Program requirements and objectives specific to the Environmental Studies/Science
& Public Administration 4+1 Program:
The Environmental Studies/Science & Public Administration 4+1 program restrict admission
to students with exceptional academic records. Students should apply for the 4+1 program no
later than beginning of junior year, and admission decisions for the 4+1 program will
be made no later than spring of junior year. Application and admissions processes
are through the MPA program and the Graduate School. Admission decisions for the 4+1
program will be based on course grades (normally, a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better
and a GPA of 3.5 of better in Environmental Studies major courses are required).
In addition, submit GRE scores, at least two letters of recommendation, a current
resume, and a personal statement of approximately 500 words (2 typewritten pages,
double-spaced) that addresses the student's:
- Reasons for choosing public administration as a vocation
- The values and concerns he/she brings to the study of public administration
- Present and future professional goals
- Sense of what he/she will contribute to the field of public administration
Admission decisions to the 4+1 program indicate to the student that there are subsequent
requirements that must be met to continue in the program: successful completion of
the B.A. in year four (including both the General Education & Harpur College requirements
for graduation); a "B" or better in graduate education coursework; and satisfactory
completion of the other requirements of the MPA program.
Course offerings in the Environmental Studies & Public Administration 4+1 program
will coincide with the normal offerings of the existing Environmental Studies and
Master in Public Administration Programs.
Prior to senior year, undergraduates complete 96 credits that meet all of the undergraduate
requirements for Harpur Arts & Sciences division, upper-level, writing, and general
education, plus all but 12 credits needed for the Environmental Studies major. During
the senior year, undergraduates complete 14 undergraduate credits and the remaining
18 credits needed for the undergraduate degree. The 18 credits of MPA courses in the
senior year are double counted as undergraduate elective credits and MPA credits to
complete the baccalaureate degree.
Students in the combined degree program must undertake 8 full-time semesters (or equivalent)
for completion of the Environmental Studies B.A. degree and an additional 2 full-time
semesters so that combined they will have 10 full-time semesters for the completion
of the entire combined-degree program.
Other requirements for the MPA degree: Upon completion of 18 MPA credits (or with
the approval of the program), students complete a 300-hour, fifteen week internship
for 2 credits (PAFF 594). Internships are usually done within the area of concentration
with a governmental, not-for-profit or for-profit organization. Students enroll in
the Capstone Seminar (PAFF 595) after completing the program's core courses and the
internship. Completion of the capstone project requires the approval of the project
paper proposal and an oral defense of the completed project before a three-person
committee comprised of two faculty members and the internship supervisor, or an appropriate
organizational representative.
MPA requirements and program information
