Political Science | Master of Liberal Studies (Public Administration)
About the Program
The increasing scope and complexity of problems facing American society have placed substantial demands upon public and private sector leaders. It is a broad sentiment that our social institutions (and their leaders) have failed to provide the "good life." Our society is entering an era in which the traditional boundary between public, private, and nonprofit sectors is becoming increasingly blurred. Thus, it is even more important that today's public administrator understand and work effectively within the context of these social changes. Public administrators require particular knowledge and skills to provide the highest standards of leadership in their communities, and the MLS in Public Administration provides those essential qualities.
Program Overview
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MLS Core Courses | ||
| IDS 801 | Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies | 1 |
| IDS 802 | Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| IDS 803 | Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society | 3 |
| IDS 804 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| Concentration Core | ||
| POLS 611G | Policy Analysis | 3 |
| POLS 612G | The Administrative Process | 3 |
| POLS 616G | Public Personnel Management | 3 |
| POLS 618G | Public Budgeting | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Organizational Communication and Leadership | ||
| Criminal Justice Systems, Policies and Practices | ||
| Public Policy, Law, Ethics in Telecommunications | ||
| Law of Cyberspace | ||
| Organizational Systems, Change, and Leadership | ||
| Ethical Leadership | ||
| Constitutional Law | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Projects in Liberal or Professional Studies | ||
| Internship in Liberal or Professional Studies | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Advanced Research Methods In Political Science | ||
Course approved by MLS Coordinator | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment (Concentration) | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Graduate School Graduation Requirements
All Graduate degrees1 require:
- Maintain a C or higher in all coursework.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Refer to program)
- A minimum of 30-75 hours of Graduate course work. (Refer to program)
- Comprehensive Examination or equivalent assessment is required. (Master of Liberal Studies requires a Comprehensive Examination and Concentration Exam)
- Degree completion within 8 years.
- 1
Refer to degree program for any additional requirements.
Note for MLS and MPS degree concentrations:
Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| IDS 801 | Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies | 1 |
| IDS 802 | Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| POLS 611G | Policy Analysis | 3 |
| POLS 612G | The Administrative Process | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| IDS 803 | Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society | 3 |
| POLS 616G | Public Personnel Management | 3 |
| IDS 804 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 618G | Public Budgeting | 3 |
| COMM 810 | Organizational Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| LDRS 818 | Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| IDS 820 | Projects in Liberal or Professional Studies | 3 |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment (Concentration) | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.
Program Admissions Requirements
This concentration requires a 2.5 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate credit hours. The personal statement (1-2 pages) should be inspired by the following questions:
- What does it mean to engage in graduate study?
- What are three of the most crucial qualities needed to be a graduate student?
- Describe for us something you're especially proud of having achieved in your life.
One of the two required letters of recommendation should be an academic reference.
The program has a rolling admissions process, and will review completed applications as they are submitted.