Indiana University Bloomington
Master of Arts/Master of Public Affairs
(MA/MPA)

Heidelburg, Germany.
Paul Pass.

West European Studies (WEST) and the highly-ranked School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) jointly offer a three-year program that qualifies students for two master's degrees. Study for these two degrees can be combined for a total of 60 credit hours rather than the 78 credit hours required for the two degrees taken separately.

Why get an MA/MPA?

WEST is one of just a few programs in the country that offer a master's degree in West European Studies. While SPEA courses focus on management, analytical skills, and professional development, the MA program gives students the opportunity to study languages, cultures, politics, history, and economics, gaining in-depth knowledge of a particular country or region. Cross-cultural knowledge can be beneficial for those who enter the public service and invaluable to those pursuing international careers. SPEA also offers several graduate-level study abroad programs in West European countries.

Requirements

Master's degree requirements are outlined in the Graduate School bulletin.

West European Studies Requirements:

Students take 24 credits in West European Studies under the course requirements for the MA (under the MA/MPA regulations), including:

Master of Public Affairs Requirements:

Students are required to complete 36 credit hours comprised of the MPA core and a specialized concentration:

  • MPA Core (18 credits):
    • V502 Public Management (3 credits)
    • V506 Statistical Analysis for Policy and Management (3 credits)
    • V517 Public Management Economics (3 credits)
    • V540 Law and Public Affairs (3 credits)
    • V560 Public Finance and Budgeting (3 credits)
    • V600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs (3 credits)
  • Specialized Concentration (18 credits):
    • Students are required to develop a specialized concentrations comprised of courses approved by SPEA faculty advisers.

Students should consult the School of Public and Environmental Affairs for details regarding the MPA requirements for this joint degree.

Language Requirements

In-depth knowledge of one West European language.

Acceptance

To be eligible for the joint MA/MPA program, students must apply to the two master's programs separately. A student must submit an application to and be accepted by the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) for study toward the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) and by West European Studies (WEST) in the Graduate School for study toward the Master of Arts degree.

Thesis

The student must select a thesis advisory committee of at least three faculty members representing both WEST and SPEA. West European Studies adheres to thesis format and printing requirements set by the University Graduate School. Master's theses range in length from 50 to 100 pages.

Coordination

Students are ultimately responsible for verifying that they have indeed fulfilled all degree requirements. Candidates are advised to regularly meet with the Director to verify course schedules before registering and to confirm that all the necessary signatures and documents are on file.

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