BA/BS Political Science + MPA (Master of Public Administration)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

This accelerated combined degree program allows students to complete two degrees in just five academic years.BA or BS in Political Science.Master of Public Administration (MPA).Students receive the same benefits of both curriculums and move seamlessly from the undergraduate program to graduate studies. You will save time and money, as well as jump-start your career. Students majoring in political science at SIUE take courses broadly concerned with the study of government and politics, organized into seven fields:American government and politics: Examine the institutions and behaviors of the U.S. political system, including federal, state, and local structures campaigns elections political organizations and issues of public policy.Comparative politics: Learn about and compare the political cultures, economies, parties and institutions within other countries.International relations: Study the relationships among nations and relationships with international bodies, such as the United Nations.Political theory: Examine the attempts of important thinkers to define the functions of the state and the rights and obligations of citizens, and study efforts to develop comprehensive theories of politics through analysis and the evaluation of political behavior.Public administration: Explore bureaucracies, leadership and the ways in which public business is conducted.Public law: Examine the nature of the judicial process and the role of the courts in interpreting and applying the Constitution of the United States.Political analysis: Analyze and explore research design, concepts and methodology. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree designed to prepare students for management careers in the public and nonprofit sectors.SIUE’s nationally accredited MPA program serves two types of students:Pre-service students who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to use the master’s degree to gain entry into a professional career track.In-service students who have worked for several years in the public or nonprofit sector, but wish to pursue graduate education to enhance or upgrade their skills and knowledge.

College of Arts and Sciences