The Accelerated BSPA to MPA program is an opportunity for talented and motivated students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees in five years. Students who have applied and been accepted into the program begin taking MPA courses their senior year and can count them toward their BSPA and MPA 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 Public Administration graduate degree prepares students to excel in public policy, public management, and nonprofit management careers. Students develop and sharpen skills in budgeting, communication, economic analysis, fundraising, leadership and management, program evaluation, and research methods. Students gain knowledge of U.S. government and public policies in areas such as immigration, the environment, housing, economic development, health care, and foreign affairs.

BSPA Learning Goals:

1. Articulate how public policy is formulated, implemented, and evaluated.

2. Write documents that articulate purpose, utilize evidence, and demonstrate an understanding of audience.

3. Produce oral presentations that articulate purpose, utilize evidence, and demonstrate an understanding of audience.

4. Analyze data and draw valid conclusions based on the findings.

5. Apply research findings to public policy questions of decision-making situations.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of pertinent values, such as diversity, integrity, ethical conduct, and professionalism; and articulate how they can impact public policy and decision-making situations.

 
MPA Learning Goals:

1. Use management and leadership theories to analyze the design, operation, and governance of public and nonprofit organizations.

2. Develop recommendations, based on multiple analytical frames, to improve the management of public and nonprofit organizations and achieve the organizational mission.

3. Engage in the steps of the policy process including identifying a problem and making a proposal.

4. Identify alternative policy options; assess their potential feasibility and effectiveness; describe how the policy options are expected to affect outcomes (mechanisms).

5. Use social science methods to analyze, evaluate, and draw valid conclusions from data to apply to public policy questions, and/or decision-making situations, and/or issues of public concern.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the public interest in an assignment.

7. Exhibit an awareness of strengths and weaknesses in verbal and written communication and articulate a plan to maximize communication effectiveness.

Admissions and Enrollment Process

BSPA students with a 3.0 GPA can apply when they’ve completed 70 credits (usually spring of their junior year) and the following pre-requisites:

• PAF 1250 Introduction to Public Affairs or POL 1101 American Politics

• ENG 2150 Writing II

• MTH 2140 or MTH 2003 or MTH 2009

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

 For more information on the Accelerated BSPA to MPA program please contact mspia.admissions@baruch.cuny.edu.

Accelerated BSPA to MPA Curriculum

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

 Accelerated BSPA to MPA Curriculum (141 Credits):

 (includes all 45 credits of the MPA degree)