School of Public Service

B.S./M.P.A in Public Administration – Accelerated Program

The Department offers an Accelerated Program in Public Administration for qualified students who wish to combine the B.S. program with the graduate M.P.A. in Public Administration. The accelerated program allows the student to obtain both degrees in much less time than is normally required. For example, it is possible for an entering freshman studying on a full-time basis to earn a B.S. and an M.P.A. in Public Administration within five years. In the student’s senior year, he or she will complete 12 graduate credits in required courses. Upon successful completion of the 129 undergraduate credits required for baccalaureate graduation, the student will not receive the B.S., but will be awarded 12 credits of advanced standing in the M.P.A. Public Administration Program. The student will then be required to complete 36 credits in the graduate program, rather than the standard 48 credits required. After completing the 36 credits and meeting all the graduation requirements, the student will be awarded both the B.S. and M.P.A. degrees. If, for any reason the student, after completing the 129 undergraduate credits, forgoes the M.P.A. degree, then he or she will be entitled to the B.S. in Public Administration. Undergraduate financial assistance does not apply to the graduate portion of this program.

Accelerated Program Admission Criteria

Freshmen
High school cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Transfers
Completion of 60-64 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. If a student does not possess the necessary 3.0 average, the admission committee may employ other criteria to ensure qualification; e.g., S.A.T. scores, letters of recommendation, samples of prior work, etc.

The five-year program will reflect the standard Public Administration Plan of Study for the first three years, with the appropriate changes in the last two years of study. Consult with the academic advisor to complete an appropriate Plan of Study.

Typical Program in Accelerated Public Administration

Freshman Year	Credits
English 1, 2	6
Science Core	8
History/Philosophy	6
HPA 13	3
POL 2, 82	6
Free Elective	3
College 101	1
Oral Competency 01	0
Library Competency 01	0
	33

Sophomore Year	Credits
Economics 11, 12	6
Philosophy 13	3
HPA 18	3
Fine Art	3
POL 480	3
Free Electives	12
	30

Junior Year	Credits
HPA 19	3
Social Sciences	6
POL 83, 84	6
Language/Literature	6
Free Electives	9
Math Core	3
	33

Senior Year	Credits
PAD 602, 603	6
MPA 503, 506	6
HPA 32	6
Fine Art	3
Free Electives	12
	33

Balance of 36 credits to be completed in the fifth year.