Public Affairs with a Concentration in Public Policy (MPA)
Overview
The Public Policy concentration has a dual-purpose mission: to understand the pursuit of courses of action through the policy process, its historical trends, behaviors and theories, as well as to conduct research into pressing policy issues and then to share the findings with leaders and citizens in an effort to find viable solutions.
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 6301 | Graduate Seminar in Public Administration | 3 |
| PAFF 6302 | Scope and Methods | 3 |
| PAFF 6303 | Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PAFF 6304 | Public Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| PAFF 6305 | Political Leadership: Decision-Making and Management in Public Organizations | 3 |
| PAFF 6306 | Public Sector Human Resources | 3 |
Non-thesis Option
Electives – 12 Hours
Choose four from the following:
Capstone Requirement – 6 Hours
| PAFF 7306 | Public Policy Capstone: Professional Report | 3 |
| Additional Public Policy Elective | 3 |
Thesis Option
Electives – 12 Hours
Choose four from the following:
Thesis - 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36