Public and Nonprofit Administration, B.A., B.S. and Public Administration, M.P.A.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, Master of Public Administration (B.A., B.S., M.P.A.)
Combined
Allendale • Grand Rapids • Face to face • Hybrid • 147 Credits
Unlock your potential with our combined degree program! This exciting opportunity allows you to fast-track both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, saving time and money while propelling you toward your personal and career aspirations. If you are passionate about serving others and ready to elevate your education, consider applying once you reach junior standing with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Meet with the M.P.A. graduate program director to explore this exciting opportunity.
Overview
Grand Valley offers a combined degree program in Public and Nonprofit Administration (B.A., B.S.) and Public Administration (M.P.A.), designed to help students achieve both undergraduate and graduate degrees in an accelerated timeframe. This program prepares students for leadership roles in public and nonprofit sectors, focusing on skills such as policy analysis, financial management, and organizational leadership. Qualified undergraduates can apply during their junior year and complete both degrees, reducing the overall cost and time required.
The course topics in this program cover a wide range of subjects essential for public administration professionals. Students will study public policy, nonprofit management, budgeting, and strategic planning. The curriculum includes hands-on learning through impactful internships and projects with community leaders, alumni, and faculty. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-equipped to handle current and future challenges in public and nonprofit administration.
This combined program provides:
- A blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing students for the job market with valuable skills.
- The M.P.A. program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, ensuring high-quality education.
- The program's ties with business, community, and cultural organizations enhance the learning experience. Completing this combined degree accelerates career trajectories, giving graduates a competitive edge in the field.
Admission Information
Students will normally apply for the combined B.S./M.P.A. program during their third academic year. Visit the online catalog for information about admission requirements for the combined bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in public and nonprofit administration and master of public administration in public administration.
School of Community Leadership and Development
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
[email protected]
Program DIrector
Neal Buckwalter, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6583
Career Opportunities
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 70,106.18 | 10% |
| $ 96,603.81 | 25% |
| $128,733.40 | 50% |
| $170,261.26 | 75% |
| $218,788.25 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 76,086.82 | 10% |
| $ 91,364.01 | 25% |
| $114,636.98 | 50% |
| $159,194.30 | 75% |
| $196,322.66 | 90% |
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,753.31 | 10% |
| $ 46,014.00 | 25% |
| $ 61,284.83 | 50% |
| $ 83,194.75 | 75% |
| $112,857.04 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 54,971.88 | 10% |
| $ 73,128.69 | 25% |
| $ 93,379.97 | 50% |
| $135,070.14 | 75% |
| $189,111.38 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
Accreditation
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) for over twenty years, starting in 1995. This accreditation recognizes that our programs maintain rigor and currency for tomorrow's public leaders.
Deep Community Engagement
As a professional school in an urban setting, students in the M.P.A. program are actively involved with the community in professional service activities and applied research. They participate in internships and projects with community leaders, alumni, and faculty.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Request Information