Specialized
A student whose educational and professional goals are not satisfied by pre-established concentrations may design, in concert with one or more faculty advisors, a specialized concentration that better suits his/her needs.
A Specialized Concentration form which specifies the courses to comprise the Specialized Concentration must be signed by the student, the student's advisor and the Graduate Program Director. This form is available in the SPEA Records Office, Room 253. To ensure approval of a specialized Concentration, it is advisable to return completed Specialized Concentration forms to the Records Office prior to enrolling in relevant courses.
Although no specific guidelines exist for the courses to be included, students are encouraged to take SPEA classes whenever possible. JD/MPA and JD/MSES concentrations require a minimum of twelve credit hours. All other Specialized Concentrations involve a minimum of eighteen credit hours.
Although students must name Specialized Concentrations, these names will not appear on IU transcripts. Instead, after "Major" the word "Specialized" will appear.
Examples of clusters of courses that may qualify as Specialized Concentrations are presented below: