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Dual Master of Public Administration - Master of Arts in Economics

School of Public Affairs

Overview

Degree: MA MPA

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

The dual-degree provides you with the opportunity to take the core of both programs, while choosing electives that simultaneously count toward both programs and that suit your career and personal goals. The net result is a more comprehensive and effective education in less time.

Application deadlines


Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: May 1

Program Details

Interest Categories: Computing & Mathematics Criminology & Law Public Administration & Policy Social & Behavioral Sciences

Campus: CU Denver

The fields of public administration and economics are inextricably linked. Economists provide much of the theory and analytic foundation that administrators use to evaluate and implement policy. Given that the capitol of Colorado is in Denver, there is great need for administrators that fully understand methods of program evaluation and that have the theoretical background needed to forecast how individuals and institutions will respond to new proposals. Similarly, good theory and practice must consider how the proposals will be implemented and results interpreted. Both administrators and economists need to be engaged in constructive dialog for either to be fully effective.

General requirements

Review CU Denver's Graduate Academic Policies.

Program requirements

  • The dual degree program requires 48 credit hours of graduate coursework.
  • A maximum of 6 transfer credit hours may be applied to the degree requirements.
  • Students at the University are expected to maintain progress in their degree program, as defined by being in "good academic standing." Good academic standing requires minimally a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all University of Colorado course work.

Required courses

Students must complete the 11 required courses below, for a total of 33 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5001: Introduction to Public Administration & Public Service (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5002: Organizational Management & Behavior (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5003: Research & Analytic Methods (3 credits) -OR- PUAD 5004: Economics & Public Finance (3 credit hours) -OR- PUAD 5503: Public Budgeting & Finance (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5005: The Policy Process & Democracy (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5006: Public Service Leadership & Ethics (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5008: Evidence-Based Decision-Making (3 credit hours)
  • ECON 5073: Microeconomic Theory (3 credit hours)
  • ECON 5083: Macroeconomic Theory (3 credit hours)
  • ECON 5803: Mathematical Economics (3 credit hours)
  • ECON 5813: Econometrics I (3 credit hours)
  • ECON 5823: Econometrics II (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5361: Capstone Seminar -OR- ECON 6073: Research Seminar (3 credit hours)

Elective courses

In addition to the required courses, students must complete 12 credit hours of elective courses.

If students choose PUAD 5361, then they are required to take 6 credit hours of economics electives and 6 credit hours of graduate electives (5000-level or higher) from the School of Public Affairs.

If students choose ECON 6073, then they are required to take 3 credit hours of economics electives and 9 credit hours of graduate electives (5000-level or higher) from the School of Public Affairs. Elective courses must be approved by the program directors.

All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

Recommended Completion Time:3 Years

Max Transfer Credits:6

Max Credits Per Year:In most cases, students wishing to take more than 18 credit hours per semester (12 in the summer session) must have the overload approved by the dean.

Required Credits for Completion:48 Credits

Admission Requirements


View the admissions requirements for the School of Public Affairs.

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