BA + MPA Program (4+1)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) uses a social justice outlook to develop students to be transformative and ethical leaders in the public and non-profit sectors. Students are able to pursue their passion for public policy and social innovation, and prepare themselves to meet the increasing need for leaders in the public sector. In addition to the traditional core competencies, this program centers justice in all levels of government and nonprofit organizations. Undergraduate majors from SPIA and beyond at the University of Cincinnati have the opportunity to earn the MPA as a natural extension of their undergraduate work

The BA + MPA program (4+1) allows students who have room in their undergraduate schedule in their senior year to begin taking graduate classes at that time. We strongly recommend that students have only 15 hours left of the 120 needed for an undergraduate degree when they start their senior year. Students who are able to complete three to four graduate courses in their senior year should be able to complete their MPA degree in one additional year.

This program significantly reduces the cost of a graduate degree. When taking graduate courses in the senior year, students will be charged undergraduate tuition for a full-time course load. During the following +1 year, students will be charged graduate tuition for their coursework but will receive a tuition scholarship equal to 25% of graduate tuition for two semesters of full-time graduate study.

During the spring of their junior year, students apply directly to the MPA program through the graduate college admission system. Application requirements include a resume, 3 recommendation letters, undergraduate transcripts, and a personal statement answering several essay questions.

All UC undergraduate students (SPIA or any other major) must meet the same criteria as applicants to the program with a bachelor’s degree. Decision criteria for admissions include demonstrated familiarity with public service/administration topics and interests, demonstrated ability to write and communicate clearly, and evidence of alignment between applicant’s academic goals and the strengths and resources of our MPA program.

Students in the BA + MPA program must meet all the program requirements to earn the MPA degree including 38 credits of graduate work. See the program’s webpage for details.