To accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, classes are offered in the late afternoon and evenings and some classes are held on weekends. The Graduate School of Public Affairs blends theory and practice in the education of public administrators. Among the benefits of GSPA courses is the interaction with other students and with experienced academicians and practitioners in the field. This enriches the educational experience and helps students build professional networks. Students interested in the private and nonprofit sectors have opportunities to explore strategies for public-private sector partnerships.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships in governmental agencies.
The MCJ program provides an interdisciplinary perspective on crime and the criminal justice system. It focuses on law enforcement, the judiciary, correctional systems, juvenile justice, and the formulation of laws and codes. Individual courses focus on systems analysis, policy analysis, organizational theory and behavior, personnel and financial administration and program development within the criminal justice system. Special course offerings may include pertinent issues and situations faced by criminal justice professionals such as organized crime, white collar crime, ethnic and racial problems, and the mentally disordered offender. The MCJ program is flexible, allowing students to design an individualized course of study.