Public Administration, Accelerated 4 + 1 BA/MPA

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Through the BA+MPA program, students may complete a BA in Urban Studies and a Master of Public Administration through the Levin College of Urban Affairs in five years, instead of the six academic years normally required of full-time students. High performing undergraduate students may apply to the 5-year program during the third year of undergraduate study and, if accepted, complete MPA coursework during the fourth year and a transition term. Students may then complete all remaining MPA coursework in two semesters of full-time graduate study.

Admission and Requirements

In addition to meeting the admission requirements for the conventional MPA program, students applying to the 5-year BA+MPA program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and submit two letters of recommendation from Cleveland State University faculty. Upon successful completion of the fourth year and transition term, students are awarded the BA in Urban Studies. In order to be admitted to the final year of the BA+MPA Program, students must complete the BA with a cumulative GPA of 3.0, receive grades of B or better in designated coursework, and take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with scores that meet standard MPA admission.

For more information and curriculum plans, please consult the Levin College Office of Student Services, at 216-687-3884.

Students who are accepted for an accelerated 4+1 program may apply or transfer a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours taken while an undergraduate. No additional graduate credit hours taken as an undergraduate may be applied or transferred to the graduate record.