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The MA-IR / MPA Joint Degree Option

Overview

The dual MA-IR / MPA option allows students to enroll in the two programs simultaneously and pursue a 58-credit joint professional degree in Public Administration and International Relations. In most cases, you can fulfill the requirements for both programs within a two-year time frame. Students can usually also take advantage of the full range of global program offerings available through the IR Program, such as the Maxwell-Washington Summer Practicum, the Geneva Internship Program, and the Global Europe Program.

Created nearly 80 years ago, Maxwell’s MPA program is the nation’s first professional program in public affairs and has consistently been ranked among the very best schools for public affairs in the country. It delivers excellent preparation for the challenges of management in the public sector and provides a rich context for the professional study of public policy analysis.

The professional Master of Arts in International Relations (MA-IR) prepares students for leadership in public and international affairs. The program emphasizes integrative interdisciplinary social science perspectives and practical and collaborative experiences that enable students to deal with global issues of governance and policy. 

The interaction between the spheres of international relations and public administration makes the dual MA-IR / MPA option an invaluable experience for students seeking a career which values the combination of international expertise and public management skills. The joint program offers excellent preparation for professions in government, global consulting firms, NGOs, and international organizations.

Application and requirements 

Students wishing to undertake the dual course of study apply to both programs together, but are separately admitted by each program. Students fulfill the core courses, specializations, and exit requirements for both programs. Upon completion of these requirements, students are awarded two degrees, the MPA from Public Administration, and the MA-IR from International Relations. An overview of the joint degree requirements can be found below:

Note: A Global Internship is a required part of the IR curriculum.  At least one IR Career Track course must be an internship relevant to your program of study.

There are several ways to structure your joint degree program. Your particular plan   will vary based on your curricular interests and desire to study abroad or off-campus. Below is an  example of how you could structure your time at Maxwell.

 Sample Plan of Study:

 Summer of First Year: (7 credits)
 • PA Colloquium
 • Public Budgeting
 • Public Administration and Democracy

 Fall of First Year: (12 credits)
 • Introduction to Statistics
 • Managerial Economics for Public Administrators
 • Comparative Foreign Policy (or) Culture in World Affairs
 • History of International Relations

 Spring of First Year: (12 credits)
 • Public Organizations
 • Quantitative Analysis
 • Qualitative Analysis for IR
 • IR Career Track Course

 Summer of Second Year: (6 credits)
 • MPA Workshop
 • Executive Leadership

 Fall of Second Year: (12 credits)
 • PA Elective Course
 • PA Elective Course
 • IR Career Track Course
 • IR Career Track Course

 Spring of Second Year: (9 credits)
 • PA Elective Course
 • IR Career Track Course
 • IR Career Track Course