New Mexico State University’s Master of Public Administration program is among one fourth of all MPA programs nationally accredited in the U.S. The program provides students with a diverse set of skills and hands on learning and research related to careers in the public and non-profit sector.
“We are currently leaders in issues that are specific to this Borderlands region, issues such as land, water, environment, immigration policy and education policy,” said Christina Medina, government professor and director of the program. “Our program provides multiple opportunities for hands on learning through a vibrant internship program and practical projects within the program.”
Ani Ter-Mkrtchyan, an assistant professor who teaches courses in the MPA program, recently received a federal award for both undergraduate and graduate student support and funding. Resources like these provide students with multiple opportunities to get hands-on research experience.
“My goal as a professor is to help my students realize their dreams,” Ter-Mkrtchyan said. “We do know that higher education has a transformative power for individual social mobility and the best reward for my efforts is a thank you note from a student who acknowledges my assistance for achieving an important milestone in their educational or career goals.
The Department of Government at NMSU offers two master’s programs with internship and research opportunities for students interested in political science and service in the public and non-profit sector.
The master’s in government also provides coursework, research and internship experience in each of the major fields of political science. Students enrolled in this program are given a broader foundation in political science and the opportunity to pursue a specific area of interest.
In addition, a Masters Accelerated Program (MAP), allows qualified junior and senior undergraduates to take up to 12 graduate credits and double count them towards both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Josh Galovin, a government student currently enrolled in both programs, attended a recent information session presented by Medina and Neil Harvey, government professor and department head.
“By participating in the MAP, I was paying undergraduate tuition to take graduate level courses, and those courses were fully covered by scholarships because they double counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit,” Galovin said.
“With plenty of courses under my belt from the MA and MPA, I can confidently state that both programs are uniquely their own and offer equally valuable learning experiences,” Galovin added. “Together as a dual program, an MA/MPA is advantageous for people like me who are interested in all realms of government and political science, from the abstract theories of political behavior across the globe to the nitty-gritty technical applications of public budgeting in the United States—the possibilities of such a diverse set of subfields lends itself to really meaningful research or a career in the public sector.”
Students in the program benefit from smaller class sizes. Professors are more accessible, get to know their students and work with them to accomplish their personal and professional goals.
Thaddieus Conner, a graduate of NMSU’s MPA program, is now an associate professor teaching MPA courses. Since his graduation from the program, Conner credited new faculty in the department with enhancing the master’s program, strengthening non-profit offerings and allowing students to take part in study abroad opportunities.
“When the opportunity to teach here presented itself in 2013, I couldn't resist,” Conner said. “It's great to give back to a program that jump started my career and to work with the next generation of students in New Mexico. Much of my research focuses on Native nations, so it is a great place to be.”
Conner published his first academic article with NMSU government professor William Taggart while he was in the program. He said, in his experience, the one-on-one mentorship that students receive at NMSU is exceptional.
Freddie Romero, another graduate of the program, works as an academic advisor at NMSU. A New Mexico native, he plans to continue working for the university for the remainder of his professional career. Romero’s ultimate goal is to make a larger impact on the policies that support students at NMSU.
“After I completed the program, I was later selected to co-author the NMSU training manual for advisors across the entire NMSU system, and I credit that opportunity to the experience I received while completing my MPA internship,” Romero said. “In addition to learning from faculty who actively research policy, students are provided with practical skills, and the opportunity to apply those skills in internships before they even graduate. Completing my MPA at NMSU is one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Find more information about requirements for the government master’s programs and the Masters Accelerated Program at https://deptofgov.nmsu.edu/.
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CUTLINE: Neil Harvey, government professor and department head, and Christina Medina, government professor and MPA director, led an information session for government students interested in pursuing master’s degrees earlier this semester. (Courtesy photo)