Masters Degrees in Public Policy, USA

See the department website - http://www.rit.edu/cla/publicpolicy

This innovative master of science degree in science, technology, and public policy enables students to work at the intersection of engineering, science, and public policy. The program builds on RIT’s strengths as a technological university, enabling students to interact with faculty members and researchers who are working on scientific developments and technological innovations that drive new public policy considerations.

The program is interdisciplinary and draws significantly from disciplines and courses of study in RIT’s colleges of Applied Science and Technology, Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and Science. The program is geared toward producing graduates who will make significant contributions in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

All students take a set of policy core courses that emphasize analysis, problem solving, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students work with an adviser to choose electives that focus their policy studies in a particular area, such as environmental policy, climate change policy, healthcare policy, STEM education policy, telecommunications policy, or energy policy. Typical students include those with science or engineering backgrounds seeking to broaden their career opportunities in government or business settings, as well as those with liberal arts undergraduate degrees (e.g., economics) interested in science, technology, and policy issues. Full-time students can typically finish the program in one to two years. The program prides itself on working one-on-one with students to ensure that their educational needs and academic goals are attained.

Plan of study

The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and consists of five required core courses, three elective courses, and the completion of a thesis or comprehensive exam. The thesis option allows students to work with a faculty adviser on an independent research project in their area of interest.

- Electives

Students choose three elective courses based on their interests and career goals. Courses may be offered in various colleges throughout the university, including the colleges of Applied Science and Technology, Business, Engineering, and Science. Course selection is completed jointly with a faculty adviser and typically aims to develop a specialized area of interest for the student (e.g., biotechnology policy, environmental policy, energy policy, communications policy, etc.).

International Students

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL). Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based) or 88 (Internet-based) are required.

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A Message to Prospective Students

This is an exciting time to pursue a public service career and the demand for motivated, knowledgeable and skilled professionals continues to grow. If you have a passion for public service and a desire to improve your community through professional service in the public or non-profit sector, we invite you to look more closely at what the Department of Public Administration at Binghamton University has to offer. We offer a variety of academic program options, all centered around our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program which is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

The focus of the MPA program at Binghamton University is to prepare people to handle the growing challenges facing local governments and nonprofit organizations in communities near and far. The department brings together the energy and expertise of faculty and staff who have active research agendas, strong records of community service and growing national and international reputations. Our diverse student body includes recent graduates of some of the top undergraduate institutions in the United States, representatives from a variety of other countries, as well as practicing public administrators with many years of professional experience.

The MPA

The MPA Program is a 42 credit hour program, comprised of:
- a core of seven courses (25 credits) where students are introduced to the knowledge and skills they need for professional public service
- a three-course (9 credits) specialization or set of electives
- two courses (3 credits) to practice application of learning
- a culminating experience consisting of two courses (5 credits) to demonstrate competencies.

It typically takes full-time students 2 years to complete our MPA Program.

COURSES

Core Courses
1. PAFF 510 - Research Design & Methods (4 credits)
2. PAFF 521 - Foundations of Public Service (4 credits)
3. PAFF 520 - 21st Century Governance (4 credits)
4. PAFF 527 - Budgeting & Financial Management (4 credits)
5. Evidence-Based Decision Making (4 credits): Students can fulfill this requirement with one of several courses including Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Survey Research, and Performance Analysis.
6. Managing People in Organizations (3 credits): Students can fulfill this requirement with one of several courses including Human Resource Management, Organization Theory, Organization Behavior, and Managing Networks.
7. PAFF 526 - Managing Information and Technology (2 credits)

SPECIALIZATION OR ELECTIVES
(3 courses = 9 credits)

Three specializations are available within the Department of Public Administration:
Nonprofit Management & Leadership
Local Government Management & Leadership
Sustainable Communities

The Department also has relations with the School of Nursing for students interested in Health Policy Administration, and with the Department of Geography for students interested in Environmental Policy. Dual degree students complete specialization/elective courses in the discipline of their other degree. Additionally, students are offered the opportunity to choose elective courses suited to their specialized academic interests from various other graduate academic departments.

APPLICATION OF LEARNING
PAFF 594 - Internship (2 credits)
PAFF 591 - Problem Definition (1 credit)
CULMINATING EXPERIENCES/DEMONSTRATION OF COMPETENCIES
PAFF 595 - Capstone Project (3 credits)
PAFF 590 - Praxis through Cases (2 credits)

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Resume or curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

- The GRE is not required.
If GRE scores are submitted, the admissions committee evaluates them by averaging the applicant's quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing scores.

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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Our MA in Urban and Public Affairs program trains students in public policy, urban studies, and grassroots organizing, examining ways policy and community engagement can effect positive change.

Our program combines graduate seminars in urban studies, politics, sociology, and public policy with hands-on experience in community-based research, policy design, policy analysis, advocacy and implementation. Graduates are uniquely equipped to formulate policy and initiatives for more equitable and vibrant urban areas, inspired through thoughtful engagement with the theory and practice of social justice.

Internship - gain hands-on experience in the field and build a network of professional contacts
Career Opportunities - supported by academic and field mentorship, and leadership development
Distinguished Faculty - comprised of both leading academics and accomplished professionals and practitioners in the field

San Francisco Advantage

Our program is uniquely situated at the center of San Francisco Bay Area politics. The Bay Area is well known nationally for pioneering policy measures on environmental issues, gay rights, housing policy, and many other urgent social justice concerns. Students engage in the vibrant living classroom of the region, developing practical research and policy development

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Develop workable solutions for the common good while working toward an exciting career in public management.

Navigate the intersection of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Translate theory into practice and begin implementing policy that supports your community.

Our MPA program prioritizes hands-on experience that prepares you to address the public interest through the collection and analysis of evidence essential for implementing public service strategies.

A flexible class schedule helps working professionals balance their busy lives, while small class sizes promote one-on-one attention and deeper relationship building.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

- Typical program length is 21 months with 38 credits
- Classes offered on Saturday
- Preferred but not required - two years of professional work experience, including internships
- Wide range of scholarship and financial aid options. View our Tuition, Scholarship & Financial Aid page.
- Classes begin each fall at USF’s Downtown San Francisco campus. Also offered in a 100% online format.
- Accredited by NASPAA, the foremost membership organization of graduate programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs, and public & nonprofit management in the US and around the world.
- Ranked among the Best Public Affairs Programs by the U.S. News & World Report.

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As the world's cities continue to grow, USF's dual JD/MA in Urban and Public Affairs Program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be an effective lawyer and leader in 21st century urban and public policy challenges.

With a Master of Arts in Urban and Public Affairs from the USF College of Arts and Sciences and a Juris Doctor from the USF School of Law, graduates are uniquely prepared to be effective and ethical leaders in urban and public policy and community organizing. This four-year program is designed to prepare law school graduates with the knowledge and hands-on experience of applied urban research and community engagement and organizing. A comprehensive background in urban history, political dynamics, and sociology is combined with tools for community-based research, policy design, policy analysis, and implementation.

The dual degree program leverages the advantages of USF’s location in one of the most dynamic urban environments in the United States. It provides students with the opportunity to build their legal and research careers through immersion experiences in San Francisco and other Bay Area cities.

The dual degree program provides a cost and time savings of more than a year. Students may begin their course of study in either program.

Curriculum

To receive the JD/MUPA dual degrees, students must earn at least 84 law units (including 42 units in required core law courses) plus 36 MUPA units. MUPA units equal 9 units in required MUPA core courses plus 15 units in elective MUPA courses (including 3 units of law externship or legal clinic and 3 units of law upper level research and writing) plus 12 units from approved law school electives).

Please see the website for further details:

https://www.usfca.edu/law/jd/mupa

San Francisco Advantage

Our program is uniquely situated at the center of San Francisco Bay Area politics. The Bay Area is well known nationally for pioneering policy measures on environmental issues, gay rights, housing policy, and many other urgent social justice concerns. Students engage in the vibrant living classroom of the region, developing practical research and policy development skills.

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The Department of Public Policy and Administration offers the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). The M.P.A. is a professional degree with areas of concentration in general public administration, human resource management, and nonprofit administration. In addition, graduate certificates, which can be coupled with the M.P.A., are offered in healthcare administration, sport management and athletics, and urban and regional planning.

The degree is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to enhance the field of public service through positions both inside and outside government in the nonprofit and even private sector, e.g., as consultants to governmental organizations or as governmental service providers. The M.P.A. curriculum provides students with a foundation in the practice of public administration. Beyond that, students earning the degree will possess a high level of competency in administrative processes for the public and nonprofit sectors.

The curriculum is designed for individuals with professional work experience who want to enhance their administrative and public management skills, as well as pre-service students who do not have professional experience. Students who lack work experience will incorporate a relevant internship or other job experiences into their programs.

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The MPA + MS Nursing Dual-Degree Program prepares students for nursing administrator positions in hospitals, health care facilities and community health agencies. Nurses who advance to administrative positions often find themselves struggling with their new responsibilities related to budgetary, human resources, organizational, policy and management matters. The dual-degree program is designed to ensure that students not only advance their professional nursing credentials, but also develop knowledge and skills for effective management. The dual-degree program is targeted specifically to students in the Community Health Nursing program who have selected the Nurse Administrator role.

By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings, and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, students are often able to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study without compromising the professional standards of either program.

Successful completion of the dual-degree programs results in two degrees: a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing.

The MPA-MS Nursing Dual Degree Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) housed in the College of Community and Public Affairs and Master of Science in Nursing (MS Nursing) housed in the Decker School of Nursing offer a dual MPA-MS Nursing degree program to provide students at Binghamton University with a unique opportunity. By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, the MPA-MS Nursing dual degree program allows students to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study, without compromising the professional standards of either program. The 42-credit hour MPA program and the 48-credit hour MS Nursing program can be completed as part of a 68-credit hour program (rather than 90 credit hours required to complete the two programs without the benefit of the dual degree structure).
The MPA-MS Nursing Dual Degree Program prepares students for nursing administrator positions in hospitals, health care facilities and community health agencies. Nurses who advance to administrative positions often find themselves struggling with their new responsibilities related to budgetary, human resources, organizational, policy and management matters. The dual-degree program is designed to ensure that students not only advance their professional nursing credentials, but also develop knowledge and skills for effective management. The dual-degree program takes advantage of the complementary foci of the two degree programs. Both programs have a clear commitment to preparing students to help their communities through advanced professional knowledge and skills. Accordingly, the dual degree emphasizes community health and professional management to prepare nurses to be effective administrators. The dual degree is targeted specifically to students in the Community Health Nursing program who have selected the Nurse Administrator role.
Students must apply and be admitted to both the MPA program and the MS Nursing program. These are separate applications and each requires an application fee to the Graduate School. Students who begin one program and then apply to the other program later will need to meet with the appropriate advisors for both programs to develop a customized program of study; completion within three years may not be possible for students who do not begin the programs in the same semester.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Official GRE scores. GMAT scores may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

Applicants must also meet the following program-specific requirements:

MPA:
- Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

MS Nursing:
- Undergraduate degree in nursing from a program which is accredited by a nursing accreditation organization
- Previous (successful completion of a) course in descriptive statistics
- A license to practice as a registered professional nurse
- Passing completion of the NCLEX examination (must be completed prior to the start of clinical courses)
- One year of full-time employment as a registered nurse is strongly encouraged (Candidates without one year of previous full-time employment may wish to consider enrolling in a part-time program while they acquire the needed work experience)

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The department offers programs leading to the master of arts (M.A.) and master of public administration (M.P.A.) degrees.

Master of Public Administration

Admission Requirements

The M.P.A. is a professional degree program designed primarily for those who plan a career in federal, state, or local government. Applicants for admission to the M.P.A. program must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination general test. Scores from the Miller Analogies Test may be submitted as supplementary information, but not as a substitute for the GRE. Additional information is in the “Academic Policies” section of this catalog.

Degree Requirements

Plans I and II. M.P.A. students may follow either Plan I, requiring 30 hours of coursework, a written comprehensive examination, a thesis, and an oral examination in defense of the thesis; or Plan II, requiring 36 hours of coursework and a written comprehensive examination. Students following Plan II may receive up to 6 hours of credit for an internship, and students following Plan I may receive up to 3 hours.

Course requirements. M.P.A. students must complete at least three of the following four courses: PSC 565Survey of Public Administration, PSC 662 Organization Theory, PSC 667 Public Budgeting, and PSC 562 Public Personnel Administration. Including the preceding, at least 18 hours must be taken from the courses listed under “Public Policy and Administration.” Student must also complete PSC 522 Quantitative Methods in Political Science I.

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The MPA + MSW Dual-Degree Program prepares students for administrative positions in social service agencies. It also helps social workers gain the management and administrative skills needed for roles as supervisors, administrators and agency heads. Similarly, public administration practitioners recognize the need for specialized knowledge and skills to respond to an environment of increasing policy and organizational complexity within social welfare agencies. The program is designed to ensure students acquire both the management and social work skills necessary to excel in these environments.

By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings, and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, students are often able to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study without compromising the professional standards of either program.

Successful completion of the dual-degree programs results in two degrees: a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and Master's in Social Work (MSW).

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

Applicants must also meet the following program-specific requirements:
MPA:
- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

- The GRE is not required. If GRE scores are submitted, the admissions committee evaluates them by averaging the applicant's quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing scores.

MSW:
- Minimum of 24 credit hours (undergraduate) in the liberal arts and sciences, with a minimum of 15 credit hours in the social sciences (anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology)

- Paid or volunteer experience related to human services

- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your potential for graduate study, such as those with whom you have worked in an academic, professional, volunteer or work-related capacity
* The MSW program has a special letter of recommendation form that must be used to evaluate MSW applicants. Use the Letter of Recommendation for MSW form. Please download and save the form to the computer first, before beginning to fill out the form. Then, open the file from the computer and enter text. Please do not use the version that opens in the web browser.
* If you are a college student or a recent graduate, one letter must be from a college instructor.
* If you are or have recently been employed, one letter must be from an employment supervisor.

- Personal statement (6-8 pages)
Follow the guidelines in the Personal Statement for MSW document.

- Resume or curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
Include paid or volunteer experience related to human services.

- A signed copy of the Social Work Contract
* By signing the above document, you agree, if admitted to the program, to abide by the professional standards of social work as set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.
* Review the Code of Ethics before signing the contract.

- A signed copy of the Certification of Information

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Issues concerning the ethical, legal, and social implications of advances in biotechnology and biomedicine are increasingly arising both in the United States and abroad. From stem cell research to healthcare reform, these topics involve critical dilemmas at the intersections of law, society, culture, public policy, philosophy, religion, economics, and history.

Scientists, healthcare providers, and policy-makers confront how to approach these complex questions, yet scientific and technological advances have far outpaced our ability to understand or make key decisions about these issues.

The Master of Science in Bioethics, part of Columbia University’s Programs in Bioethics, which also include an Online Certification of Professional Achievement and Online Noncredit Courses, grounds students in historical, philosophical, legal, and social-scientific approaches and models to address bioethical challenges. The program prepares students to work in various capacities within this new and ever-growing field, and includes a concentration in global bioethics – the first of its kind in the United States.

Students study with faculty from across the University, drawing on the extraordinary resources of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and Columbia’s Department of Psychiatry. Through elective coursework on campus, students may study with faculty from the schools of Law, Journalism, Nursing, International and Public Affairs, and Arts and Sciences.

Choose Options Online and On Campus

The program may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis, and students have the option of enrolling on Columbia’s campus in New York or online.

Online, students use a highly collaborative and interactive social learning platform to connect with their instructors and fellow students. All online courses have weekly live web classroom meetings with their professors to enable dynamic interaction around course content. Additionally, students participate in discussion groups, collaborative and independent coursework, interactive forums, and prerecorded videos.

Our programs are designed for maximum flexibility, and students enrolled on campus or online have access to rigorous coursework, world-class instruction by Columbia faculty, career and professional development, and personal feedback on written assignments.

Depending on your interest and schedule, on-campus students may also take courses online. International students on a student visa who were planning to do so may only enroll in one online class each semester.

Switching between on-campus and online is possible. If you enroll in the online format, you can switch to the on-campus format after your first semester with administrative approval.

Note: International students who are interested in switching from online to on campus should consult with us about visa and other requirements as soon as possible in their decision making process. They will also need to consult with ISSO for detailed information related to visa requirements and CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) eligibility.

Funding and Financial Resources

We want to make sure that the cost of your continuing education and professional studies do not stand in the way of your goals.
Most students at the School of Professional Studies use a combination of savings, scholarships, loans, outside grants, sponsors, or employer tuition benefits to cover the cost of attendance. However you choose to finance your education, consider it an investment in your future, and know that we, in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Planning, are here to help and advise you along the way.

For more information on available funding please visit the website: http://sps.columbia.edu/applied-analytics/master-of-science-in-applied-analytics/tuition-and-financing/financial-resources

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Binghamton University offers an innovative master’s program in Sustainable Communities. This program reflects vital community needs for collaborative policies, processes and relationships. The lively curriculum spans several disciplines, including geography, public administration and environmental studies. Students can pursue a natural science/ecological perspective or a social/policy-based track. All students receive both theoretical and practical training focused on improving quality of life by integrating economic, social, and ecological issues and strategies.

Binghamton University prides itself on producing research that has practical impacts on the local community. Faculty and students in this program are encouraged to work in tangent on research projects that integrate theories and methods to address real-world problems. Students are also encouraged to collaborate with faculty across the University to support the development of interdisciplinary and methodologically rigorous research on multifaceted issues. The city of Binghamton’s location in upstate New York provides a unique research perspective for students interested in studying both urban and rural communities. Students can also take advantage of the University’s close ties with community leaders and local businesses to supplement their field studies and gain experience working with diverse groups of citizens.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university which you attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Professional writing sample or essay of 500-800 words on a relevant topic
- GRE scores are not required but are welcomed

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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The certificate in nonprofit administration is designed for those who desire to enhance their management and supervisory skills within the context of a nonprofit organization.

To earn the certificate, students must complete the following with a minimum grade of “B” in each course.

Degree students also may apply for the certificate after completing the administration core requirements with a minimum grade of “B” for each course. Arrangements and requirements are to be confirmed in writing.

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The MPA + MS Student Affairs Administration Dual-Degree Program prepares students for administrative positions in college and university settings.

To be an effective leader in student affairs, professionals must first be knowledgeable of how students grow and develop during the college years and how institutions can be intentional in facilitating the growth process. Leaders in higher education need to employ proven managerial strategies in order to be successful and must pay careful attention to the management of human resources, finances, information technology, and physical infrastructure. In addition to this, leaders should know how to adjust their administrative style if problems are encountered and be able to ground both successes and shortcomings in administrative theory.

By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings, and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, students are often able to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study without compromising the professional standards of either program.

Successful completion of the dual-degree programs results in two degrees: a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration.

The MPA-MSAA Dual Degree Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration (MSAA) programs both are housed within the College of Community and Public Affairs and are considered professional terminal degrees. By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, the MPA-MSAA dual degree program allows students to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study, without compromising the professional standards of either program. The 42-credit hour MPA program and the 45-credit hour MS in Student Affairs Administration program can be completed as part of a 66-credit hour program (rather than 87 credit hours required to complete the two programs without the benefit of the dual degree structure).
The MPA-MSAA dual degree will prepare students for administrative positions in college and university settings. The MSAA program provides specialized training for students desiring to work in student affairs offices, while the MPA provides the knowledge and skills necessary for management. To be an effective leader in student affairs, professionals must first be knowledgeable of how students grow and develop during the college years and how institutions can be intentional in facilitating the growth process. This requires the study of organizational and student development theory as well as gaining hands-on experience in at least one student services office. Leaders in higher education also need to employ proven managerial strategies in order to be successful and must pay careful attention to the management of human resources, finances, information technology, and physical infrastructure. In addition to this, leaders should know how to adjust their administrative style if problems are encountered and be able to ground both successes and shortcomings in administrative theory.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
- Letters of recommendation (see details below)
- Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Official GRE scores. GMAT scores can be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

You must also meet the following program-specific requirements:
MPA:
- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

MS:
- Personal statements should specifically address the applicant's interest in the program, career goals, and current skills and experiences relative to their current or intended career in student affairs

- Three letters of recommendation, which should come from instructors or professors who can attest to the applicant's academic ability for graduate study
Applicants who have been out of college for at least three (3) years may submit current letters of reference from employment supervisors or others affiliated with their employment who can attest to their ability to perform successfully and professionally and to the likelihood of success in a graduate program

- A signed copy of the Student Affairs Administration Contract
*By signing the above document, you agree, if admitted to the program, to abide by the professional standards of student affairs administration as set forth by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards that govern our profession.
*Review the Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards before signing the contract.

- A signed copy of the Student Affairs Administration Certification of Information

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The Bard CEP curriculum integrates the core disciplines of science, policy, law, and economics into a consistent and comprehensive first year of graduate course work. Through close collaboration with faculty and an innovative program of study, students learn to think across disciplines to understand the complexities of today’s environmental problems and challenges. Courses delve simultaneously into curricular themes to provide students with a deep understanding of the issues from multiple perspectives and at the same time highlight linkages and divisions across disciplines. This holistic approach to learning illuminates integral connections between the social world and the physical sciences, and encourages students to incorporate various perspectives and ideologies into their work.

Program Structure

The first-year courses link natural ecosystems and their functioning to the impact of socioeconomic activities, and to the political, institutional, and legislative responses that address environmental problems. Courses emphasize analytical frameworks and basic principles through examples and case studies. Joint class sessions, field trips, guest lectures, and conferences expose students to the critical issues and contemporary practices of environmental policy. The curricula’s structure provides the context for the courses and enables students to examine in an integrated, comprehensive, and realistic manner one particular environmental area at a time.

Environmental policy professionals must be able to communicate their knowledge clearly and effectively through the spoken and written word as well as with images, data, and figures. The courses emphasize various modes of communication and persuasion through writing exercises as well as group presentations. Regional and international implications of “local” environmental problems are explored. Special emphasis is given to the problem of translating scientific knowledge into workable policies. Students learn how scientific knowledge applies to environmental issues and explore the difficulty of policy making under conditions of risk, scientific uncertainty, and incomplete information. Courses in economics, law, and policy provide a basis for exploring how society has responded to changing environmental conditions. The policy tools that are used to address these conditions, including laws, regulations, market-based instruments, and voluntary agreements, are shaped by a variety of political, cultural, and ethical forces. Students analyze how these factors come together to influence the policy-making process. They also analyze how the tools can be applied locally, regionally, and globally to influence behavior, achieve or go beyond compliance, and manage change for preservation of natural resources and environmental protection.

You can find more details about the individual courses here: http://www.bard.edu/cep/program/ms-environmental/

Funding and Scholarships

Bard CEP offers financial assistance in the form of fellowships, project assistantships, campus employment, and student loans. Financial aid is awarded each year on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, and available funding. Awards are made without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, color, age, marital status, religion, ethnic or national origin, or handicapping conditions. Financial aid awards are not automatically renewed. Students wishing to reapply for fellowships and loans should submit their materials according to the deadlines for returning students below.

You can find more information about all the funding and support available here: http://www.bard.edu/cep/admission/financialaid/

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Specialize in criminal justice administration, planning and regional development, human services administration, human resources management, local government management, or international development administration.

THIS PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM IS ORIENTED TOWARD PRACTITIONERS

We assume that you seek a degree that would facilitate entrance into, or promotion within, the public or private sector. It is also viewed primarily as a terminal degree. After completion, graduates possess the needed background and skills to assume positions as public administrators at local, state, national, and international levels.

Your IUP interdisciplinary graduate degree in public affairs will differentiate you as a critical thinker and skilled analyst of political trends and management techniques. The broad base of knowledge that you acquire will give you an advantage as you seek employment in government, education, business, or interest groups.

MA IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS

-Schedule evening classes to accommodate your work schedule.
-Develop a core competence in methodology, and then choose from among six interdisciplinary specializations to further focus your career aspirations: Criminal justice administration; Planning and regional development; Human services administration; Human resources management; Local government management; International development administration
-Earn academic credit while working with a mentor in the workforce who will help you develop a meaningful internship within your field.

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