International Relations & Global Studies/Public Administration, BA/MPA

International Relations and Global Studies BA + Public Administration MPA accelerated degree program: 

The five-year combined degree program in International Relations and Global Studies (IRGS) and Public Administration (PAA) creates an integrated path from undergraduate to graduate study, allowing students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years without interruption. It prepares students for professional careers in international organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Foreign Service, or multinational corporations. Students in this program will gain a uniquely marketable set of skills that will allow them to succeed professionally in the multi-disciplinary global environment.

Students should ideally complete their undergraduate core curriculum credits and International Relations and Global Studies major requirements by the end of their third year so that they may begin graduate courses in their senior year. Students will take a minimum of 144 credits total combined for the BA and MPA degrees. Up to 18 graduate credits may be applied towards the 120 credits needed for the BA degree, while also helping to fulfill the 42 credits of requirements for the MPA program. This program requires close advisement and students should see the faculty advisor for the program early on. Students who have demonstrated academic readiness by achieving a 3.0 QPA or higher are eligible to apply. 

Information on the MPA curriculum may be found here: Master of Public Administration, MPA
 
Note: Students who entered Pace University before Fall 2026, and are taking ‘AOKs’ as part of their undergraduate core curriculum requirements, should consult the undergraduate catalogue under which they entered and/or contact their advisor for worksheets specific to them.

major completion summary

University Core Requirements (38-49 Credits)

See complete University Core requirements.

For this combined degree program, students may not fulfill the General Core requirement to take NSS courses through taking POL or PAA courses.

Major Requirements (42 Credits)

¹

Courses taken in Part 1 and 2 may not be double counted in the minor.  (If student is double majoring in program instead of just doing a minor, 12 credits may double count).

²

Note: Diplomacy minors must take at least 9 credits of eligible non-POL courses in fulfilling parts 1 and 2. 

Open Electives (29-40 Credits)

Public Administration MPA Courses (42 Credits)

¹

Students will take a minimum of 144 credits total combined for the BA and MPA degrees. Up to 18 graduate credits may be applied towards the 120 credits needed for the BA degree, while also helping to fulfill the 42 credits of requirements for the MPA program.

²

For the MPA portion of the combined program, students can select between the 'Government Management,' 'Nonprofit Management' & 'Health Care Administration' tracks in the MPA, in consultation with undergraduate and graduate advisors. For eligible "elective/specialization" courses and the most up-to-date requirements for the MPA, contact the Public Administration department.