Master of Arts in Public Affairs
The Master of Arts in Public Affairs combines studies in sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, literature, and history in an interdisciplinary emphasis. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural environment in the public and private sphere through a common core of courses taken by all students in political theory, social theory and historical thought, human culture, and economic theory.
Students, prior to admission to the program, select one of the following concentrations: political and governmental processes (see political science in the Department of Humanities), or applied sociology. Students interested in sociology will follow the curriculum described below.
This program will prepare students for doctoral studies and provide enrichment for professionals in public careers such as law, politics, or government service. The program also provides advanced preparation for teachers. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is well suited to such purposes, by combining theoretical knowledge and practical methodology in historical and cross-cultural analysis; archival research; personal and participant observation, interview, and survey techniques; and statistical analysis, model-building, and simulation applied to analysis of social and cultural trends; political and economic policy at local, regional, national, and international levels; and organizational and institutional processes.
The program’s geographic location in a multiethnic region of the Southwest brings unique perspectives. Field and practicum experiences are available to capitalize on the region’s rich social, cultural, and institutional resources.
Master of Arts in Public Affairs (M.A.)
Required core: 12 to 15
Choose 12 to 15 credits from the following list:
Anth 651 Concepts of Human Culture (3)
Hist 615 Cont Hist Thought(3)
PolS 563 Political Economy (3)
PolS 654 Sem: The State (3)
Soc 539 Classical Social OR Soc 639 Theories/Cont Socio Theories (3)
Core Total: 12 to 15
Applied Sociology Concentration
Required courses: 6-9 for thesis option
12-15 for non-thesis option
Soc 530 Data Analysis (3)
Soc 539 Classical Social Theories (3)
Soc 630 Res Meth in Soc & Anthro (3)
Soc 639 Cont Soc Theories (3)
Choose one of the following, in consultation with your adviser:
Soc 699 Thesis (6) OR completion of two professional papers and six additional hours of coursework
Electives: 6 to 15
Select six to nine credits for thesis option, 12 to 15 credits for non-thesis option.
Soc 511 The Community (3)
Soc 512 Social Stratifcation (3)
Soc 527 Criminology (3)
Soc 528 Comp Legal Syst (3)
Soc 535 Gender & Society (3)
Soc 593 Race & Ethnic Relations (3)
PolS 558 Pol Theory & Phil (3)
PolS 614 Sem: Public Policies (3)
Soc 5XX Gender & Society/ Psychology (3)
Soc 511 The Community (3)
Soc 512 Social Stratification (3)
Soc 515 Dev & Socio-Cultural Change (3)
PolS 519 Public Adm (3)
Soc 593 Race & Ethnic Relations (3)
PolS 558 Pol Theory & Phil (3)
PolS 614 Public Policies (3)
Electives selected in consultation with your graduate adviser.
Program Total: 36