Accelerated Master's in Public Affairs - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
A big part of my honors experience has been the opportunities I’ve had to earn honors credit and take on new challenges. One of the most meaningful experiences has been completing graduate-level courses while still working toward my undergraduate degree. I was accepted into the accelerated master’s program in Fall 2025, which allowed me to begin graduate coursework early. By graduation in Spring 2026, I will have completed 18 credit hours of graduate study. This experience has challenged me academically and prepared me for future success. With this head start, I will be able to complete my Master of Public Affairs in just one year.
Explore the graduate courses I’ve taken to earn honors credit below.
If you can dream it, you can do it.
- Walt Disney
My Graduate Courses Showcase
Reflecting on my Honors Experience
I am a first-generation college student, and the opportunity to pursue higher education has been a wonderful blessing. I have been inspired by incredible individuals throughout my internships, academics, and community involvement. I had always wondered if I would be smart enough to continue my education and earn a master's degree. I will be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor's degree, so earning a master's degree as well would be an incredible milestone.
I was nervous at the idea of taking graduate courses because I did not think I would do well and expected them to be challenging. However, after speaking with friends in the program and my advisor, I decided to take a class to see if I would enjoy it. I took the first ever course called Human Rights and War Crime Violations. I found this course challenging, but it inspired me to continue taking other graduate-level courses. Taking graduate-level courses as an undergraduate has been both challenging and rewarding. Each class pushed me to learn in new ways, strengthening my research, writing, communication, and presentation skills, while also requiring me to manage a heavier workload.
These courses inspired me to continue toward my MPA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. They confirmed my passion for this field and my desire to pursue a career in emergency management. This experience has helped me feel prepared for the rest of my MPA program, and I look forward to completing it. Overall, this honors experience has been a great way to meet other honors students in the program and create meaningful networking opportunities.
My Accelerated MPA Journey
In the fall of my junior year, I applied to the Accelerated Master’s Program in Public Affairs because I was ready to take on a new level of academic challenge. I had done well in my undergraduate courses and felt motivated to deepen my understanding of public policy and expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. I wanted to engage with more complex ideas and prepare myself for a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact. Gaining honors credit for the Honors College and expanding my knowledge would provide incredible experience for me.
Before applying, I spoke with a variety of people who helped shape my decision. Internship supervisors encouraged me to pursue advanced studies based on the work I had done in professional settings. Academic advisors helped me think through my long-term goals and how this program could support them. Friends and classmates shared their own experiences and perspectives, which gave me a clearer picture of what the program could offer. These conversations confirmed that I was ready to take the next step and commit to a path that would challenge me intellectually and prepare me for leadership in public affairs.