B.A./B.S. in Political Science / MPA in Public Administration

The B.A./B.S. in Political Science and MPA in Public Administration accelerated degree program presents students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree, reducing time spent in the classroom. With careful academic planning, this program can be completed in 10 semesters (5 years), one year less than those pursuing their degrees independently.

What is Public Administration?

Public administration is a field for those invested in serving their community, advancing the common good, and effecting positive change through administrative service. Professionals in the field operate in all levels of government (local, state, federal), non-profit organizations, public interest groups, and international organization - to mention a few.

Admission Requirements

The application process is the same as for any graduate program, except that completion of the bachelor's degree is not required. The following requirements must be met before a student can be admitted to the program:

• Currently seeking either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Political Science
• Completion of at least 75 credit hours towards the bachelor's degree in political science
• At least a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate and political science GPA

Unsure whether you meet these requirements?

Talk with your academic advisor!

Financial Assistance

The Department of Political Science offers two types of financial assistance to support students in the accelerated degree programs: graduate assistantships and graduate scholarships/fellowships.

Learn more about scholarship & assistantship offerings

How to Apply

Students interested in applying for the program must complete the following:

• Complete the Graduate School's online application for the Accelerated (or Concurrent) B.A./B.S. in Political Science and Master of Public Administration program
• Pay the application fee ($65 for domestic students)
• Prepare a "Statement of Objectives" (or Personal Statement) indicating goals relative to the MPA
• Obtain three letters of recommendation, at least two coming from K-State faculty
• Upload transcript(s) from all previous institution(s) attended

Degree Requirements

The program requires 160 credit hours, 40 of which must be graduate hours. The bachelor's degree may be awarded at any time upon completion of undergraduate degree requirements, or simultaneously with the Master of Public Administration degree.

Note: A maximum of 9 credit hours from the graduate degree can also be counted towards the undergraduate degree, reducing the total number of required credit hours to 151.

View degree requirements

If a student enters the program but chooses not to finish the master's degree, completed graduate credit hours will be changed to reflect undergraduate credit. The student will receive a bachelor's degree once all other requirements are met.

Careers & Internships

A degree in Public Administration prepares students for a wide variety of careers, from working with government agencies to international organizations. While completing their degree, our program provides students with the skills and experience necessary to be successful in the competitive career market, through professional internships.

Learn more about career and internship opportunities

Advising

Once admitted into the accelerated degree program, students will initially be assigned to the Director of Public Administration for advising, before being transferred to one of our graduate academic advisors (Dr. Bernick, Dr. Heidbreder, or Dr. Zhang). Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor in order to plan course work, to map out the Area of Specialization, and to make career plans.