The Accelerated BSPA to MIA program is an opportunity for talented, globally-focused students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA) and Master of International Affairs (MIA) degrees in five years. Students who have applied and been accepted into the program begin taking MIA courses their senior year and can count them toward their BSPA and MIA degrees.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs major prepares students to analyze problems and effectively solve issues with the principal goal of enhancing all aspects of public life. It prepares students to tackle social justice issues and uplift our communities both domestically and internationally. The emphasis is on establishing a strong foundation of skills focusing on policy, advocacy, and analysis/critical thinking.

The Master of International Affairs prepares students to find global solutions to global challenges, whether they pursue careers in government, international institutions, non-governmental organizations or the private sector. A multidisciplinary curriculum develops essential, policy-relevant skills in writing and quantitative analysis, while developing expertise in one of four areas of international affairs: Global Security, International Nongovernmental Organizations, Western Hemisphere Affairs, and Trade Policy and Global Economic Governance. Working with a faculty adviser, students can also develop a Special Concentration, a rigorous program tailored to their career ambitions.

Admissions and Enrollment Process

BSPA students with a 3.0 GPA can apply when they’ve completed 60 credits (usually spring of their junior year) and the following pre-requisites:

PAF 1250 Citizenship and Public Affairs or POL 1101 American Politics
ENG 2150 Writing II
MTH 1023 or MTH 1030 or placement higher than 1030
MTH 2140 or 2160 or 2001 or 2003 or 2009 or 2206 or 2207 or 2600 or 2610 or BIO 2100 or PSY 2100 or STA 2000

Marxe School advisors will provide accepted students with a curriculum map for completing both degrees. Accepted students can begin taking MIA courses once they have been accepted to the MIA degree (usually their senior year).

Accelerated BSPA to MIA Curriculum

The accelerated BSPA to MIA curriculum requires 141 credits total and includes all 45 credits of the MIA degree. Graduate courses fulfill some undergraduate requirements, including 12 credits of BSPA core courses and 12 credits of BSPA electives.

*The pre-req for PAF 9271 is PAF 9270. Students can only be waived from 9270 if they take PAF 3401 and PAF 3015 and they complete a required assignment demonstrating they have the Excel skills required to enroll in PAF 9271. Discuss this decision with your advisor.