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master of public administration and master of science in management information systems dual degree program.

Objective

In government and non-profit organizations, there is a significant need and a long-term demand for persons with advanced skills in information management technology. The primary purpose of this dual degree option is to prepare students to manage and lead organizations in the future. To meet this need, the School of Public Administration and the College if Information Science and Technology offer the option to complete both the MPA and the MS in MIS degree jointly by completing 54 to 57 hours of course work beyond foundation requirements. This joint degree program is designed for dedicated students who are able to successfully complete graduate intensive study from two perspectives -- Public Administration and Management Information Systems -- while achieving a synergy between the two fields. As such, the program involves graduate coursework in both public administration and information systems, with integrative experiences that will attain the desired synergy. Students interested in this option will work closely with a faculty mentor to develop an integrated plan of study at an early stage.

Application Procedures

Note: Students who have already graduated with a MPA or MS in MIS are NOT eligible for a dual degree.

  • Complete and submit the graduate application form for admission along with the application fee.
  • Submit a detailed resume indicating your work experience and background.
  • Submit the statement of purpose also known as essay.
  • A writing sample from work or previous academic experiences. Alternatively, if you do not have a writing sample, please submit a two -page double-spaced word processed essay that addresses the following two topics:
    • Discussion of two accomplishments that demonstrate your potential for success in the graduate program
    • Discussion of your unique personal qualities and life experiences that distinguish you from other applicants to our graduate program
  • Three letters of recommendations - Please provide the names and email addresses for your recommenders. (A Request form will be emailed to recommenders by UNO when you submit your online application.)
  • Send one official transcripts of all college coursework. All applicants must have the equivalent of a 4-year undergraduate degree.
  • International applicants who do not have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an English-speaking institution of higher education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, English-speaking Africa, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit TOEFL and GRE scores.
  • The minimum TOEFL requirement is 550 (or 213 if computer-based TOEFL) or IELTS with a score of 6.5 or better or Pearson Test with a score of 59 or better.
  • Results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal, quantitative and written sections. There is no minimum GRE requirement, but the score is one important factor used in evaluating an applicant's portfolio.

Admission Criteria

Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants for the MPA/MIS dual degree program must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution of higher or the equivalent foreign institution, and earned a GPA of 2.85 (on a 4.0 scale). Since many factors influence the success of a graduate student, factors such as the applicant's maturity, motivation, employment history, writing samples, work experience, and other accomplishments also may be considered in making admission decisions. In addition, the GRE and, where applicable, TOEFL scores will also be used to make an admission decision.

Joint Admission

Students will be admitted jointly for the MS in MIS and the MPA programs under this track. The MPA and MS in MIS graduate program committee chairs will coordinate the admission process between the two programs. Though not required, it is highly recommended students start by completing foundation courses in the MS in MIS program.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the dual MPA and MS in MIS program include the completion of 54 or 57 semester hours of graduate credit beyond foundation courses identified at the time of admission. These hours will be completed as follows. Please note that in case a ISQA core course is waived, students will be required to take an elective course to replace those credits.

Core Courses: 39 credit hours

MPA program beginning core: 9 hours required (3 courses):

  • PA 8010 ยน The Public Economy
  • PA 8050 Introduction to Public Administration
  • PA 8090 Organization Theory and Behavior

MS in MIS program: 18 hours required (6 courses):

  • ISQA 8210 Management of Software Development
  • ISQA 8220 Advanced Systems Analysis and Design
  • ISQA 8310 Data Communications
  • ISQA 8380 Managing the Distributed Computing Environment
  • ISQA 8410 Database Management
  • ISQA 8420 Managing the IS Function

Methods course: 3 hours required:
Either PA 8120 Research Methods for Public Administration or ISQA 8060 Research in Management Information Systems.

MPA ending core: 9 hours (3 courses):

  • PA 8300 Policy Design and Implementation
  • Either PA 8320 Public Policy Evaluation
    or PA 8450 Seminar in Advanced Management Analysis in Public Agencies
    or PA 8330 Policy Analysis
  • Either PA 8440 Organization Develop. & Planned Change in the Public Sector
    or PA 8530 Strategic Planning & Mgmt in Public & Non-Profit Organizations.

*If taking the Program Management specialty area, a student must take PA 8320 or PA 8330 as part of the MPA ending core.

Electives: 12 credit hours

Students will take a minimum of 6 hours each of ISQA elective courses and PA elective courses. Students may choose to specialize in the following areas, or in another area with the approval of their faculty advisor. In any case, one of these courses must be PA 8400, PA 8720, or PA 8896 (Non-Profit Financial Management); and all courses must be at the 8000-level.

Program Management

  • PA 8450 Seminar in Advanced Management Analysis in Public Agencies
  • PA 8400 Public Budgeting
  • ISQA 8810 IT Project Fundamentals
  • ISQA 8820 Project Risk Management

Financial Management Information Systems

  • PA 8480 Seminar in Public Financial Administration
  • PA 8400 Public Budgeting
  • ISQA 8596 IT Audit and Control
  • ISQA 8570 Information Security Policy and Ethics

Health Care Information Systems

  • PA 8720 Health Care Finance
  • PA 8740 Health Care Policy
  • ISQA 8570 Information Security Policy and Ethics
  • ISQA 8400 Clinical Systems Architecture and Function

Capstone/Exam Option: Students will take the MPA program capstone course (PA 8990) .Students will also take the MS in MIS comprehensive exam.

Thesis Option: To take this option, a student will be required to enroll in six hours of credit either in the MPA program (PA 8980) or in the MS in MIS program (ISQA 8990). The thesis must be in an area that relates to both the public administration and information systems domains.

Foundation Courses: A student must have completed some basic courses either as an undergraduate student or prior to enrolling in the first MS in MIS course. Students may start MPA courses while completing the MIS foundation courses. More information on specific foundation requirements is available on the Department for Information Science & Technology website for the MS in MIS program.

Plan of Study

Each student admitted to the dual degree option will within the first semester of their enrollment file a detailed plan of study in close consultation with a graduate advisor.

last updated: 11/9/2011 at 3:52pm