Political Science/Public Administration, BA/MPA

Political Science BA + MPA accelerated degree program: 

The five-year combined degree program in Political Science 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 government agencies, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the corporate world. Students in this program will gain a uniquely marketable set of skills that will allow them to succeed professionally in a multitude of settings.

Students should ideally complete their undergraduate core curriculum credits and political science major requirements by the end of their third year so that they may begin graduate courses in 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 catalogue under which they entered and/or contact their advisor for worksheets specific to them.

 University Core Requirements (38-49 Credits)

See complete University Core requirements.

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MAT 102 Mathematics for Life is the recommended course for political science majors to fulfill their fundamental math requirement.

Major Requirements (33 Credits)

 

NYC students must include POL 240 Applied Research Methods.

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No more than six credits of Model UN courses of POL 303A Politics Workshop: International Organization/POL 303C Politics Workshop: United Nations may be counted toward this major.

³

No more than six credits in POL 393 Internship in Government and Politics and POL 395 Independent Study in Political Studies/Science  may count toward the major.

 Open Electives (38-49 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.

BA Political Sci/Public Admin-MPA (PLG) Track

In addition to the courses listed below, students are required to complete two courses with the Anti-Racism Education attribute attached. These cour​ses may be taken during any semester of their education. See advisor for more information.