Siena students interested in careers in public policy, global affairs, and government or non-profit management can begin working on a master of public administration (M.P.A.) before the start of their senior year, thanks to a new articulation agreement.
Accepted students can take up to 12 credits at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy (part of the University at Albany) that will count toward both the M.P.A. and their Siena B.A., according to Daniel Lewis, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and faculty advisor for the program.
Lewis said a student would be accepted into the program during the spring semester of their junior year, then take one course in the M.P.A. program during the following summer, fall, and spring semesters as they finish up their B.A. at Siena.
“This gives them a semester head start on an M.P.A. at a nationally-recognized public affairs school, allows them to pay the undergraduate tuition rate for those 12 credits, and gives them the option to complete the M.P.A. in a calendar year if they complete another eight credits during the following summer.”
Siena has an existing agreement with Rockefeller where students who successfully complete a certificate in community development will have their formal application and fees waived for the Rockefeller M.P.A.
Alex Pearce ’19, who recently graduated from Siena with. B.A. in economics, is enrolling at Rockefeller this fall.
“Rockefeller offers a unique opportunity where students can combine academic and professional work while being able to serve the Capital Region,” he said. “I’m delighted to learn that future Siena students will be able to engage in this new partnership with Rockefeller, which will allow them to become the future change makers our society needs."
