SPEA

Degree awarded: Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.)

Academic Features:
The M.P.A. is a 48 credit hour degree program of the IU Northwest School of Public & Environmental Affairs. The program provides knowledge and experience that can be used by the professional in various roles within criminal justice administration. Degree requirements are as follows:

Public Affairs Core:

• V500 Quantitative Tools for Public Affairs or (Test)
• V502 Public Management
• V506 Statistical Analysis for Policy & management
• V517 Public Management Economics
• V540 Law and Public Affairs
• V560 Public Finance and Budgeting
• V600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs (Environmental Policy)

Criminal Justice ConcentrationRequired:

• J501 Evolution of Criminology Thought & Policy
• V509 Administrative Ethics in the Public Sector

One of the following:

• J502 Research Methods in Criminal Justice & Public Affairs
• V562 Public Program Evaluation
  
  • One of the following:
    • J682 Criminal Justice Planning & Management
    • J666 Criminal Justice Policy & Evaluation

Two from one of the following groups:

(Group A)

• J582 Criminal Justice Systems
• J587 Criminal Violation: Problems and Prospects
• J588 Law and Control in Society
• V550 Topics in Public Affairs ( C.J. Only)
• V580 Readings in Public Affairs ( C.J. Only)
• V585 Practicum in Public Affairs (C.J. Only)

(Group B) Management, Organizations, and Policy

• V504 Public Organization
• V512 Public Policy Process
• V539 Management Science for Public Affairs
• V561 Public Personnel Management
• V562 Public Program Evaluation
• V566 Executive Leadership
  Or, other courses approved by faculty advisor

And, Electives or Mid-Career Option credits to total 48 credit hours.

Faculty Features:
You will learn from an outstanding faculty with experience working in the fields of public affairs, including health services administration. The faculty is committed to preparing professionals who will make a difference.

Accreditation Held:
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)

A few frequently asked questions:
Does the program meet the needs of part-time students? Yes, the program and scheduling of courses are designed to meet the needs of part-time as well as full-time students. All required courses are offered in to evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs of in-service students. Will I have the opportunity to relate classroom instruction to real-world problems? Absolutely, the faculty has real-world professional experience, and that experience is recognized in the quality of classroom instruction. Also, the internships offered by the division are outstanding, with opportunities available for graduate-level internships in all areas of concentration.

Career Options:
A concentration in criminal justice prepares students for management positions in federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies. Students receive a balanced foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge, together with the technical skills necessary to succeed in criminal justice administration. The faculty is committed to helping students develop productive and rewarding careers. Faculty and staff cooperate to provide students with employment contacts. The division holds two career days each year, both of which are excellent opportunities to learn about careers in the public and nonprofit service. The outstanding, internship program and the network of SPEA alumni also contribute to the career development of students. With opportunities available for graduate-level internships in all area of concentration.

Academic Societies:
The division maintains chapters of Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society, and Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for schools of public affairs and administration.

Phone Numbers: Division 219-980-6695; fax: 219-980-6737