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 public management and 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 Organizations
• V539 Management Science for Public Affairs
• V561 Public Personnel Management
• V566 Executive Leadership

Three of the following:

• V507 Data Analysis and Modeling for Public Affairs
• V508 Administrative Ethics in the Public Sector
• V512 Public Policy Process
• V562 Public Program Evaluation
• V563 The Planning Process
• V639 Managing Government Operations
• V595 Managerial Decision Making
  Or, other courses approved by faculty advisor

And, Electives or Mid-Career Option Credits to total 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 human 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 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 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 human services administration prepares students for management positions in federal, state, local, and nonprofit human services agencies. Students learn to apply management processes and to work with consumer groups and elected and administrative officials. Attention is also given to procedures used by human services departments, interagency administrative units, and multi-service centers, and to the work of specialized agencies such as welfare departments, vocational rehabilitation centers, and employment and training services. The faculty is committed to helping students develop productive and rewarding careers. Faculty and staff cooperate to provide students with employment contracts. 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

Student Contact: Richard Hug, Associate Professor