Accelerated MPA/MPP program
The School of Public Affairs offers accelerated Master's degree programs for three undergraduate majors:
- Public Service and Public Policy, BS (any concentrations) + MPA or MPP
- Public Service and Public Policy, BS (ASU Online) + MPA
- Political Science, BA or BS (from the School of Politics and Global Studies) + MPA or MPP
- Construction Management and Technology, BS + MPA
Admissions process:
- Students must first qualify for the Accelerated MPA/MPP program by expressing their interest via email to their undergraduate academic advisor (schedule here) or the SPA Graduate Academic Advisor (spa@asu.edu).
- After qualifying, complete an official ASU Graduate application. The application fee is $70 domestic, $115 international. Please review the MPA/MPP Admissions web page.
- Applicants to the Accelerated MPA/MPP program are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Apply by July 1 to begin taking graduate courses the following fall semester.
- Apply by December 1 to begin taking graduate classes the following spring semester.
- Once accepted into the accelerated MPA/MPP program by the School of Public Affairs, students will be given further instructions for enrollment into graduate classes.
Program Policies
- Admission to the accelerated program does not require completion of the baccalaureate degree, but full admission to the MPA/MPP program does require completion of the BS degree.
- Students are considered undergraduates until all BS requirements have been satisfied and the degree has been posted to a student's transcript.
- A student will be dismissed from the accelerated program if the student does not maintain satisfactory academic progress before earning the BS degree.
- At any time, a student may choose to withdraw from the accelerated program and return to the regular BS program. Withdrawal from the program will not prevent the student from applying to the regular MPA/MPP program in future semesters.
- Students are in an undergraduate student status until all BS requirements have been satisfied, at which time the MPA/MPP degree program will be activated.
Public Service and Public Policy, BS
The Accelerated MPA/MPP program offers high-achieving undergraduate students in the Public Service and Public Policy BS program to get a head start on a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP). ASU Online students can get a head start on a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Eligible students apply for admission to the MPA/MPP program while still an undergraduate and complete up to 12 credits of graduate-level classes, which will count toward the graduation requirements of both the BS and future MPA/MPP.
Eligibility Requirements:
- 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA at the time of application.
- Completion of PAF 301 with a B or higher.
Political Science, BA or BS (from the School of Politics and Global Studies)
For undergraduate political science majors who are uncertain about their career plans or trajectory, the program provides a flexible way to learn about public sector career options while simultaneously building professional skills and gaining a highly valued credential. For students already planning on a career in public administration and public policy, the program provides additional professional training and policy expertise as preparation for the challenges they will face in the public sector.
Eligibility Requirements:
- 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA at the time of application.
- Completion of 75 or more academic credits.
Courses you will take as an undergraduate that will apply to both your bachelor's and future master's degree:
MPA: PAF 501, PAF 502, PAF 503, and PAF 504
MPP: PAF 501 or CPP 523, PAF 502 or CPP 524, CPP PAF 504, and PAF 505
Construction Management and Technology, BS
Many construction management professionals spend considerable portions of their careers working on public sector projects, including but not limited to large-scale public infrastructure. Building upon the success of the School of Public Affairs’ existing accelerated program, this program provides a cost-efficient and accelerated pathway to prepare graduates for public sector-related employment in the Construction Management field.
Eligibility Requirements:
- 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA at the time of application.
- Completion of 75 or more academic credits.
Courses you will take as an undergraduate that will apply to both your bachelor's and future master's degree: CON 541, CON 545, PAF 507, and PAF 508
Questions? Email the Graduate Academic Advisor at spa@asu.edu