PLSC 795 Thesis
- PLSC 699 Independent Study
- PLSC 698 Internship
Please refer to the MA in Public Affairs Program Handbook for more information on requirements and other facets of the program.