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MPA Advising

Welcome

New student MPA Orientation
TermDateTimeZoom Link
Fall 2025Saturday, August 16, 202511:00AM            Sent  via email                    

MPA Student Handbook (Fall 2024)

Courses and Course Schedule

New PAWS login for students

Important Information 

Our goal is to ensure students clearly understand their options and responsibilities in order to progress efficiently through the program.

  • MPA Student Handbook
     
    Please read the MPA Student Handbook (see button above). This is reviewed in the required MPA New Student Orientation. Be sure to attend the orientation, zoom link and date is listed above. In addition, review and bookmark the Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures page. 

  • Course Planning                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

    Develop a personalized course plan based on the guidance in the MPA Handbook and your PAWS report.  Each student's plan will be differ  depending on course load and scheduling needs. Careful planning is essential to ensure the courses you want are available in the semester you intend to take them. Refer also to our Online Courses page.   

  • PAWS as Your Roadmap                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

    Your PAWS report is your primary road map for completing the MPA program. Review it regularly to track your progress. Instructions for accessing your PAWS report are via the New PAWS login for Students (see button above). We strongly encourage you to map out your intended course sequence early, as there is no set program-wide course pattern- each student's needs are unique.  

  • Need help registering for classes?   

    If you require assistance with registration or course planning, please contact the department for support. 

     

Key Notes
  1. PA 6110 MUST be your first class (if available). The course designated as a writing-intensive and must be completed with a minimum grade of B- in order to remain in the MPA program.
  2. PA 6030 should be taken as your second course.
  3. If you require an internship, it must be completed prior to Advancing to Candidacy.
  4. You are required to complete one semester of PA 6985 (Professional Development Seminar).
  5. Students in the Public Financial Management concentration must complete PA 6630 before PA 6150.
  6. After completing five courses, you must finalize your myCAP  and attend the required mid-degree advising session.
  7. Do not enroll in 3000- or 4000- level courses, as they do not count towards graduate level credit. Please refer to the Graduate Degree and Program Requirements catalog for full details.
  8. A Graduation Check must be filed online with the Office of the Registrar at least one semester prior to your intended graduation term. Advanced to candidacy is required before submitting this request.
  9. Beginning Fall 2024, the MPA program will transitioning from a Comprehensive Exam to a Project Based Course (PA 6550) as the culminating experience.  Students are encouraged to update their catalog year to Fall 2024 to reflect this requirement. PA 6550 must be taken as your final course and passed with a B or higher. Please review the PA 6550 webpage carefully for details.
  10. Refer to the University Academic Calendar for important academic dates (e.g., census date, breaks/campus closures, exams, registration/enrollment appointments, etc.).
  11. Regularly monitor your PAWS report to track academic standing, GPA, degree progress, concentration requirements, and remaining courses-particularly before registration. 

 

Additional Resources

Stay on top of key dates -including holidays, breaks, registration, and exams- by regularly checking the official Academic Calendar. Be sure to bookmark it for quick access. 

The University Bulletin serves as the official authority on all program requirements. Please review it carefully for detailed information about the MPA program. 

Career development services are available with Dr. Pamela Abell. 

The Faculty and Staff of the Department of Public Administration are here to support you. Please reach out with any specific questions. 

MPA Program Director: Dr. Robert Stokes