Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Policy and Civic Innovation (MPA)
Overview
The Masters of Public Affairs with a concentration in Public Policy and Civic Innovation 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:
1. Three names of individuals who may be contacted for personal or professional recommendation.
2. 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
Students in the MPA Public Affairs with a concentration in Public Administration and Nonprofit Leadership will complete 36 hours for the degree. The program includes a thesis and non-thesis option.
Required Courses
Core Courses - 15 hours
| PAFF 6301 | Introduction to Public Administration |
| PAFF 6314 | Formulation of Public Policy |
| PAFF 6380 | Introduction to Global Security and Intelligence |
| POLS 6370 | Research Methods and Applied Statistics |
| PAFF 6364 | Masters of Public Affairs Capstone |
Concentration Courses
Concentration Core - 9 hours
| PAFF 6303 | Program Evaluation and Performance Management |
| PAFF 6330 | Public Policy Analysis |
| PAFF 6337 | Public Policies in the Mexico-U.S. Border Region |
Prescribed Electives
Students will choose six hours of prescribed electives list below.
Choose two - 6 hours
Non-thesis Option
Choose two additional prescribed electives – 6 hours
Thesis Option
Thesis Courses - 6 hours
Total Credit Hours: 36