Dual, Joint and Combined Degrees Handbook

The Master of Arts in Arts Policy and Administration (MA) program is a joint degree effort by the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy. It is one of the first in the country dedicated to serious research and advanced training in arts policy and administration. The interdisciplinary program focuses on three components: 1) public policy and the arts and culture, 2) arts management, and 3) arts education policy and program management. Graduates of the program will have the practical skills required to manage an arts or cultural organization and will understand the relationships of the arts to education, education to government and government to the arts.

The program requires a minimum of 43-47 credit hours, depending on which courses or substitutes are taken. Students have the option to complete a thesis in Arts Policy and Administration or a Glenn College capstone class. Most students complete the degree program in three years (varies depending on a student’s thesis).

Students are strongly recommended to undertake internship experiences. Arrangements should be made in consultation with the Arts Policy and Administration advisor.

By taking advantage of the Glenn College’s combined degree program with the Moritz College of Law, students are able to get their Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Public Policy and Management in three years-i.e. no longer than the law degree takes to complete by itself. The curriculum of the Moritz College of Law is designed to provide a strong theoretical and analytical foundation, as well as offering multiple opportunities for developing one’s skills in this field. Students in the combined degree program have access to all the resources and advising services offered by both departments.

Important Notes for Combined JD/MA Students

• To apply, JD students must submit an online application through Graduate Admissions during the first year of their JD program, and select the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management Program (MA)
• Taking courses after completion of the law degree is acceptable provided you complete both programs within six years

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs offers a dual degree program with the College of Social Work, where students earn a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (MA) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Graduates of the dual degree program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to inform public policy and manage human service programs in the public and private sectors. Students in the dual degree program have access to all the resources and advising services offered by both departments, and most full-time MA/MSW dual degree students are able to complete both degrees in three years.

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Knowlton School of Architecture have established a dual degree partnership that allows students to earn a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (MA) and a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP). The dual degree program prepares students for leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors with a background and interest in City and Regional Planning. Students in the dual degree program have access to all the resources and advising services offered by both departments and are able to complete both degrees in three years.

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the School of Environment and Natural Resources have an established dual degree program that allows students to complete a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (MA) and a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources (MS) or a Master of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR). Graduates of the dual degree program are prepared for leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and can specialize in topics related to environmental policy. Students in the dual degree program have access to all the resources and advising services offered by both departments and are able to complete both degrees in two years – much less time than if they pursued them separately.

The John Glenn College and the College of Public Health have established a dual degree program that allows students to complete a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) or a Master of Public Health (MPH). The MHA and MPH programs offer professional preparation for those who will take leadership roles in the delivery and financing of health services. Career settings range from delivery organization, such as hospitals and clinics, to related parts of the health care industry such as consulting, insurance and related industries. Many health care graduates pursue careers in public agencies and nonprofit organizations as well. Students in the dual degree program have access to all the resources and advising services offered by both departments and are able to complete both degrees in three years –much less time than if they pursued the degrees separately.

The John Glenn College and the Center for Slavic and East European Studies have developed a dual degree program that allows students to complete a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (MA) and a Master of Arts in Slavic and East European Studies (MA). This unique program of study will provide graduate students with an interest in Slavic and East European countries and cultures with an applied set of skills and tools to add to their professional profile upon graduation. Students in the dual degree program have access to all the resources and advising services offered by both departments and are able to complete both degrees in less than three years.

The Glenn College and the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) have developed programs of study that will provide graduate students with an interest in Latin American countries and cultures with an applied set of skills and tools to add to their professional profile upon graduation. As Latin America develops, people with strong skills in policy, economics, leadership, analysis and communication are necessary for development.

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs has partnered with the Fisher College of Business to develop a dual degree program that allows students to complete a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This program will help students navigate the increasingly complex world of government-business relations and can be completed in three years, one full year less than if students pursued the degrees separately.

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Development Economics (AEDE) have established a dual degree program that allows students to complete a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Applied Economics (MAE). The program prepares students for careers in public finance, management and policy analysis with a focus on environmental, agricultural and development policy issues. The program can be completed in two years and provides students the flexibility to specialize and tailor the programs’ courses and electives.

Applicants who have not yet been admitted into an Ohio State program should apply to the Glenn College using the application instructions (please see the Dual Programs page on our website). They may choose to apply concurrently to the secondary program as well.

After students have been admitted to the Glenn College, it is recommended they meet with an advisor to discuss how to apply to another dual program at Ohio State. Please note: we strongly advise students speak with an admissions staff member with the Glenn College before starting to pursue a dual degree.

1. Request that your home department send a copy of your application file to the Glenn College. Your file should include your original statement of purpose, resume, transcripts, application, and letters of recommendation. Have your home department send these documents to GlennApply@osu.edu.
2. Complete the Glenn College Dual Degree application form available by contacting GlennApply@osu.edu. This will serve as your new statement of purpose specifically for the Glenn College, so take your time in crafting your response.
3. Email an updated resume to GlennApply@osu.edu.
4. JD/MA STUDENTS ONLY: In addition to the steps above, please also submit an Online Application through the Graduate Admissions Office. Please select the MA - Public Policy and Management Program (PUBADM-MA). DO NOT include attachments to the online application. Everything we will need is outlined above and should be submitted via email from the student and college office directly.