Public Affairs with a Concentration in Global Security Studies and Leadership (MPA)
Overview
The Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Global Security and Leadership is designed to respond to the increasing need for developing highly adaptable leadership capabilities, knowledge, and skills to understand and address the rapidly developing multi-layered, transboundary, “beyond wicked” challenges of the global security environment. The concentration prepares students for careers in a variety of fields in both public and private sectors, including law enforcement, government, international organizations, NGOs, such as: intelligence, policing, national security, critical infrastructure security (food, energy, water), cyber-security, conflict resolution, and peace operations. In addition to the core curriculum, the program will also offer a range of elective courses, that touch on subjects like crisis management, intelligence analysis, management of Governmental Information Systems, border region public policies (with a focus on the Mexico-US Border Region), sustainability, regional and international development policy, and will also include, but will not be limited to, special topics such as terrorism/counterterrorism, cyber-security, conflict resolution, peacekeeping operations, global health security, and digital government. Students will be able to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals and to engage in experiential learning opportunities, by participating to internships in Global Security Studies and Leadership, gaining access to study abroad programs, conducting independent study and research projects in the field, or developing a capstone project that applies their knowledge and skills to a real-world global security challenge. The graduates of the Global Security and Leadership concentration have the potential to make a positive impact within and beyond their communities, to lead and manage complex global security related policy initiatives through enhanced skills and knowledge, and to work effectively in diverse and cross-cultural environments.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in public affairs, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below. Please provide:
- Three names of individuals who may be contacted for personal or professional recommendation.
- Personal Statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree indicating references to previous employment and experience.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 18 Hours
| PAFF 6302 | Scope and Methods | 3 |
| PAFF 6305 | Political Leadership: Decision-Making and Management in Public Organizations | 3 |
| PAFF 6330 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PAFF 6334 | Current Issues in Public Policy/Global Security | 3 |
| PAFF 6380 | Global Security | 3 |
| PAFF 6381 | Homeland Security in the U.S. | 3 |
Prescribed Electives – 12 Hours
Non-thesis Option
Capstone Requirement - 6 Hours
| PAFF 6364 | Masters of Public Affairs Capstone | 3 |
| Or | |
| PAFF 7307 | Practicum in Global Security Studies and Leadership | 3 |
| And | |
| Any PAFF course | |
Thesis Option
Thesis - 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36