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 health services 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)

Concentration Required:

• V504 Public Organization
• V543 Health Services Management
• V545 The U.S. Health Care System
• V546 Health Services Utilization

And, three (3) of the following:

• H514 Health Economics
• H515 Health Policy Process
• H601 Hospital Organization and Management
• H604 Ambulatory Care and Managed Care Programs
• V507 Data Analysis and Modeling for Public Affairs
• V550 Ethics in Health Administration
• V550 Marketing Health and Human Services
• V550 Long Term Care Organization and Management
  Or, other courses approved by faculty advisor

And, Electives or Mid-Career Option credits for a total of 48 credit hours.

Program Special Features:
The program is an interdisciplinary professional program drawing on diverse faculty talents and resources. Under the Mid-Career Option Program, a limited amount of credit may be awarded toward the degree for previous experience in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Students may also participate in a public affairs internship through the division's Public and Nonprofit Service Internship Program. The division is part of the Indiana University system School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA). SPEA is a professional school operating programs on six Indiana University campuses. SPEA is the largest school of public affairs in the country.

Faculty Features:
You will learn from an outstanding faculty with experience working in the fields of public affairs, including criminal justice 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 is designed to meet the needs of part-time as well as full-time students. All required courses are offered in the evenings or on 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 he 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 health services administration provides a balanced foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge, together with the technical skills necessary to succeed in health administration, health policy, and health planning in public, private, and nonprofit agencies. 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.

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