Probationary students who fail to meet either of these initial performance requirements (1 or 2) will be permanently dismissed from the program. Probationary students who meet these initial performance requirements will be automatically converted to regular status in the program. They will then be subject to the same probation and dismissal procedures imposed on other students.
A student is placed on probation when his/her grade-point average falls below 3.0. A student placed on probation may subsequently enroll in up to 9 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework. In taking the subsequent 9 semester credit hours of courses, the student must bring his/her overall grade-point average up to at least 3.0 to continue in the program and to remain in good academic standing.
A dismissed student may, after one year, appeal in writing to the chairperson of the School of Public Administration for re-admission. If re-admission is granted, the student will be placed on probation for up to 9 semester credit hours of courses. A student who does not bring his/her overall grade-point average up to at least 3.0 in taking the subsequent 9 semester credit hours of courses will be permanently dismissed from the University without appeal.
The MPA program requires completion of a minimum of forty-two graduate semester hours.
All program requirements must be completed within six years of initial admission, unless otherwise approved by the Chairperson of the School of Public Administration. Students should consult the revised Master of Public Administration Student Handbook, available from the chairperson of the School of Public Administration, for further information about graduate study.
Administration. Students should consult the revised Master of Public Administration Student Handbook, available from the chairperson of the School of Public Administration, for further information about graduate study.
Full-time students carry a normal load of 9 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework per semester. (Part-time students who are employed full-time are advised to carry no more than 6 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework in any semester.)
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students pursuing the Master of Public Administration degree. Students holding these positions work 20 hours per week and receive stipends. Graduate assistants assist the chairperson and faculty members in their instructional and research activities. Students interested in such positions may make application to the chairperson of the School of Public Administration. Assistantships are awarded on the basis of need and high academic achievement.
As public service professionals, Master of Public Administration students are encouraged to join the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) and other relevant professional organizations such as the Kentucky Political Science Association, the United Nations Association (Frankfort chapter), and the International Personnel Management Association. The national/regional/state conferences of ASPA and other organizations provide opportunities for students and faculty to present research papers. Membership in professional organizations provides forums for students to engage in and present their research, associate with colleagues, and grow and develop professionally.
In Fall 1987, a Research Center for Public and International Policy was established within the School of Public Administration to emphasize applied social science research. The chairperson of the School of Public Administration concurrently serves as the Director of the Research Center for Public and International Policy, which seeks both external and internal funds to carry out applied social science research. Faculty and graduate assistants in the School of Public Administration gain hands-on experience in these research programs.