Graduate Programs
Degree Programs
Master Public Affairs-M.A. in Philanthropic Studies
The combined Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management and Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies enables a student to take a sequence of courses leading to the receipt of both degrees. This joint degree program focuses on the history, culture, and values of philanthropy as well as the managerial frameworks of public service and quasi-governmental institutions.
Application and Admission: To participate in the joint degree program, students must apply and be accepted into both the Master of Public Affairs program and the Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies program. Most students will apply for admission to both programs simultaneously. However, if admitted to one program first, the student should submit an application for admission to the other program before completing 24 credit hours toward the first program.
Academic Standing: Grade point averages for the programs are computed separately. To continue in the program, the student must meet the academic standards in each school. A student failing in one school but meeting academic standards in the other school may complete work for the degree in the school in which the student is able to meet the standards. Such completion must be upon the same conditions as required of regular (noncombination) degree candidates. Students are eligible for honors in each school based on the criteria of each school.
Program Advisors: Students enrolled in the combined programs are assigned co-advisors, one from each school. The co-advisors are responsible for reviewing each semester's progress to assure attainment of educational objectives. The co-advisors also help students resolve scheduling problems that might develop as a result of the combined program.
Program Requirements (60 credit hours)
Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.) Requirements
Students are required to complete 36 credit hours of SPEA courses and to satisfy all requirements for the joint degree.
Core Requirements (21 credit hours)
- SPEA-V 506 Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 517 Public Management Economics (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 525 Public Management (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 526 Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 540 Law and Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 598 Governing and Leading in a Global Society (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs (3 cr.)
Required Nonprofit Management Courses (6 credit hours)
- SPEA-V 521 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.) OR
PHST-P 521 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.) - SPEA-V 522 Human Resource Management in Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
Nonprofit Application Courses (9 credit hours)
Three of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 544 Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 550 Topics in Public Affairs: Leadership and Board Development (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 557 Proposal Development and Grant Administration (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 558 Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 559 Principles and Practices of Social Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 602 Strategic Management of Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- PHST-P 535 Law of Nonprofit Organizations
Or other appropriate course approved by faculty advisor
Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies (M.A.) Requirements
Students are required to complete 24 credit hours in philanthropic degree courses and satisfy all requirements for the Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree.