Master of Arts in Public Affairs (MA)
Major in Forensic Sciences
42 Credits
Program Description:
The curriculum is interdisciplinary, focusing on analysis of administrative processes, decision-making and the organization of public and private institutions at the local, national and the international levels. It provides students with a solid education, which will enable them to plan, design and evaluate programs and services in the public administration field and particularly in the areas of criminal justice, human services, conflict mediation, and the arts. It fosters broad and programmatic responsibility and leadership.
Program Objectives
- Offer students the professional tools to meet the challenges of public administration.
- Develop competent professionals with effective leadership in the implementation of programs and services in Florida and the United States.
- Upgrade the professional preparation of administrative personnel in public and private agencies, enabling them to explore and utilize effective strategies in the decision making process.
MSPA 500-O Theory, Practice, and Change in the Administration of Public Policy
MSPA 505-O Computer Education for Public Administrators
MSPA 510-O Research and Quantitative Method in Public Administration
MSPA 520-O Administrative Law and Ethics
MSPA 530-O Planning and Evaluation: Theories, Methods, and Techniques
MSPA 540-O Seminar: Planning, Development, and Evaluation of Human Resources
MSPA 550-O Fiscal Resources Management
FORS 730-O Forensic Investigation and Identification Techniques
FORS 735-O Investigation and Gathering Evidence at Crime Scene
FORS 740-O Forensic Photography and Drawing
FORS 745-O Expert Witness in Court
FORS 750-O Examination of Questioned Documents
MSPA 710-O Research Seminar in Public Affairs
MSPA 720-O Practicum in Public Affairs
FORS 760-O Forensic Psychology
FORS 762-O Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Forensic Sciences
FORS 763-O Techniques on Handling Samples
CRJU 630-O Organizations and Administrative Techniques of the Police System
CRJU 635-O Mental Health and the Law
CRJU 640-O Addiction Problems: Legal and Psycho-Social Aspects
*Language skills in English and in Spanish will be assessed with a placement test. Additional language courses may be needed according to the student’s scores in placement tests. If students qualify for Preparatory Language Courses or developmental Language Courses, they must enroll in the courses immediately to increase academic performance in the language. Students must abide with the minimum required hours and policies set by the state and local education agencies for practicum experiences. Students must comply with state and local education certification requirements for the degree, as applicable.