Combined Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Public Administration

On this page:

• Why Choose Political Science and Public Administration?
• Careers
• Real-World Experience
• Success Stories
• Academics and Curriculum
• Admission

Why Choose Political Science and Public Administration?

Are you passionate about public service, and do you want to be a part of the political and governmental systems that help shape our societies? Are you looking for an advanced education option that lets you earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a single program? The combined B.A. in Political Science and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program is a time-and-money-saving option that can help you achieve your education goals more efficiently and at less cost.

The PS program will teach you about the nature of governments, including their structures, their powers and responsibilities, and how they influence and are influenced by their citizens. You will learn critical-thinking skills and other tools to analyze problems relevant to politics, geography, the public sector, and the nonprofit sector. Learn more on the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science page.

The MPA program can provide a pathway to a career in local government or the nonprofit sector. The program can help you develop the core values necessary for success in the field of public service. Learn more on the Master of Public Administration page.
 

Careers

This combination of degrees is perfect for leadership roles in government and administration:

• Government administration—township, city, county, state, federal
• Nonprofit organizations
• Education and research
• Law
• Politics and policy making
   

Academics and Curriculum

The combined B.A./M.P.A. degree program allows you to earn a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), with up to nine (9) semester credit hours of approved graduate courses at the 5000, 6000, or 7000 level to be double-counted and applied to both the B.A. and M.P.A. degree requirements.

View the Combined Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Public Administration program information, degree requirements, and graduation planning strategy in the Academic Catalog. 
 

Admission

To participate in the combined-degree program, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Senior standing for the semester you start the combined-degree program
• 3.2 or better cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work
• Undergraduate advisor’s approval, and
• A recommendation from the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) advisor

At the end of their junior year, students who wish to pursue a five-year combined B.A./M.P.A. degree should submit to the Graduate School an application for the combined degree program. Additionally, required documents include: (1) a Wright State transcript; (2) A program of study approved by both the Crime and Justice Studies undergraduate advisor and M.P.A. program director.