The combined program allows you to finish your B.A. in political science and simultaneously work on a master's in public administration. You take graduate courses during your senior year which count toward both the B.A. and the M.P.A.

The Advantages
You can be admitted to graduate school during your junior year, without taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You can complete a master's degree more quickly. The combined program should allow you to finish the master's degree in about one-and-a-half years after completing the bachelor's degree.

Why a Master's in Public Administration?
A master's in public administration will help you develop a wide range of job possibilities. Long-term prospects for jobs in federal, state, and local governments and non-profit organizations remain strong. Here's what some of our graduates are doing:

Budget Examiner, Executive Office of the President Evaluator, U.S. General Accounting Office Project Director, Nutrition Consortium of New York State Environmental Associate, Environmental Planning Lobby

The University's program in public administration has a national reputation. It provides excellent training in public administration in various specialized fields. Concentrations include Public Management, Public Finance, Human Resources Management, Health Administration, Comparative Development and Administration, Policy Analysis, Information Resources Management, and Legislative Administration.

Further, students in our program get practical job experience by serving in an internship in a state agency, legislative office, public interest group, or non-profit organization.

Program Requirements
Requires for the combined program are straightforward. First, you must meet all the regular requires for the B.A. in political science. These include sub-field requirements, the minimum liberal arts and sciences graduation credit requirement, the residency requirement, the general education requirements, and a 400-level course that requires a major research or writing project. Second, you can take up to 12 graduate credits during your senior year which can be applied to the 36 credits needed for the B.A. in political science as well as the 12 courses required for the M.P.A. Finally, you must meet the requirements for the M.P.A. These include taking core courses and serving an internship.

Combined Program Admission
The best time to apply is during your junior year. You can apply after you have completed 56 credit hours.

Admission Requirements

• Of the 36 credits needed for a B.A. in political science, at least 18 must be taken in the Department of Political Science at the State University of New York at Albany.
• You must have a 3.2 grade point average.
• You should submit three letters of recommendation from your undergraduate instructors.