public affairs students in class

Public Affairs or Political Science/M.P.A.

Advance your public service career before you even start with our combined bachelor's and M.P.A. degree program.

If you're majoring in Political Science or Public Affairs, you can earn an M.P.A. in just one extra year with UND's combined degree program. Learn to understand, and act upon, the policy and management issues confronting governments and non-profit organizations while getting a degree from one of the nation's top-ranked online policy programs, and the only one in North Dakota.

Program type:
Combined (Major and Master's)
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
148 (114, B.A./B.S.P.A.; 34, M.P.A.)

Is a combined degree in political science or public affairs right for you?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 17
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1


Students seeking the combined degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies after completing 60 credits.

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1
Summer:
March 15* | May 1

*Priority deadline

Combining an undergraduate degree in Political Science or Public Affairs with UND's Master's in Public Administration (M.P.A.) gives you the opportunity to focus your interests on health care, social entrepreneurship or another area that excites you.

The Political Science or Public Affairs undergraduate programs are offered on campus. Qualified students can apply for entry to the master's program after completing 90 credits. You may be able to complete the requirements for both degrees in about 5 years.

Courses needed to complete the M.P.A. are offered both on campus and online. Even if you choose to participate online, you'll enjoy the same attention from faculty and in-class interaction you're used to receiving while here.

How Combined Programs Work

If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student, apply to UND and your program. As a current student, connect with your advisor to make sure you stay on track for the combined or accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your undergraduate and graduate degree at the same time.

Accredited Degree in Public Affairs or Political Science

UND's combined degree is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) - the gold standard in public affairs education.

Program Highlights

  • Network and build skills outside the classroom in the Pi Sigma Alpha honor society and Public Affairs Club. Graduate students can participate in Pi Alpha Alpha, the national public administration honor society, or UND's MPA Student Organization.

  • Earn hands-on experience through internships: Students have worked in city, county and state government, non-profit groups, NGOs and more.

  • Complete applied research alongside UND faculty members.

Careers in Public Affairs

56K

Typical entry-level salary for a UND M.P.A. grad

Top Management Degrees

91%

Number of M.P.A. grads either employed or pursuing further education within 6 months of graduation

UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration 

Employers recognize that candidates with an M.P.A. understand the leadership and policy challenges facing governments and non-profit organizations and how to achieve greater efficiency. You'll find career options in fields such as:

  • City and county administration
  • Hospital administration
  • Human resources
  • Management consulting
  • Nonprofit management

When You Earn a degree in Public Affairs or Political Science

A Public Affairs or Political Science degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Event Planning
  • Legal Research
  • Policy Analysis
  • Public Policies

UND Public Affairs and Political Science Alumni

Public Affairs and Political Science alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Wells Fargo & Company
  • United States Department of the Army
  • Booth Group
  • Ford Motor Company

Courses You Could Take

POLS 500. Research Methods. 3 Credits.

A statistics course or consent of instructor. This course will first focus on various approaches to analyzing political phenomena with the goal of developing students' ability to think analytically and to distinguish between empirical and normative analysis. The course will then introduce techniques of empirical research including research design, measurement, data gathering, and data analysis. Prerequisite: A statistics course or consent of instructor.

POLS 533. Administrative Ethics in the Public Sector. 3 Credits.

This course examines the challenges faced by public administrators in establishing personal standards of conduct in the administrative environment. Issues such as moral versus political accountability, social justice and whistle blowing are among the topics that will be explored in this course.

POLS 538. Public Budgeting and Financial Administration. 3 Credits.

This course will encompass the normative and descriptive budgetary questions in public administration. Orthodox, prevailing, and alternative budget theories are presented in generalized and applied settings.

POLS 561. Creation and Management of Social Enterprises. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises, including nonprofit. The course covers methods and techniques of social entrepreneurship, including organizational strategy, design, management, strategic planning, and leadership for social enterprises; legal foundations of social enterprises in the U.S.; and methods of social enterprise program evaluation. F, odd years.

POLS 593. Problems in Political Science and Public Administration. 1-3 Credits.

Prior approval of instructor required before enrollment. Students study special topics under the direction and supervision of a member of the staff. Prerequisite: Prior approval of instructor required before enrollment. Repeatable to 6 credits.

Leader in Action

Kyle Thorson credits his experience and education at UND with building the skills necessary to lead in the community.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Brian Gutierrez
Graduate Admissions Officer & Advisor
P 701.777.4824
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