Launch of NAU’s Dual Master’s in Public Administration and Social Work

Pursuing advanced education while maintaining career and personal obligations can be challenging for those eager to make a difference in their communities. Imagine earning two master’s degrees simultaneously without doubling the time or cost. This is now possible through an innovative dual online master’s program.

A new online dual master’s program that combines public administration and social work offers a streamlined path for students. By integrating coursework and offering the program online, students can achieve both degrees more efficiently, saving time and money.

This program provides a unique opportunity for students to advance their education without having to pause their careers or other responsibilities. It equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effect positive changes in communities, organizations, and individual lives.

Program Development

Sara Rinfret, a professor and director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, and Natalie Randolph, associate clinical professor and associate director at the School of Social Work, collaborated for four years to develop this program.

“This fall we will be finally launching the first-ever joint master’s degree at NAU, bringing together folks who really care about public service and might want to specialize and amplify in terms of social services,” Rinfret said.

Meeting Workforce Demands

The dual degree is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various macro-level settings, particularly in rural areas. Randolph emphasizes the need for qualified leaders to tackle issues affecting marginalized populations and to challenge social justice issues. “This dual degree program will help train the next generation of leaders who will positively impact their communities by preparing students to take on the unique challenges in their communities and create sustainable change,” Randolph said.

Government entities are increasingly seeking individuals with MPA and MSW degrees. Jobs in these fields are projected to grow by 20% over the next decade. Rinfret notes the growing enrollment in both public administration and social work programs, indicating a strong demand for this dual skill set.

Program Accessibility and Application

By offering the program online, it becomes more accessible, especially to those in rural communities. Students interested in the program must apply to the MPA and MSW programs separately. Once accepted, administrators will ensure they meet the requirements for the dual degree program. Both programs are accredited, with applications accepted in the spring for a fall start.

Regent Steve Peru of the Arizona Board of Regents and former Coconino County community manager said, “Combining the fields of public administration and social work into an interdisciplinary degree fosters an expansion of knowledge, theory and practice which will ultimately result in advances that will serve individuals, communities and our society.”

For more information on the dual MPA and MSW degree, email Sara Rinfret or Natalie Randolph.

Mariana Laas | NAU Communications

(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu