Degree Completion / Individualized Dual-Degree Option for the MPA

Students can apply graduate credits from another program toward earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Rutgers SPAA, either on campus or online.

Degree completion: If you have earned prior course credits in a graduate program related to public affairs — but you were not able to complete the degree — you can still transfer up to 12 credits (4 courses) toward your Rutgers MPA. In this way, the time and money you’ve already expended on graduate education do not have to go to waste and, moreover, can be used to help fashion an MPA that reflects your unique background and interests.

Individualized dual-degree: If you have a completed graduate degree related to public affairs but seek a second, more management-oriented degree to add to your credentials, you can also transfer up to 12 credits (4 courses) toward your MPA at Rutgers SPAA. This allows students, in effect, to create their own, individualized dual-degree program to satisfy their unique personal and professional aims.

Relevant prior graduate fields of study may include (but are not limited to):

  • Arts and cultural studies
  • Communications
  • Business
  • Criminal justice
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • International affairs
  • Law
  • Political science
  • Public health / health sciences
  • Social work
  • Urban affairs / urban planning

If you are admitted, you will be informed in advance of registration how many credits Rutgers SPAA will accept (based on review of your transcripts and related information). This may include up to three courses (9 credits) of elective courses representing your specialization and one course (3 credits) toward the required MPA core (provided it aligns with an MPA core course). Prior coursework must have been completed at the graduate (master or doctoral) level from an accredited institution within the last 10 years and with a grade of B or better.

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Questions?

If you have questions about a program or the application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.