MS IN SOCIAL POLICYMaster of Public Administration

The Master of Science in Social Policy/Master of Public Administration (MSSP/MPA) program prepares students to assume positions of leadership in public, nonprofit, and private organizations that develop, influence, or implement policy. The MSSP and MPA degrees complement one another in content and approach, and the dual degree enhances the breadth and depth of policy and practical experience students explore during their studies. Through the MPA program, students gain significant practical experience in leadership and administration of public sector organization; through the MSSP program, students gain robust knowledge of social policy with a focus on equity. This combination gives graduates a competitive advantage in careers focused on policy and the social sector, locally and nationally.

To receive both degrees, students must complete the independent degree requirements of each program. MPA will accept two (2) prefix-MSSP courses toward the MPA, and MSSP will accept two (2) prefix-GAFL courses toward the MSSP, to bring the student to the minimum 15 CUs required for the MSSP/MPA dual degree program. This standard format reduces the typical CUs needed to complete the MSSP degree and MPA degree from 19 CUs to 15 CUs.

FOR THE MPA

Students must complete a minimum of nine (9) course units (CUs), including seven (7) core course and two (2) elective course. Students in the dual degree program may count MSSP 6290: Research & Evaluation in place of MPA core course GAFL 6400: Program Evaluation and Data Analysis, and one (1) other graduate level MSSP course as an MPA elective, reducing the requirements to seven (7) CUs. Students are required to complete an internship for the MPA. The MPA internship may be fulfilled by the MSSP policy internship if it is determined to be appropriate by Fels faculty directors and program director. However, these students are not eligible for internship funding from Fels.

FOR THE MSSP

Students must complete a minimum of ten (10) course units (CUs), including seven (7) core course and three (3) elective courses; one of the three electives must be an MSSP theory elective. Students in the dual degree program may count GAFL 6110: Statistics for Public Policy in place of core course MSSP 6300: Quantitative Reasoning, and GAFL 6210: Public Economics in place of core course MSSP 6680: Economics for Social Policy. Students must also complete a policy internship.