MPA Dual Degree Programs
A Master of Public Administration is a graduate degree that can prepare students to analyze, develop and administer policy in a range of disciplines. This article discusses a range of graduate programs that allow students to earn an MPA degree while simultaneously earning a second degree in a complementary topic. Schools offering Public Administration degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Dual Master of Public Administration Programs
Dual Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Health
In this 2-3 year combined program students split their studies between administration and policy and public health classes. Students can come from a variety of academic backgrounds (there is no specific bachelor's degree prerequisite), but will likely need to submit GRE test scores, letters of recommendation and a CV or resume. Students take core courses from public health graduate programs like epidemiology, healthcare policy, public health management and leadership and biostatistics. They also take the core courses of a public administration graduate program like economics, policy analysis, and systems dynamics. Graduates can prepare with the knowledge and leadership expertise to undertake management roles in the healthcare system.
Dual Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Medicine (MD)
In this 4-5 year program students earn a master's degree in public administration while completing medical school. Public administration classes benefit medical students because they help doctors better understand the policy side of quality healthcare delivery as well as the social aspects of wellness. To apply, students must take the MCAT test and complete all other requirements for medical school admission. Programs might begin with 2-3 years of medical school classes and then include a year 'break' to address the courses for the public administration degree. On the other hand, some programs may intermingle the courses during each year. Graduates can be prepared to undertake leadership roles in healthcare policy and management.
Dual Master of Public Administration and Master of Social Work
This 2-3 year program prepares graduates to work in politics, government service or nonprofit social services. Students take classes like social welfare policy, social work assessment and diagnosis, and human behavior in the social environment to become licensed social workers. At they same time, they also take public administration courses like policy development, public financial management, and public budgeting that can help them rise to become leaders and policy inventors within the context of social work practice. Most students complete a public service internship or capstone project to complete their degree with hands-on experience or research.
Dual Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctorate (JD)
In this 4 year program, students earn an MPA while completing the regular course track for law school. To apply, students must qualify for their university's law school, which means they will need a GPA of 3.0 or higher, letters of recommendation, and LSAT test scores. They also might need to submit a personal essay explaining how a Master of Public Affairs degree will benefit them in their law school studies. Students can take public administration classes that count as law school electives and thus finish both degrees in less time. Because graduates are familiar with law and public affairs, they could be well equipped to pursue law careers in government and nonprofit contexts.
Dual Master of Public Administration and Master of International Relations
In this 2 year joint program, students learn what it takes to apply public administration at an international level. Students take two sets of classes to develop their research, analysis and policy making skills while also becoming familiar with complex global issues. Potential classes include global history, public policy, economics of international development, quantitative and qualitative analysis, regional and comparative politics, and financial management for public, nonprofit and health organizations. To apply students need a bachelor's degree in any discipline, letters of recommendation, and (in some cases) GRE test scores. Students with an expertise in this complementary blend of material can go on to consult for global business firms, devise global facing policy for government organizations or manage international NGOs and nonprofits.
| Degree Program | Program Length | Program Requirements | Related Careers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual MPA and Master of Public Health | 2-3 years | Bachelor's degree | Policy Advisor; Healthcare Administrator |
| Dual MPA and MD | 4-5 years | Bachelor's Degree; MCAT scores | Medical Doctor; Medical Affairs Manager |
| Dual MPA and Master of Social Work | 2-3 years | Bachelor's degree | Clinical Services Director; Social Worker |
| Dual MPA and JD | 4 years | Bachelor's degree; LSAT scores | Lawyer; Policy Advisor |
| Dual MPA and Master of International Relations | 2 years | Bachelor's degree | Nonprofit manager; International Business Consultant |
A master's degree in public administration can help students become experts in the policy affecting the second field of study they choose to pursue. These dual degree programs span from 2 to 5 years and allow students working towards advanced degrees to complement their studies with a master's in public administration.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
- 2. More Articles
- MPA - MBA Dual Degree
- One-Year MPA Programs Online
- Accelerated MPA Programs
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