Public Administration Dual Degrees

Public Administration
Mission Statement & Student Learning Objectives
Faculty & Staff
Admission Process
MPA Professional Advisory Council (MPAPAC)
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

About

In addition to the standalone Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, we offer dual degree options with the following programs:

In the dual degree programs, the required courses for one degree program serve as elective courses in the second program, which satisfy credit requirements for each of the degrees.

Any student interested in any of the dual degrees listed above must apply and be admitted to both programs. If you’ve already started one of the two master’s programs, you can work toward a dual degree by applying and being accepted to the other program. For more information about each of the dual degree programs, see below.

MPA & MSW Dual Degree

A dual-degree program is available through which one can obtain both a Master of Public Administration degree and a Master of Social Work degree. In this program of study, required courses for one degree program serve as elective courses in the second program, thereby reducing the number of credits required for each of the degrees.

Any student interested in this dual degree must apply and be admitted to both the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Social Work Programs. Individuals who have already started one of the two master’s programs can work toward the MPA/MSW by qualifying for admission to the other program.

The number of credits needed to graduate with the MPA/MSW dual degree is at least 118 for students in the two-year MSW program and 79 credits for students in the advanced standing MSW program. The dual-degree program can be completed in eight to nine full-time quarters by students in the two-year MSW program and in six quarters by students in the advanced standing program.

For more information on the courses required for the MPA, contact:

Courtney Jensen, PhD
Associate Professor and MPA Director
P: 509.828.1231
E: cejensen@ewu.edu

For more information on the courses required for the MSW, contact:

Deb Svoboda, PhD
Graduate Program Director
P: 509.359.6832
E:

MPA & MSW Career Possibilities

  • City or County Administrator
  • Social Services Director
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Health Administrator
  • Child Welfare Administrator
  • Housing Program Manager
  • Juvenile Justice Program Administrator

  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Program Manager for Social Services
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Advocacy/Policy Specialist
  • Grant Writer or Fundraising Manager
  • Homeless Services Director

  • Clinical Social Worker with Administrative Focus
  • Substance Abuse Program Director
  • Mental Health Program Manager
  • Domestic Violence Shelter Manager
  • Crisis Intervention Program Coordinator

  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Administrator
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager
  • Consultant for Social Impact Initiatives
  • Program Evaluator

  • Social Policy Researcher
  • University Professor or Lecturer
  • Program Development Specialist
  • Data Analyst for Social and Public Programs

  • International Development Program Manager
  • Humanitarian Aid Program Director
  • Refugee Services Coordinator
  • Global Policy Advisor

  • Director of Public Assistance Programs
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Federal Social Policy Advisor
  • Administrator for Health and Human Services (HHS) Programs
  • Veteran Services Program Director

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Social Work (MSW) dual degree gives you a powerful combination of practical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

With this versatile skill set, you’ll be ready to drive systemic change, shape policies, and take on leadership roles that bridge social work practice and public policy.

Graduates of this dual program are in high demand across various industries for their ability to address social justice issues, influence policy, and improve public and nonprofit systems.

Explore the numerous MPA & MSW career paths:

MPA & MURP Dual Degree

A dual-degree program with the Eastern Washington University Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program is available through which one can obtain both an MPA degree and an MURP degree. In this program of study, required courses for one degree program serve as elective courses in the second program, thereby reducing the number of credits required for each of the degrees.

Any student interested in this dual degree must apply and be admitted to both the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Programs. Individuals who have already started one of the two master’s programs can work toward the MPA/MURP by qualifying for admission to the other program.

Admitted students must complete 91 credits to earn both degrees. The complete policy on the MPA/MURP is available in both program offices and in the Graduate Studies Office. Only one admission fee is required for students applying to both programs.  Eight quarters of full-time study are typically needed to complete both degrees.

For information on the required MPA courses, contact:

Courtney Jensen, PhD
Associate Professor and MPA Director
P: 509.828.1231
E: cejensen@ewu.edu

For information on the required MURP courses, contact:

Matthew Anderson, PhD
Professor and URP Director
E: urp@ewu.edu

MPA & MURP Career Possibilities

  • City Manager
  • Urban Planner
  • Transportation Planner
  • Economic Development Director
  • Housing Policy Analyst
  • Regional Planner
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Community Development Director

  • Urban Development Consultant
  • Real Estate Development Project Manager
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
  • Infrastructure Finance Specialist

  • Nonprofit Director or Manager
  • Community Organizer
  • Policy Advisor for Advocacy Groups
  • Affordable Housing Specialist

  • Urban Policy Researcher
  • University Professor
  • Data Analyst

  • Climate Change Resilience Planner
  • Disaster Recovery Manager
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Parks and Recreation Planner

  • Urban Development Specialist for International Organizations
  • Foreign Service Officer in Urban Planning
  • Smart City Consultant

  • State or Federal Program Administrator
  • Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Director
  • Public Works Administrator

A dual degree in Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) equips you with a unique skill set to address challenges related to urban development, governance, policy, and planning.

You’ll gain interdisciplinary, in-demand skills that empower you to lead innovative solutions in diverse fields, from public administration to urban innovation.

The program prepares you to confront the issues of urbanization, sustainability, and public policy while fostering equitable and inclusive communities.

Graduates of this dual program often combine their expertise in public administration and urban planning to spearhead initiatives, manage public resources, and develop strategies for sustainable growth.

Explore the MPA & MURP degree career paths: