Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Policy (MPA)
Overview
The Masters of Public Affairs with a concentration in Public Policy provides students with the analytical skills and knowledge to tackle highly complex policymaking processes in convergence with multiple perspectives, sectors, and disciplines. Our program’s location on the US-Mexico border enables students of public policy to immerse themselves in the analysis of transboundary problems utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods which will help them better understand border issues such as migration, health, energy and the environment. The concentration provides a deeper understanding of decision-making processes, the role of knowledge, its organization and governance to facilitate and accelerate societal transitions and transformations. Students in this concentration will engage with inter and transdisciplinary viewpoints that will afford them a well-informed view of policy making and analysis at the local, regional, national and international levels.
Graduates will be skilled public managers with specific expertise in one of several policy areas.
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 6303 | Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PAFF 6305 | Political Leadership: Decision-Making and Management in Public Organizations | 3 |
| PAFF 6330 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PAFF 6331 | Qualitative Methods in Public Policy | 3 |
| PAFF 6337 | Public Policies in the Mexico-U.S. Border Region | 3 |
Prescribed Electives – 12 Hours
Choose five from the following:
Non-thesis Option
Capstone - 6 Hours
| PAFF 6364 | Masters of Public Affairs Capstone | 3 |
| Any PAFF course | |
Thesis Option
Thesis - 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36