Combined Degree: Public and Nonprofit Administration, B.A., B.S. and Public Administration, M.P.A.
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.
Program Overview
The accelerated program empowers qualified undergraduates to start their Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree while earning a bachelor's degree. Admitted students can take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework that count toward both degreesall for the cost of undergraduate tuition. After earning the bachelor's degree, students continue seamlessly in the M.P.A. program, completing an additional 27 credits of coursework and a 3-credit internship. Most students finish the M.P.A. in just three semesters after completing the bachelor's degree.
- City and county managers
- Urban and regional planners
- Health services managers
- Fundraising and grants managers
- Emergency management directors
- Nonprofit executive directors
- Budget and financial analysts
- Education administrators
- Nonprofit program coordinators
Why Pursue a Combined Degree at Grand Valley?
- Transformative. Enhance your skills and equip yourself with 21st-century leadership tools and transform your passion into impact.
- Real-World Experience. Impactful internships and projects with community leaders, alumni, and faculty.
- Diverse Network. Connect and network with a vibrant student body, influential professionals, and faculty experts.
- Affordable. Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and credit transfers are available to make the degree more affordable.
- Accredited. The M.P.A. program is accredited by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, a prestigious distinction held since 1995.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus. Graduate courses are a combination of online and in-seat on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Formats:- Face To Face
- Hybrid
Coursework
Through rigorous coursework, collaborative projects, and hands-on experiences, students cultivate a deep understanding of the issues and emerge as professional and visionary leaders ready to inspire change and foster innovation. The following courses will be used toward completion of the combined degree:
- PNH 520 (required) as an additional elective
- PNH 612 for PNH 376
- PNH 614 for PNH 420
- PNH 620, 630, 660, 641, or 668 for an undergraduate elective
Admission Requirements
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.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Community Leadership and Development288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
[email protected]
“Getting the combined degree was one of the best decisions I ever made! It opened doors for me in the public sector, allowing me to dive right in and gain hands-on experience that I apply every single day. This journey has equipped me with essential skills and ignited my passion for making a difference.”
B.S. '22, M.P.A. '23