MPA-MS

MPA-MS Cybersecurity Risk Management Program

For students who began the MPA-MS dual degree between Fall 2022 and Spring 2026.

The MPA-MS dual degree allows students to pair the Master of Public Affairs from O'Neill with the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.

Students in the MPA-MS program take 30 credit hours of O'Neill courses towards the MPA degree and complete an experiential component. With approval, up to 3 credit hours maximum may be taken outside of the O’Neill School. 

Students should consult with the Luddy School for the most up-to-date MS in Cybersecurity Risk Management degree requirements.

See below for the full outline of the MPA requirements for the MPA-MS dual degree. 

MPA Requirement I: Core (21 credit hours)

SPEA-F 560    Public Finance and Budgeting

SPEA-V 506   Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making

SPEA-V 512   Public Policy Process OR

SPEA-V 538   Comparative and International Policy Process

SPEA-V 517   Public Management Economics

SPCN-V 532   Social Equity and Justice (1.5 credit hours)

SPEA-V 535   Managing and Leading Public Affairs

SPEA-V 536 or SPCN-V 536   Rights and Responsibilities: How Law Shapes Public Affairs (1.5 credit hours)

SPCN-V 537   Designing and Managing Complex Projects (1.5 credit hours)

SPCN-V 548   Evidence-Based Decision-Making (1.5 credit hours)

 

Note that the 1.5 credit courses (V 532, V 536, V 537, and V 548) will be offered in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 only. They will not be offered after Spring 2027. Students who must take these courses to complete their degree should plan to complete the courses in these terms. Students should consult with their advisor if they will not be able to complete the courses when offered.

MPA Requirement II: Concentration (9 credit hours)

Students select three of the following courses to form their MPA specialized concentration:

SPEA-E 518   Vector-Based Geographic Information Systems
SPEA-E 529   Application of Geographic Information Systems
SPEA-I 515   Data Science for Public and Environmental Affairs
SPEA-I 516   Public Management Information Systems (SPEA-I 611 permitted if SPEA-I 516 is waived) 
SPEA-I 519   Database Management Systems
SPEA-P 507   Data Analysis and Modeling for Public Affairs
SPEA-P 539   Management Science for Public Affairs 

MPA Requirement III: Experiential (0-3 credit hours)

Each candidate for the MPA-MS degree must obtain professionally relevant experience. The MPA experiential component can be fulfilled through the following options. Students should select one:

SPEA-V 585    Practicum in Public Affairs (0 credits)
GRAD-C 516    IU Cybersecurity Clinic (3 credits, online)

Students selecting SPEA-V 585 for 0 credit hours will complete an internship to fulfill the requirement. Students must submit their planned internship experience for approval before they can register for SPEA-V 585.

Students who choose take GRAD-C 516 IU Cybersecurity Clinic for 3 credit hours may count this course as a 3-credit elective course toward the MPA specialized concentration. Enrollment and completion of this course will fulfill the MPA experiential requirement. If a student wishes to pursue this route, this course will NOT count towards the MS requirements for the dual degree.

To Note:

A minimum of 30 credits must be earned between the MPA core and MPA concentration. With approval, up to 3 credit hours maximum may be taken outside of the O’Neill School. Otherwise, all other courses toward these requirements must be O'Neill courses.

Students should consult with the Luddy School for the most up-to-date MS in Cybersecurity Risk Management degree requirements.