Public Affairs with a Concentration in Global Security Studies and Leadership (MPA)
Overview
The Global Security Studies and Leadership concentration prepares students for careers in intelligence, national security, critical infrasctructure security (food, energy, water), conflict resolution and other areas related to the global political economy. This program will broaden the skill sets of students through focus on advanced research, effective team communication and critical analysis. The concentration in GSSL will prepare students to work with people from different backgrounds, abilities, and knowledge bases.
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 |
Electives - 15 Hours
Choose five from the following:
| PAFF 6315 | Management of Governmental Information Systems | 3 |
| PAFF 6336 | Seminar in International and Development Policy | 3 |
| PAFF 6337 | Public Policies in the Mexico-U.S. Border Region | 3 |
| PAFF 6392 | Directed Research in Global Security Studies and Leadership | 3 |
| PAFF 6393 | Special Topics in Global Security Studies and Leadership | 3 |
| PAFF 6394 | Internship in Global Security Studies and Leadership | 3 |
| PAFF 6395 | Independent Study in Global Security Studies and Leadership | 3 |
Practicum - 3 Hours
| PAFF 7307 | Practicum in Global Security Studies and Leadership | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 36