Office: Wiekamp Hall 2189

Telephone: (574) 520-4520

The mission of the Master of Public Affairs program is to prepare students to lead and manage community organizations.

Specific Competencies and Goals:

           - in organizational management; by developing an appreciation for and an ability to use theoretical knowledge about management and public policy;

           - in governance; by developing expertise in policy and management, developing an awareness of the economic and legal constraints within which leaders

             and managers operate, and developing the ability to understand and adapt to the ethical, social, economic, and political context of public policy;

           - in strategic action and analysis; by developing the ability to use quantitative skills and developing problem solving and critical thinking skills;

           - in coping with globalization and it ramifications; by developing an appreciation for the changing scope of governance and the impact of global action on public

             institutions from the local to the international;

           - in professionalization; by developing an ethical consciousness and improving communication skills.

                                                                                                                                                                   Program Regulations

Completion of Degree

Students will be required to complete the degree requirements of all course work within 10 years of acceptance to the Program. The student's advisor will determine which course(s) may be used as substitute(s) for the original course requirement(s). Courses will expire in 10 years so if students take longer than 10 years to complete all course requirements then they will have to retake or replace those courses. Therefore, it is in the student's best interest to complete all degree requirements within 10 years of entering the Program.

Course Registration 

Students cannot get online to register for classes unless permission has been granted by a faculty advisor AND an authorization has been made by the Student Services Coordinator.This process assists in ensuring that students are aware of degree requirements and degree progress which further assists in developing a degree plan for completion of requirements. After the student has met with his/her advisor and been granted permission to enroll in a course, a request for for authorization will be made by the faculty advisor to the Student Services Coordinator. Please allow approximately 48 hours for this process to be completed before going online to register.

Grades  

Students are required to receive a C or above in all graduate courses. If a student receives a grade lower than a C, the student must repeat the course. The student must also  maintain a B (3.0) or above grade point average. If the student's cumulative GPA is lower than a 3.0, that student will be placed on academic probation. If the student is on academic probation, the student must achieve at least a B in all courses the following semester. If the student does not receive a B (3.0) or above GPA the following semester, the student will be suspended from the Program for a one year period. The student is required to submit a letter to the Graduate Director explaining what changes we can anticipate in their academic performance in the future The Graduate Admission Committee will review the letter and respond, in writing, regarding the decision of the Committee.

Academic Integrity  

Students are responsible for reading and understanding the definitions of plagiarism in the Code of Student Conduct. Penalties for plagiarism are severe and immediate.

                                                                                                                                                                   Application Procedures

Before the Admissions Committee can consider an applicant for admission into the graduate program, the applicant must provide the following credentials:

1. Complete the  Online Application

2. Personal Statement  ( there is room for a 700 word statement at the end of the online application). In the statement you need to address your academic and career goals and why you are interested in an M.P.A. degree or certification.

3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended, send to:

     Dr. Linda Chen

     Graduate Director, MPA

     1700 W. Mishawaka Ave.

     P.O. Box 7111

     South Bend, IN 46634-7111

4. Three letters of recommendation (can be electronically filed at the end of the on-line application) The individual that you choose should be familiar with your academic background and your potential for graduate studies. 

5. A non-refundable Application Fee of $45 ($55 for International Students). 

6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If your undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) you must take the Graduate Record Examination. You are responsible for taking the examination and having the results sent to:

     Office of Graduate Admission

     Administration Building Room 246

     1700 W. Mishawaka Ave.

     P.O. Box 7111

     South Bend, IN 46634-7111

The GRE results must be sent in time to meet the deadline for application review. You must have taken the test within the past 3 years. You are required to receive a score of at least 900 for the verbal and quantitative sections combined. (www.ets.org/gre).

7. Deadlines;  Application materials will be reviewed by the SPEA Graduate Admission Committee. In order to review your materials and communicate the committee's decision to you in time for registration, you need to submit your materials based on the following established deadlines.

       For Fall semester admittance  -  May 1st

       For Spring semester admittance - October 1st

       For Summer semester admittance - February 1st

8. Committee Decisions;  A letter will be sent to the address on your application within two weeks of the above dates. The possible decisions of the committee are as follows:

       Admit  -  no other materials, tests, or prerequisite classes are required

      Conditional Admit - acceptance into the M.P.A. Program based on a variety of conditions which may include prerequisite course work, grade requirement in a certain number

      of beginning level graduate courses, submission of additional information.

      Rejection with explanation - not admitted to the M.P.A. Program. On rare occasions the committee may decide to reject an application but recommend certain deficiencies

      be rectified before the application will be reviewed in the future.

9. Tuition / Fees/ Financial Aid; Tuition and fees are assessed based on the course(s) taken and the student's residency status. For more information please contact the

Bursar's Office at 574-520-4253 (www.iusb.edu/`bursarsb) and for financial aid please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 574-520-4357 (finaid@iusb.edu)

10. Housing; Indiana University South Bend is primarily a commuter campus. At this time, there are no residence halls. Those who are accepted and enroll in a program of study

and live outside of commuting distances will need to secure housing on their own. Students new to the area can consult IUSB's housing website for more information at

www.iusb.edu/`sbhousing.

11. Students seeking to enroll in classes to complete the requirements for a certificate in the M.P.A. program must complete all parts of the application process.

                                                                                                                                                                Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.)

The Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.) program is an interdisciplinary, professional program that prepares students for positions in local, state, or federal government, quasi-governmental service, or the non-profit (including philanthropic) arena. It broadens student's comprehension of the economic, environmental, political, and social context in which the public servant works. The course of study requires completion of (1) the M.P.A. Core; (2) the concentration requirement; (3) the experimental requirement; and the (4) sufficient electives and/or mid career option credit to total 48 credit hours. The curriculum of this program as contained in the core requirements encompasses preparation in a broad range of skills relevant to the operation of public agencies. It is based on the academic disciplines but not limited to any one. It is also problem-oriented, bringing the disciplines to bear on critical social, environmental, economic, and administrative issues. The M.P.A,. Program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Degree Requirements; (48 hours)  Before enrolling in the M.P.A. program, students must show proficiency in the foundation areas of computing, economics, government, mathematics, and statistics to facilitate mastery of core course material. Graduate credit is not given for work done to satisfy these undergraduate requirements. The core requirements of the M.P.A. degree consist of 18 credit hours of work in six courses. Each student must also complete the requirements of (at least) one concentration. The experimental requirements ensures that eachgraduate of the M.P.A. program has gained insight into the world of public service by way of an experience outside the classroom. This experience may or may not involve the accumulation of credit hours toward the degree. The remaining credit hours necessary for graduation, if any, are general electives that can be used to add breadth to a student's program; to further explore a field of concentration; or to enhance skills in foreign languages, quantitative tools, and administrative techniques.

 Core Requirements; (24 credit hours) The M.P.A. core is designed to ensure that each student acquires both prerequisite analytical skills and an understanding of policy issues  and governmental processes that compose the environment within which graduates will pursue their careers.

           Required Courses

          SPEA-V 502 Public Management (3cr)

          SPEA-V 506 Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making (3cr) (Must be taken before V680)

          SPEA-V 517 Public Management Economics (3cr)  OR  SPEA-H 514 Health Care Economics (3cr)

          SPEA-V 540 Law and Public Affairs (3cr)  OR  SPEA-H 516 Health Care Law (3cr)

          SPEA-V 560 Public Finance and Budgeting (3cr)

          SPEA-V 561 Public Human Resources Management (3cr)  OR  SPEA-V 522 Human Resources Management in Non-Profit Organizations (3cr)

          SPEA-V 680 Research Design and Methods in Public Affairs (3cr)

          SPEA-V 600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs (3cr) (Other core courses must be completed and the student must have completed a minimum of 30 credits)

Also, students are urged to include SPEA-V 680 Research Design and Methods in Public Affairs (3cr) in their plans.

Concentration Requirements; (12 credit hours) Concentrations give students educational experiences in a substantive area of interest. The course of study in each concentration area determine in conjunction with an advisor. Up to 3 credit hours of the concentration may be taken in SPEA-V 585 Practicum in Public Affairs, if approved in advance by an advisor. Concentration requirements may be waived on the same basis as core requirements. Consult with an advisor about course prerequisites.

Electives; (12 credit Hours) * When completed, note the semester and year of completion. Record the class number and title.

                                                                                                                                                           Fields of Concentration

Health Systems Administration and Policy Concentration;

        For information contact Dr. Linda Chen, Graduate Director, MPA @ 574-520-4520

Government Administration & Policy Concentration ; (12 credit hours) The Government Administration & Policy concentration is for managers already employed in governmental or private not-for-profit organizations, as well as for students planning for such careers. This concentration provides the student the opportunity to study policy, issues, and programs related to the governmental and social service fields.

           Required Courses 

          SPEA-V 512 Public Policy Process (3cr)

          SPEA-V 523 Civil Society and Public Policy (3cr)

          SPEA-V 563 The Planning Process OR  SPEA-V 595 Managerial Decision Making  (3cr)

          SPEA-V 578 introduction to Comparative and International Affairs (3cr)

Non-Profit Administration & Policy Concentration; (12 credit hours)

            Required Courses

            SPEA-V 523 Civil Society and Public Policy

            SPEA-V 525 Management in the Nonprofit Sector

            SPEA-V 526 Financial Management for Non-Profit Organizations

            SPEA-V 558 Fund Development for Nonprofits

                                                                                                                                                      Certificate Programs

Three graduate certificates are offered at Indiana University South Bend, they are:

Certificate in Health Systems Management

Certificate in No-Profit Management

Certificate in Public Management

In order to apply to  the certificate programs a student must have a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university. The Graduate Admission Committee meets three times a year to consider applications for admission. To be considered in the August, December, or April meetings, applicants must have all materials in SPEA recorder's office by mid-July, mid-November, or mid-March respectively. Students must pay a non-refundable $45.00 application fee. 

Program Restrictions;

1. Students enrolled in a certificate program must complete it within 15 credit hours of approved SPEA course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Failure to do so results in

automatic dismissal from the certificate program

2. Students who have completed more than three SPEA courses are not eligible for admission to a certificate program

3. Transfer credit, course substitutions, or course waivers are not accepted for meeting the Public Management, Non-Profit Management, or Health Systems Management certificate requirements.

4. Students admitted to a SPEA graduate degree program are not eligible for admission to the certificate program or eligible for the award of a certificate.

5. Admission to or successful completion of a certificate program does not guarantee subsequent admission to a SPEA graduate degree program.

6. Students enrolled in the certificate program who apply to SPEA's graduate program must meet all existing admission requirements.

7. Students panning to request admission to a SPEA graduate program after successfully completing a certificate program should refer to the apllication procedures presented earlier. 

Certificate in Health Systems Management;

          For information contact Dr. Linda Chen, Graduate Director, MPA @ 574-520-4520

Certificate of Non-Profit Management; (15 credit hours) This certificate is designed to serve the needs of individuals who would like exposure to the non-profit  sector and non-profit management issues but who do not wish or need to pursue a degree in non-profit management. The certificate compliments other courses of study or career experience in such areas as social work, library science, and parks and recreation. Students pursuing a non-profit management certificate gain an understanding of how to work in and with non-profit organizations.

             Required Courses; (9 credit hours)

            SPEA-V 522 Human Resource Management in Non-Profit Organizations (3cr)

            SPEA-V 525 Management in the Non-Profit Sector (3cr)

            SPEA-V 526 Financial Management for Non-Profit Organizations (3cr)

            Electives; (6 credit hours)

            Two additional SPEA graduate courses are selected with the approval of the student's advisor. A sampling of current course titles include: Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector,

            Ethics and Values of Philanthropy, Fund Development for Non-Profit Organizations, Public Relations in Non-Profits, and History of Philanthropy in the West.

Note *  Students interested in continuing for a Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) should consider selecting the electives from the non-profit management concentration.

Certificate of Public Management; (15 credit hours)  This certificate program is flexible enough to be adapted to the needs of pre-career and in-service individuals. Graduate students in other disciplines can use the program to supplement their primary fields with course work in public management, possibly using the certificate courses as part or all of a doctoral or master's degree minor. Career employees of public and private sector agencies seeking courses in public management, and especially those changing from professional or technical roles to managerial roles, find the certificate program beneficial.

            Required Courses; (9 credit hours)

            SPEA-V 502 Public Management (3cr)

            SPEA-V 560 Public Finance and Budgeting (3cr)

            SPEA-V 561 Public Human Resources Management (3cr)

            Electives; (6 credit hours)

            Two additional SPEA graduate pubic affairs courses approved by the program director.

Note * Students interested in continuing on for the Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.) degree should consider selecting the two elective courses from the M.P.A. core; one of the courses

recommended is V506 Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making.

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        For specific degree requirements for admission into the program click here.