Dual Degree: MS MIS & MPA
Objective/Rationale
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. To meet this need, the School of Public Administration and the College of Information Science and Technology offer the option to complete both the Master of Public Administration and the MS in Management Information Systems degrees jointly and by completing 54 to 57 hours of course work beyond foundation requirements. This dual 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. Students interested in this option will work closely with a faculty mentor to develop an integrated plan of study at an early stage. Students who complete the dual degree program will receive two degrees, two diplomas, and will have both degrees recorded on their transcript.
Admission into the MPA/MIS Program
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.
As a student interested in the dual MPA/MIS program, your first step is to apply to the Graduate College via the UNO application for admission. Full application procedures, as well as the requirements for admission, are available here.
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 core course is waived, students will be required to take an elective course to replace those credits. For a complete description of the program, click here.
Core Courses: 39 credit hours
- MPA program beginning core: 9 hours required (3 courses)
- MS in MIS program: 18 hours required (6 courses)
- Methods course: 3 hours required:
- MPA ending core: 9 hours (3 courses)
Electives: 12 credit hours
- 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.
- Program Management
- Financial Management Information Systems
- Health Care Information Systems
- One of these courses must be PA 8400, PA 8480, PA 8720, or PA 8896 (Non-Profit Financial Management).
- All courses must be at the 8000-level.
Students must also choose an exit option Integrative Experience: 3-6 credit hours
Capstone/Exam Option:
Students will take the MPA program capstone course (PA 8990) or the MPA comprehensive exam and an additional elective. 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 thesis 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.
Foundations 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.