UTRGV | Public Affairs (MPA)

Public Affairs (MPA)

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a program leading to the degree of Master in Public Affairs (MPA). The MPA degree allows the student to select from two different tracks: Public Administration, and Public Policy and Management.

Public Administration is a discipline developed from the study of political science, management, and law. Public administration, both as scholarly study and professional preparation is interdisciplinary substance and methodology, borrowing from economics, sociology, psychology, business, and industrial engineering as well as political science and law.

The Public Policy and Management track has a dual-purpose mission: to conduct research into pressing policy issues and to share the findings with leaders and citizens in an effort to find viable solutions. Graduates will be skilled public managers with specific expertise in one of several policy areas.

The Global Security Studies and Leadership concentration prepares students for careers in intelligence, national security and other sectors of the global economy. This program will broaden the skill sets of students through focus on advanced research, effective team communication and critical analysis. The GSSL program will prepare students to work with people from different backgrounds, abilities, and knowledge bases.

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Why UTRGV?
- Ranked #79 among 300+ national universities by Washington Monthly in 2018
- Accredited, cutting edge degree program
- Experienced, dedicated faculty
- Affordable tuition (ranked #1 in net price among national universities by Washington Monthly in 2018 and #3 most affordable university in America 2018 by BestValueSchools.com)
- Demonstrated student success in research, professional certification and career advancement
Admission Requirements
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. There is no application fee.

Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The Graduate College

Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158

1201 W. University Drive

Edinburg, TX 78539-2999

*Please Note: If you are a graduate of UTPA, UTB, or UTRGV you do not need to request an official transcript to be sent to the Graduate College.

Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Personal Statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree indicating references to previous employment and experience.
- Three names of individuals who may be contacted for personal or professional recommendation.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study. For additional information, visit the Financial Documentation section of our website.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport. For additional information, visit the Immigration Documents section of our website.
UPDATE ON INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS FROM U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT:
- SEVP regulations prohibit the issuance of a Form I-20 based on conditional admission, effective July 13, 2016. University officials can only issue a Form I-20 when students have met all standards for admission for the program of study listed on the Form I-20. These standards for admission include any English proficiency requirements.
Program Contact

Program Coordinator: Dr. Aziza Zemrani

Phone: (956) 665-2545

Office: Edinburg Campus, LABN 229

E-Mail: aziza.zemrani@utrgv.edu
Deadlines

Deadlines:

Applications will be accepted year round and prospective students are encouraged to apply at least 2 months before classes start to ensure a timely application review. Applying early will also give prospective students the best opportunity to be considered for scholarships and other possible funding opportunities.

*Note: This program only admits applicants during Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II semesters.
Tuition Estimate

Residency Per 3-Credit Hour Course Semester (9-Credit Hours) Total Estimated Cost

Texas Resident $1,359.29 $3,563.87 $16,311.48

Non-Resident/International $2,625.29 $7,361.87 $31,503.48

*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.

Course Requirements

Public Administration Concentration:

Required Courses	18
PAFF 6301: Graduate Seminar in Public Administration	3
PAFF 6302: Scope and Methods	3
PAFF 6303: Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation	3
PAFF 6304: Public Budgeting and Finance	3
PAFF 6305: Political Leadership: Decision‐Making and Management in Public Organizations	3
PAFF 6306: Public Personnel Administration	3

Electives*	9
Choose from the following:
PAFF 6310: Public Service Ethics	3
PAFF 6311: Intergovernmental Relations	3
PAFF 6312: State and Local Government	3
PAFF 6313: The Politics of Scarcity	3
PAFF 6314: Formulation of Public Policy	3
PAFF 6315: Management of Governmental Information Systems	3
PAFF 6316: Management of Nonprofit Organizations	3
PAFF 6317: Grant Writing and Fund Development	3
PAFF 6318: Bureaucracy and Organizational Theory	3
PAFF 6319: Public Finance Administration	3
PAFF 6350: Introduction to Urban Planning	3
PAFF 6351: Introduction to Community Development	3
PAFF 6370: Directed Research in Public Administration	3
PAFF 6371: Independent Study in Public Administration	3
PAFF 6372: Special Topics in Public Administration	3

Capstone Requirement	9
Choose one of the following options:

Thesis Option
PAFF 6360: Public Administration Internship	3
PAFF 7300: Thesis I: Public Administration	3
PAFF 7301: Thesis II: Public Administration	3

Research Grant Option
PAFF 6360: Public Administration Internship	3
PAFF 7302: Applied Research Grant I	3
PAFF 7303: Applied Research Grant II	3

Capstone Option
PAFF 6360: Public Administration Internship	3
PAFF 6362: Public Administration Capstone: Past, Present and Future	3
Additional Public Administration Elective	3

Total graduate hours for degree:	36

Public Policy Concentration:

Required Courses	18
PAFF 6301: Graduate Seminar in Public Administration	3
PAFF 6302: Scope and Methods	3
PAFF 6303: Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation	3
PAFF 6304: Public Budgeting and Finance	3
PAFF 6305: Political Leadership: Decision‐Making and Management in Public Organizations	3
PAFF 6306: Public Personnel Administration	3

Electives*	12
Choose from the following:
PAFF 6330: Public Policy Analysis	3
PAFF 6331: Qualitative Methods in Public Policy	3
PAFF 6332: Environmental Policy	3
PAFF 6333: Seminar in Health Care Policy	3
PAFF 6334: Current Issues in Public Policy/Global Security	3
PAFF 6335: Comparative Public Policy	3
PAFF 6336: Seminar in International and Development Policy	3
PAFF 6337: Public Policies in the Mexico‐U.S. Border Region	3
PAFF 6350: Introduction to Urban Planning	3
PAFF 6351: Introduction to Community Development	3
PAFF 6361: Public Policy Internship	3
PAFF 6373: Independent Study in Public Policy	3

Capstone Requirement	6
Choose one of the following options:

Thesis Option
PAFF 7304: Thesis I: Public Policy	3
PAFF 7305: Thesis II: Public Policy	3

Professional Report Option
PAFF 7306: Public Policy Capstone: Professional Report	3
Additional Public Policy Elective	3

Total graduate hours for degree:	36

*Courses not located in the MPA Program electives – either the Public Administration or Public Policy track – may be considered for inclusion of up to 6 semester hours with completion of a 3.0 GPA or better based on consultation and consideration by the MPA Program Director.

Global Security Studies and Leadership Concentration:

Required Courses	18
PAFF 6302: Scope and Methods	3
PAFF 6305: Political Leadership: Decision‐Making and Management in Public Organizations	3
PAFF 6330: Public Policy Analysis	3
PAFF 6334: Current Issues in Public Policy (when content is Global Security)	3
PAFF 6380: Global Security	3
PAFF 6381: Homeland Security in the U.S.	3

Electives**	15
PAFF 6315: Management of Governmental Information Systems	3
PAFF 6336: Seminar in International and Development Policy	3
PAFF 6337: Public Policies in the Mexico‐U.S. Border Region	3
PAFF 6392: Directed Research in Global Security Studies and Leadership	3
PAFF 6393: Special Topics in Global Security Studies and Leadership	3
PAFF 6394: Internship in Global Security Studies and Leadership	3
PAFF 6395: Independent Study in Global Security Studies and Leadership	3

**Note: Students may take six semester credit hours for elective credit outside the MPA‐GSSL Program as approved by the Director.

Capstone Experience

Practicum:	3
PAFF 7307: Practicum in Global Security Studies and Leadership	3

Total graduate hours for degree:	36

Course Descriptions

PAFF 6301: Graduate Seminar in Public Administration [3‐0]

This course is the introduction to the study of public administration. Students are introduced to basic concepts and foundational theories relating to bureaucratic analysis, organizational theory and behavior, functions of public management such as personnel administration, budget decision‐making, government regulations and administrative law. In addition, students are introduced to the necessary critical thinking techniques and intellectual standards of thought that will be essential in the rest of the course work in the program.

PAFF 6302: Scope and Methods [3‐0]

The primary objectives of this course are to help the students gain skills in research methods and the quantitative analysis of data. This course introduces students to the basic concepts, tools, techniques and uses of applied quantitative and qualitative research relative to public administration. Topics discussed include: research design, data gathering, statistical analysis and the methods of formal preparation and presentation of reports. This course also covers advanced topics in applied research including the various steps in the creation of a research design. The course includes laboratory assignments that cover univariate and bivariate analysis as well as multiple regressions. A survey of advanced statistical methods is also provided. Students will get hands‐on experience using SPSS.

PAFF 6303: Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation [3‐0]

Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation is an advanced course with the application of quantitative methods to the evaluation of public policies and programs regarding their implementation. The main objective of this course is to provide the students with up‐to‐ date tools of program evaluation. This course will examine key concepts, methods, and approaches in the field of evaluation research. Students will be exposed to the theoretical and methodological diversity inherent in current evaluation practices across a number of substantive areas (e.g., social services, education, and business). The comprehensive range of activities involved in designing, implementing, and assessing the utility of social programs will be a primary focus of the course. Practical training in program evaluation is provided as students learn techniques in all phases of designing and implementing a program evaluation. Included in the training is the development of a model, conducting the study, analyzing the results, and writing the evaluation report. Students are expected to fully design an evaluation plan capable of implementation in a real‐life setting of public management. Students successfully completing this course should be able to understand an evaluation study in great detail and form a well‐ grounded judgment about its value. Complemented with appropriate technical background or help, they should be able to design an evaluation study best suited for the program and the practical constraints at hand.

PAFF 6304: Public Budgeting and Finance [3‐0]

This course provides an analysis of the formation, management and administration of fiscal policies at all levels of government in the United States. The budgeting process and the practice of resource allocation will be studied.

PAFF 6305: Political Leadership: Decision‐Making and Management in Public Organizations [3‐0]

This course defines leadership and identifies critical attributes that make for good leadership. It also examines the role of public institutions in promoting leadership. The examination covers various leadership styles and the theories of leadership attributed to them.

PAFF 6306: Public Personnel Administration [3‐0]

Analysis of the major personnel management problems and issues in government. The recruitment, selection, development, advancement and evaluation of personnel will be examined. Employer‐employee relations, affirmative action, collective bargaining and interpersonal and ethical relationships will be studied.

PAFF 6310: Public Service Ethics [3‐0]

This course provides students with the tools and techniques for ethical analysis of public policies. This class is designed to enhance understanding about the ethical debate that surrounds most public policies and to deepen the awareness of the ethical standards in public administration or public services, in general. Starting with the foundations of ethical study, this course introduces: the major ethical philosophies; the application of these principles to decision making for a better understanding of the “values” that underpin or prescribe public policies; and the codes and standards of ethics in public administration. This course applies the standards of thought found in the critical thinking materials and techniques.

PAFF 6311: Intergovernmental Relations [3‐0]

This course analyzes the political, administrative and fiscal relationships among governments in the American political system, the constitutional and theoretical basis for federalism, the national‐state‐local government relations and regional arrangements.

PAFF 6312: State and Local Government [3‐0]

This course addresses basic principles, structure and internal management of state and local governments and a wide variety of issues they face in the day‐to‐day administration. Topics addressed include authority, communication, productivity, planning, morale, and change.

PAFF 6313: The Politics of Scarcity [3‐0]

An examination of the major public policy issues and theories involved in crisis areas of poverty, declining natural resources, available land, water and food inadequate supplies amidst government financial shortfalls, increasing population and threatened environment. Specific attention will be given to reviewing the urban and rural settings of growth and non‐ growth and the manner in which it occurs. Focus will also be given to the diminishing landscape and preservation of undeveloped areas and redeveloping existing areas. It is intended to explore the policies establishing how growth and non‐growth areas are shaped by the politics of specific issues. The main focus for public administrators will revolve around the development of critical thinking skills in order to provide alternatives to policy boards, citizens and special interest groups in the formation of policies in such subjects.

PAFF 6314: Formulation of Public Policy [3‐0]

This course covers various processes used by public policy analysts in understanding the nature of the problem to be analyzed, structuring the research strategy, gathering data and other information, formulating the answer to the problem, and writing the memo or report. Innovative techniques for accomplishing the above steps are covered including cost benefit analysis, problem definition techniques, and different types of commonly encountered policy analysis situations. (The case method is used in this course.)

PAFF 6315: Management of Governmental Information Systems [3‐0]

This course analyzes computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphics, desktop publishing, and statistical analysis software. Also covered in this course are important changes in data management through new technologies and how public organizations budget for and manage their IT departments.

PAFF 6316: Management of Nonprofit Organizations [3‐0]

This is a survey course designed to introduce students to nonprofit organizations and the essential tools for management of them. Specifically, the course will accomplish the following objectives: (1) provide an understanding of the development of policies and procedures including personnel, fiscal, and program evaluation; (2) introduce the fundamentals of grant writing and fundraising; (3) provide information on best practices in nonprofit governance; and (4) educate students on the principles of marketing and public relations for sustainability. This course applies the standards of thought found in critical thinking materials and techniques.

PAFF 6317: Grant Writing and Fund Development [3‐0]

This course is a survey of the field of grant writing and fund development for nonprofit organizations. This class reviews the various types of funding nonprofit organizations depend on, including state and local revenues, foundation grants, federal government grant‐in‐ aid programs as well as explores other approaches to fund development.

PAFF 6318: Bureaucracy and Organizational Theory [3‐0]

This course develops system‐based frameworks for analyzing and understanding policy and management in the public sector and applies systems theory to public management. Various management concepts are reviewed, and case studies are used frequently. This course uses the wealth of philosophical underpinnings of organizational behavior and applies the standards of thought found in the Critical Thinking materials and techniques.

PAFF 6319: Public Finance Administration [3‐0]

This course examines basic principles of financial management with a focus on governmental operations. The following topics are covered in depth: budget as a financial instrument, cash and debt management, capital budgeting, risk management and pensions, purchasing, and basic public sector accounting principles and procedures.

PAFF 6330: Public Policy Analysis [3‐0]

This overview course introduces students to public policy analysis and economics. The broad scope includes policy development, the policy community, implementation strategies, and evaluative tools. Various micro‐ and macroeconomic approaches to understanding public policy, its creation and limitations will be covered.

PAFF 6331: Qualitative Methods in Public Policy [3‐0]

This is a course designed to identify current qualitative methods of analysis in the public sector. The primary objective of the course is to acquaint students with the analytical and interpretive techniques in current use, including action research, content analysis, ethnography and narratology.

PAFF 6332: Environmental Policy [3‐0]

This course is an introduction and overview of environmental policy and management at the local, state, national and international level. It is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of the basic concepts of environmental policy. This includes its history, theories, methods, institutions and issues and the guidelines and rules that establish goals and standards regarding the use and preservation of the physical environment, including soil, water, air, wildlife and vegetation.

PAFF 6333: Seminar in Health Care Policy [3‐0]

This course provides a comprehensive overview of health care programs and policies in the United States. Students will make use of case studies to understand the major stakeholders involved in health care and introduce them to current public health issues, health care delivery systems and factors that determine health policy and managerial practice.

PAFF 6334: Current Issues in Public Policy [3‐0]

This course focuses on current issues in public policy and may be repeated for up to six credit hours as long as the topic varies. Current problems are selected from international development, environmental, economic development, health care and national security policy issues.

PAFF 6335: Comparative Public Policy [3‐0]

This course studies the similarities and differences in the organization, management and public policy making among countries. It examines paradigms, the comparative method, theories and models along with the practical application to provide information for real management and policy problems.

PAFF 6336: Seminar in International and Development Policy [3‐0]

This seminar focuses on the changing roles and functions of different public, nongovernmental and private international organizations and the services they provide. It provides an understanding of the way intergovernmental organizations work and specific responsibilities of the various bodies and organizations such as the U.N., Security Council, General Assembly, ECOSOC and regional economic commissions.

PAFF 6337: Public Policies in the Mexico‐U.S. Border Region [3‐0]

This course examines the political dynamics and the main policy issues arising in the Mexico‐U.S. international border region. It analyzes border politics and policy in the following six areas: economic development, labor, migration, public health, the environment, and security.

PAFF 6350: Introduction to Urban Planning [3‐0]

This course provides an exposure to city and county planning from the perspective of those who are involved in the process. Local political leaders and planning professionals are invited to speak on selected topics. This course includes land‐use planning, the comprehensive planning process, planning policy, transportation, community development, financial management and social services. Planning as a governmental activity is the major component of this course.

PAFF 6351: Introduction to Community Development [3‐0]

This course provides an insight into how local governments address issues concerning low‐ income persons and families. It emphasizes topics such as community organizing to address social issues, community health, law enforcement, housing, and economic development. Funding resources such as Community Development Block Grant Program and other combinations of federal, state and private financial assistance are discussed. This course relies on guest speakers actively involved in creating communities that address the needs of their citizens. Students acquire both academic and political skills. The term Community Development is used in its broadest sense and requires both the guidance of local governments and the participation of citizens.

PAFF 6360: Public Administration Internship [3‐0]

The practical public management experience through an arranged internship in a government or non‐profit agency for one semester. Periodic seminars and supervisor‐ intern consultations will be held, with a final administrative report required.

Prerequisite: Consent of Director.

PAFF 6361: Public Policy Internship [3‐0]

This course is a practical public policy and management experience through an arranged internship in a governmental, nonprofit or private agency serving the public interest. Periodic seminars, supervision and a final administrative report are required.

Prerequisite: Approval of the MPA Program Director. Pass/Fail Grade.

PAFF 6362: Public Administration Capstone: Past, Present and Future [3‐0]

A comprehensive review of the major eras of public administration during the 20th century. An in‐depth look at public administration in the first decade of the 21st century. A futurist look at reasonable expectations of public administration during the next few decades.

PAFF 6370: Directed Research in Public Administration [3‐0]

A student works with a professor on a topic that is mutually agreed upon by the student and the professor. This course is only recommended for students who have a well‐developed topic and can work well independently. This course must not be used for the same subject simultaneously with the Thesis or Applied Research Grant courses. This course should be reserved for unusual circumstances, and the student should submit their topic proposal and reasons for need in a Directed Research course in writing to the MPA Director or Interim Director. A student should be limited to one (1) Directed Research course on their transcript. The supervising faculty may require the student to sign their written proposal and a completion time line.

PAFF 6371: Independent Study in Public Administration [3‐0]

A student works with a professor on a topic that is mutually agreed upon by the student and the professor. This course is only recommended for students who have a well‐developed topic and who can work well independently. This course must not be used for the same subject simultaneously with the Thesis or Applied Research Grant courses. This course should be reserved for unusual circumstances and the student should submit their topic proposal and reasons for need in an Independent Study in writing to the MPA Director. A student should be limited to one (1) Independent Study course on their transcript. The supervising faculty may require the student to sign their written proposal and a completion time line.

PAFF 6372: Special Topics in Public Administration [3‐0]

From time to time, new issues appear in the field of public administration, students require additional courses to complete a concentration, or other circumstances warrant a full course on a specific topic. Thus, flexibility requires the MPA Program to offer timely courses that are related to particular topics as they emerge in the field or are needed. These types of courses often cannot be accommodated in the regular curriculum in a timely manner. On these occasions, courses will be offered under this title. The special topics course can also be used to phase‐in new courses in further developing the concentrations.

PAFF 6373: Independent Study in Public Policy [3‐0]

Requires the approval of the supervising faculty member. Allows student to work independently on a specialized area of public policy. The student will submit a written plan, with outcomes and time lines which must be approved by the supervising faculty.

PAFF 6380: Global Security [3‐0]

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the politics of global security and explores the evolution of security concepts worldwide. It addresses a wide range of major international issues with global implications. Upon completion of the course, students will acquire an understanding of security threats, how they are defined and addressed, while examining historical implications of globalization to security issues. Students will gain an appreciation of the ethical, economic, political and social dilemmas of security policies. Current national security policies will be critically analyzed and assessed within the context of ongoing global developments.

PAFF 6381: Homeland Security in the U.S. [3‐0]

This course delves into current issues of the social, behavioral, political and administrative perspectives of homeland security and the problems associated with attempting to protect the borders of the United States after terrorist attacks and containing natural disasters. The objectives of the course are three‐fold: (1) To acquaint the student with the standard literature of homeland security; (2) To acquaint the student with models of bureaucratic decision making used in the public sector; and, (3) To get the student to rethink public policies and management practices by recognizing the complexity and paradoxical character of homeland security.

PAFF 6392: Directed Research in Global Security Studies and Leadership [3‐0]

The student works with a professor on a topic that is mutually agreed upon by the student and the professor. This course is only recommended for students who have a well‐developed topic and can work well independently. This course must not be used for the same subject simultaneously with the Capstone Practicum. This course should be reserved for unusual circumstances, and the student should submit their topic proposal and reasons for need in a Directed Research course in writing to the MPA Director. The student will be limited to one (1) Directed Research course at the most on their transcript. The supervising faculty may require the student to sign their written proposal and a completion time line.

PAFF 6393: Special Topics in Global Security Studies and Leadership [3‐0]

From time to time, new issues appear in the field of global security studies and students may require additional courses to complete a concentration, or other circumstances that warrant a full course on a specific topic. Thus, flexibility requires the MPA‐GSSL Program to offer timely courses that are related to particular topics as they emerge in the field or are needed. These types of courses often cannot be accommodated in the regular curriculum in a timely manner. On these occasions, courses will be offered under this title. The special topics course may also be used to phase‐in new courses in further developing the concentrations.

PAFF 6394: Internship in Global Security Studies and Leadership [3‐0]

The practical global security studies management experience through an arranged internship in a government agency for one semester. Periodic seminars and supervisor‐ intern consultations will be held, with a final administrative report required.

Prerequisite: Consent of Director.

PAFF 6395: Independent Study in Global Security Studies and Leadership [3‐0]

Requires the approval of the supervising faculty member. Allows student to work independently on a specialized area of global security. The student will submit a written plan, with outcomes and time lines that must be approved by the supervising faculty.

PAFF 7300: Thesis I: Public Administration [3‐0]

Students must complete all core courses in the program before enrolling in PAFF 7300 or PAFF 7301. The thesis requires the student to carry out an individual research project under the direction and supervision of a graduate faculty member. The thesis will be defended publicly after it has been tentatively approved by the supervising instructor and two additional readers. See Graduate Catalog for more details.