Political Science/ Public Administration Accelerated Baccalaureate/ Master’s

Overview

NCCU will offer a Pathway B.A./MPA Program in political science and public administration.  Currently the Department of Political Science offers a concentration in Civic Engagement and Public Policy.  Students in this concentration can complete their political science requirements by the end of their third year, and begin their two-year Masters in Public Administration during their fourth year at NCCU.

This combined B.A./MPA program seeks to prepare students for leadership and management roles in the public sector.  Course credit hours earned in the fourth year of study in the MPA program will transfer into the students B.A. degree, so that a political science major will complete their undergraduate degree at the normal graduation date; then they will only need one more year to complete their MPA.  This Pathway program allows a student to obtain a B.A. and an MPA in five years rather than the typical six years.

Students interested in this joint program need to apply to this program at the beginning of their junior year.  Results from the GRE will be expected following completion of the B.A. degree.  A recommendation by the chairperson of the Political Science Department is required for admission to the MPA program.  Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better to enter the MPA program.  Students that do not meet this requirement can appeal directly to the Public Administration Department.

A suggested five year plan is provided below that demonstrates how a student could earn degrees in political science and public administration.  Students accepted into the MPA program will not need to complete PADG 5050 American Government since it is required in their undergraduate program in political science.

For further information about this Pathway program, contact Dr. Allan Cooper, chairperson of the political science department, or Dr. Emmanuel Oritsejafor, chairperson of the Public Administration Department.