Masters of Public Administration 4+1 - Early Entry

Make a difference through government, sooner.

Westfield State University is offering undergraduate political science, criminal justice, geography, planning, and sustainability, and economics and business management students an accelerated pathway to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree in just 5 years. These students will have the opportunity to enroll in graduate level courses during their senior year with 6-credits counting towards both your related major’s bachelor's degree and master’s degree in public administration. This Early Entry Master of Public Administration program allows students enrolled to start obtaining graduate level credits sooner, earning their degrees in less time than it would to earn them separately.

Application is due by February 15th of student’s junior year.

Students will be notified of acceptance into the program by March 1st.

Why Choose Westfield?

Do you want to further your education and professional experience with a master’s degree? Are you overwhelmed with options when applying to graduate schools? Get a Master of Public Administration degree sooner, on a campus you know and with faculty you trust.

You will benefit from:

A reduction of the master’s degree credit requirement by 6 credits, accelerating completion of a master’s degree in Public Administration.
A smooth transition between undergraduate and graduate programs.
Waived GRE/MAT score requirements and application fees.
Experienced faculty dedicated to helping you become leaders in the public sector.

How does the Early Entry Program work?

During their senior year, students will take 6 credits designated by the public administration graduate program administrator, 3 credits in fall and 3 credits in spring, in addition to their undergraduate courses. The 6 credits will be applied to their undergraduate studies and will count towards their master’s degree, with a grade of B or better. Students will fully enroll into the MPA program the summer after senior year.

Am I Eligible?

Students who are enrolled in their related undergraduate programs and who have taken at least 75-credits, 30 of which are from Westfield State University, may apply for the Early Entry Master of Public Administration program in their junior year.

To be eligible for this Early Entry program, you must:

Have an overall GPA of 3.2
Apply by February 15th in the junior year after completing 75-undergraduate credits
Complete the application form and accompanying materials for the graduate application including:
- Statement of interest (narrative statement)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts of all undergraduate work
Approval from their undergraduate academic advisor

What are the costs?

Current undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees can be found on the main Westfield State website at westfield.ma.edu. Costs of courses taken at the graduate level differ from undergraduate tuition.

Once a student is enrolled in the graduate Public Administration program, the College of Graduate and Continuing Education offers a limited number of graduate assistantships that can help with the cost of graduate courses. Additional information about financial aid can be found at GoBackNow.com or by contacting the CGCE office.

Have questions?

For questions about the Early Entry M.P.A. program contact:

Dr. Charles DiStefano
cdistefano@westfield.ma.edu

For questions about applying to Westfield State University:

Undergraduate Admissions
(413) 572-5218
admissions@westfield.ma.edu

Graduate Admissions
(413) 572-8020
wsucgce@westfield.ma.edu

Westfield State University

Master of Public Administration - Early Entry