Public Administration/Economics, MPA/MA
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Program Overview
Introduction to the Dual Master of Public Administration/Master of Arts in Economics Degree
The fields of public administration and economics are closely linked, with economists providing the theoretical foundation for administrators to evaluate and implement policy. Given the location of the University of Colorado Denver in the state capital, there is a significant need for administrators who understand program evaluation methods and have a strong theoretical background in economics.
Program Overview
The Dual Master of Public Administration/Master of Arts in Economics degree offers students the opportunity to take core courses in both programs and choose electives that align with their career and personal goals. Electives in one program can be counted as electives in the other, resulting in a more comprehensive education. While each degree separately requires 66 hours, the dual degree program can be completed in 48 hours, or 73% of the total hours required for both degrees.
Admission Requirements
Students interested in pursuing the dual-degree program must apply to and be admitted to each program separately. Students admitted to one program may choose to apply to the other program at a later date.
Program Delivery
Courses are offered on campus, online, and in remote and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning styles and schedules.
Program Requirements
- Students must complete 16 courses, or 48 semester hours, with 21 semester hours in economics and 27 semester hours in public administration.
- Students without pre-service experience in the government or nonprofit sectors are required to take a 3-credit internship course, bringing the total semester hours to 51.
- Students must earn a minimum B- grade in each required course and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- No more than 6 semester hours of Independent Study may be applied toward the degree.
Course List
| Course Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 5073 | Microeconomic Theory | 3 |
| ECON 5083 | Macroeconomic Theory | 3 |
| ECON 5803 | Mathematical Economics | 3 |
| ECON 5813 | Econometrics I | 3 |
| ECON 5823 | Econometrics II | 3 |
| PUAD 5001 | Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service | 3 |
| PUAD 5002 | Organizational Management and Behavior | 3 |
| PUAD 5003 | Research and Analytic Methods | 3 |
| PUAD 5004 | Economics and Public Finance | 3 |
| PUAD 5005 | The Policy Process and Democracy | 3 |
| PUAD 5006 | Public Service Leadership and Ethics | 3 |
| PUAD 5008 | Evidence-Based Decision-Making | 3 |
| Required Elective Courses | 12 | |
| - If the student takes PUAD 5361 Capstone Seminar, then they are required to take 6 semester hours of economics electives and 6 semester hours of PUAD electives at the 5000-level or above. | ||
| - If the student takes ECON 6073 Research Seminar, then they are required to take 3 semester hours of economics electives and 9 semester hours of PUAD electives at the 5000-level or above. | ||
| Internship | 3 | |
| PUAD 6910 | Internship | 3 |
| Capstone | 3 | |
| ECON 6073 | Research Seminar | 3 |
| or PUAD 5361 | MPA Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| Total Hours | 51 |
Additional Requirements
Students who have not had at least one year of professional work experience in the public or nonprofit sectors must complete PUAD 6910 Internship, bringing the total number of credits to complete the dual-degree program to 51. The capstone seminar is to be completed after all other core courses or with instructor and advisor consent.