The combined program allows you to finish your B.A. in Public Policy 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 and Development 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
Requirements for the combined program are straightforward. First, you must meet all the regular requirements for the B.A. in Public Policy. These include the Public Policy specialization, the minimum liberal arts and sciences graduation credit requirement, the residency requirement and the general education requirements.

Second, you can take up to three graduate courses during your senior year which can be applied to the credits needed for the B.A. in Public Policy, as well as the 11 courses and two Professional Applications Modules required for the M.P.A.

Third, you must meet the requirements for the M.P.A. 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:

You must have a 3.2 grade point average.
You should submit three letters of recommendation from your undergraduate instructors.