Earn Your Accelerated 3+2 Political Science Major to Master of Public Administration on-campus in La Grande, Oregon and Online at Eastern Oregon University.
Embark on an accelerated educational journey designed for ambitious future leaders in public administration and nonprofit management. Our innovative 5-Year (3+2) program combines the rigors of a broad-based undergraduate Political Science degree with the depth, specialization, and executive credentials of a Master of Public Administration. Complete both degrees in as few as five years, saving a full year of time and tuition, and graduate ready to direct meaningful change in public and civic sectors nationwide.
- Dual-Degree Acceleration: Double-count 12 graduate-level PADM credits toward both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, reducing your total program length to just five years.
- Shift-Friendly Flexibility: Complete your coursework fully online (100% asynchronously) or on our beautiful campus in La Grande, seamlessly adapting to your personal and professional schedule.
- Significant Tuition Savings: Earn graduate credits during your senior year at EOU’s competitive undergraduate tuition rate, drastically lowering your total investment in a master’s degree.
The Seamless Bridge to Executive Public Service Leadership
Eastern Oregon University’s 3+2 Accelerated Political Science Major to Master of Public Administration program is built for driven individuals ready to propel their careers forward. This innovative pathway streamlines the transition between undergraduate study and specialized graduate training, offering a coherent and seamless track to maximize your academic and professional potential.
Unlike urban-centric administrative programs, EOU delivers a unique, rural-informed global curriculum. We prepare you to navigate the political, economic, and social challenges unique to small-town governance and regional nonprofits while maintaining a sophisticated global perspective.
How it works
- The Foundation (Years 1–3): Complete your undergraduate Political Science core, establishing robust skills in policy processes, budgetary politics, and constitutional law. Work closely with your advisor to maintain eligibility requirements.
- The Double-Count Transition (Year 4): Apply to the MPA program in the winter of your junior year. Once accepted, you will complete 12 graduate-level PADM credits during your senior year. These credits double-count, fulfilling both your undergraduate requirements and your graduate core.
- The Master’s Year (Year 5): Complete the remaining 39 graduate credits to earn your Master of Public Administration.
- Frictionless Exit Policy: If your career plans change and you choose not to finish the MPA year, you can exit the program at any time with no penalty. Your completed graduate-level courses will apply directly to your Bachelor’s degree, allowing you to graduate on time with your B.S. or B.A.
- Total Credits Required: 219 Credits (180 Undergraduate + 39 Graduate)
- Time to Completion: 5 Years (Saves 1 full year)
- Degree Options: B.S. or B.A. in Political Science + Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
- Double-Count Advantage: 12 Graduate PADM credits double-apply to both degrees
- Advising Support: Paired with dedicated public safety/service pathway specialists
Core competencies
Develop strategic management, administration, and organizational leadership capabilities to lead and manage successfully in public governance.
Acquire substantive knowledge to participate in, analyze, synthesize, and contribute effectively to local, national, and global policy processes.
Analyze, think critically, and use data-driven decision-making tools to solve complex, real-world administrative and societal problems.
Articulate, internalize, and apply a professional public service perspective centered on transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
Develop advanced communication and interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Master key methodology tools, from quantitative statistics to qualitative research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to evaluate public programs.
LEARNING OPTIONS & DELIVERY MODALITIES
In-Person (La Grande)
Vibrant Cohort Community
Experience an engaging, student-centered campus community in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. Perfect for students seeking traditional classroom debates and face-to-face peer groups.
Highlights: • Small class sizes with personalized instructor feedback.• Direct access to campus libraries, research labs, and regional networks.• Participate in EOU’s on-campus clubs and quarterly speaker events.
Online
Uncompromising Flexibility
Highlights: • No on-campus requirements — study where and when it’s best for you.• Identical curriculum, assignments, and credentialing as on-campus programs.• Full access to EOU’s online advising, library resources, and tutoring centers.
Maximize Your Prior Credits
Turn your previous college coursework or Associate degree into a powerful, career-accelerating bachelor’s degree at EOU.
Highlights: • Flexible transfer policy — EOU accepts up to 135 credits from other institutions. • Seamlessly integrate previous credits. • Personalized advisor support to build a fast-track completion plan. • Accelerate your timeline to save money and enter the job market sooner.
Mentorship from Active Public Service Experts
At EOU, you will learn from seasoned, Ph.D.-degreed educators, active researchers, and experienced practitioners who bring a wealth of real-world public administration experience directly to your classroom.
They are deeply invested in your personal and professional growth. Whether guiding you through complex constitutional law debates in La Grande or providing personalized video feedback on program evaluation designs online, EOU faculty ensure you receive a rigorous, supportive education that maximizes your professional potential.
Ready to Fast-Track Your Public Service Career?
Join the EOU family and earn your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in just five years.
