Public Administration/Integrated Global Communication Dual Master’s Degree (MPA/MAIGC)

Contact Information

Program Description

The Master of Public Administration/Master of Arts in Integrated Global Communication (MPA/MAIGC) Program is a dual degree offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The objective of this program is to allow students who are interested in serving as communications professionals in the government and nonprofit sectors to register concurrently in both the MPA and MAIGC programs. The public’s demand for information about of the actions of public sector organizations, especially in emergency situations, requires professionals well versed in how the public sector operates and how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. This dual degree program combines preparation in public management and communication theory and practice to make graduates competitive in the growing public communication field.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the dual degree program, the applicant must specify the option at the time of application to the Graduate School. Students interested in applying for the dual degree option MPA/MAIGC Program should consult with either the MPA Director or the MAIGC Director with regard to admission requirements and required courses. The following are requirements beyond the general KSU Graduate Admissions  requirements:                                                                   

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least 2.75 grade point average;
• Submission of an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions and a non-refundable application fee; International students must also provide satisfactory TOEFL or IETLS scores;
• Scores from a standardized graduate admission test, such as GRE, MAT, GMAT or LSAT. Request that your scores be sent electronically to KSU. -OR- Obtain a GRE waiver. -OR- Minimum test scores of:
  • 304 GRE combined Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, 3.9 Analytical Writing
  • 400 MAT
  • 570 GMAT
  • 148 LSAT
• Submit a statement of purpose essay of approximately 1,000 words addressing the following questions: “In what way do you expect the Master of Public Administration - Master of Arts in Integrated Global Communication dual degree to affect or enhance your career goals and aspirations?”
• A current résumé;
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or work supervisors with direct knowledge of the applicant that address the applicant’s potential for graduate study and use of an MPA-MAIGC dual degree.
• Students are admitted to the program based upon an overall review of all credentials including any work and community service experience that indicates potential success in graduate work and in professional public service.
• Fall admission only

MPA/MAIGC applications will be considered by a joint MPA and MAIGC committee of faculty who regularly teach in their respective programs.

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Currently, there are no exceptions to the admission criteria.

Transfer Credit

No credit from outside institutions is accepted for this degree program.

Petition to Graduate

Each candidate must petition to graduate online. For more information, please view the corresponding section of Academic Policies .

Program of Study

The MPA-MAIGC is a dual degree program consisting of 54 credit hours, of which 24 hours are in public administration and 24 hours are in communications. Students are also required to complete 6 credit hours of electives.