Public Affairs (PhD) - Public Administration (MPA) Dual Degree

Program Overview

The Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track at Florida International University combines coursework in public administration and public affairs, leading to two degrees: a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs and a Master of Public Administration. With a focus on independent learning and inquiry, the program prepares students for careers in academia, the public sector, and the nonprofit sector. Students complete a dissertation showcasing their research and analysis skills.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track is designed for academically talented students who wish to earn both a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs and a Master of Public Administration concurrently. This program equips students with the skills and analytical techniques necessary for successful careers in academia, the public sector, and the nonprofit sector. Upon completion, students receive two diplomas: one for the Public Administration MPA degree and one for the Public Affairs PhD degree.

Outline:

The program requires a total of 81 credit hours, broken down as follows:

• Required Courses (48 credit hours):
• MPA Core Courses (24 credit hours):
• PAD6035 - Public Administration in the Policy Process (3)
• PAD6037 - Public Organization Management (3)
• PAD6053 - Public Administrators in the Governance Process (3)
• PAD6207 - Public Financial Management (3)
• PAD6227 - Public Budgeting (3)
• PAD6335 - Strategic Planning and Management (3)
• PAD6417 - Human Resource Management (3)
• PAD6062 - Advanced Concepts and Applications in Public Administration (3)
• Public Affairs Substantive Core Courses (12 credit hours):
• PAD7006 - Intellectual History of Public Administration (3)
• PAD7016 - Public Policy Processes and Theory (3)
• PAD7106 - Public Organization Theory and Behavior (3)
• PAD7308 - Advanced Public Policy Analysis (3)
• Public Affairs Methodological and Statistical Core Courses (12 credit hours):
• PAD7706 - Advanced Research Design for Public Administration and Policy (3)
• PAD7754 - Quantitative Methods for Public Administration & Policy I (3)
• PAD7756 - Quantitative Methods for Public Administration and Policy II (3)
• PAD7709 - Advanced Qualitative Methods for Public Administration and Policy (3)
• Specialization Electives (18 credit hours):
• Students choose from nine specialization areas, including Public Policy Analysis, Public Budgeting & Finance, Public Management, Urban Policy, Emergency Management, Nonprofit Management, Collaborative Governance, Comparative Public Administration, and Community and Global Health Services Research.
• Students complete four recommended courses (12 credit hours) in their chosen specialization and six credit hours of directed research.
• Dissertation (15 credit hours):
• Students must enroll in PAF 7980 Doctoral Dissertation continuously until they defend their dissertation.
• The dissertation demonstrates the candidate's ability to conduct independent research, analyze and interpret results, and communicate their findings effectively.

Assessment:

• Core Exam: A written integrative exam covering all substantive core courses is required after the first year of coursework.
• Qualifying Examination: An oral defense of three publication-quality papers (literature review, conceptual paper, and empirical paper) is required before entering candidacy.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for careers in academia, the public sector, and the nonprofit sector.

Other:

• Independent Learning: The program emphasizes independent learning through inquiry, dialogue, research papers, and the dissertation.
• Additional Program Requirements:
• Students initially admitted to the MPA/PhD dual degree program who decide to pursue only the MPA degree can have their completed courses applied to the MPA program.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of Independent Study can be used as electives with advisor or program director approval.
• A grade of "B-" or better is required in all courses.
• Students receiving a grade below "B-" in the Substantive Core or Methodological Core must repeat the course.
• Students with more than one "C" grade in their doctoral coursework may be dismissed from the program.
• A minimum 3.0 program GPA is required for graduation.
• Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be dismissed from the program.
• Students receiving an "F" grade in any coursework will be dismissed from the program.
• Research Proficiency Exam and Qualifying Exam: These exams assess a student's ability to integrate curriculum knowledge and apply it to community problem-solving.
• Candidacy: Students can obtain candidacy status after completing coursework, passing exams, forming a dissertation committee, and completing required paperwork.
• Equipment Fee: Full-time students pay a $40 equipment fee each semester, while part-time students pay $20 per semester.