The Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Joint Degree Programs are interdisciplinary education and career development opportunities that prepare students for professional careers in highly sought after public service-related fields, including law, mental health counseling, criminal justice and political science.  MPA Joint Degree Programs integrate the theory and practice of public management with specific academic and professional skills underpinning prominent allied career disciplines.  These curriculum options emphasize communication, management, leadership, and community outreach skills, along with public policy analysis, implementation and assessment practices.

JD/MPA

The JD/MPA combines two traditionally allied fields of study and practice.  Individuals holding this joint degree may contribut to the formation, clarification, and implementation of both law and public policy.  Professional career opportunities include legal counselors in all levels of government, elected and appointed law and policy-makers, as well as labor-management and alternative disput negotiators.

MPA/MS in Mental Health Counseling

The MPA/MS MHC links the discipline of public management with the practice and delivery of mental health services via private, public and nonprofit organizations.  Individuals holding this joint degree are poised to assume upper level practitioner, managerial and leadership positions in mental health, human service and community service organizations across all sectors.

MPA/MS in Criminal Justice

The MPA/MS CJ combines critical contemporary public safety skills and policies with effective communication and the leadership of complex organizations.  Public safety professionals seeking advancement to top ranking positions in policing, the court, correcions or homeland security will benefit from the integration of theory and practice offered by this joint degree program.

MPA/MS in Political Science

The MPA/MSPS also combines traditionally allied fields of study, research and practice, i.e. systems, ideas, models and processes associated with government, politics, public policy and public administration at all levels.  With this degree, individuals with career goals in government, public policy, lobbying or politics are well prepared and positioned to advance to challenging leadership positions and beyond.

Program Comparison

To see a comparison of the benefits and career opportunities for all the joint degree programs, please click here for a comparison chart.