Program Overview

Public Administration and Policy

The Public Administration and Policy program at Binghamton University offers various academic options, including the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Sustainable Communities (MS), and Certificate Programs.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in public administration. The program offers several options, including:

• One Year MPA
• 4+1 Accelerated Programs
• Double/Dual Degree Programs
• Curriculum
• Internships

One Year MPA

The One Year MPA program is a rigorous, accelerated option that allows students to earn their MPA in just one calendar year. The program requires students to take 12-14 credits per semester, including in-person courses during the fall and spring semesters and online coursework during the winter and summer.

Benefits of the One Year MPA

The benefits of the One Year MPA program include:

• Earning an MPA from a nationally-ranked institution
• Saving time and money by earning an MPA in only one calendar year
• Increasing marketability and earning potential
• Moving through the program with a cohort of highly motivated students
• Taking 5 of the 12 required courses online

Course Curriculum

The course curriculum for the One Year MPA program includes:

• Fall: 14 credits (in-person plus one online course)
  • PAFF 510: Research Design and Methods (4 credits)
  • PAFF 520: 21st Century Governance (4 credits)
  • PAFF 521: Foundations of Public Service (4 credits)
  • PAFF 526: Managing Info and Technology (2 credits, online)
• Winter: 3 credits (online)
  • PAFF elective (3 credits)
• Spring: 13 credits (in-person)
  • PAFF 515/516/523: Evidence-Based Decision-Making course (choose from Program Evaluation, Performance Analysis, or Policy Analysis) (4 credits)
  • PAFF 527: Budgeting and Financial Management (4 credits)
  • PAFF elective (3 credits)
  • PAFF 594: Internship (or waiver*) (2 credits)
• Summer: 12 credits (online)
  • PAFF 532: Project Management (3 credits, summer term 1)
  • PAFF elective (3 credits, summer term 1)
  • PAFF elective (3 credits, summer term 2)
  • PAFF 589: Reflective Practitioner (3 credits, summer term 2)

Admissions

Admission to the One Year MPA program is made on a rolling basis, with a suggested application deadline of February 1 for the fall start. The requirements for admission include:

• Personal statement
• Résumé
• Two letters of recommendation
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher (typical for students pursuing this academic plan)
• Significant work experience and/or strong GMAT/GRE scores (while not required) are also considered for admission

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common questions about the One Year MPA program include:

• What is the difference between the traditional Two-Year MPA and the One-Year MPA plan?
  • The One-Year MPA option requires a more rigorous course plan, with 12-14 credits per semester, and is designed for students who are confident in their career path.
• What is the application deadline?
  • Admission will be made on a rolling basis, but the program has a suggested application deadline of February 1 for the fall start.
• What are the requirements for admission?
  • Due to the accelerated pace of the curriculum and the demanding requirements for this program option, students who pursue this academic plan typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher.
• Are any courses offered online?
  • The winter and summer coursework is offered online, while fall and spring courses are held in person on the Binghamton University campus.
• Are there prerequisites?
  • No.
• Are international students eligible for this program?
  • International students are eligible for the program if they plan to take only one online course during their final semester (summer).
• What is the cost of the program?
  • Students pay full-time tuition for the fall and spring semesters and per-credit tuition for the summer and winter courses.