Grades

Grades below —C∥ may not be presented for Master of Public Administration graduation credit, nor shall graduation be approved for students with grade-point averages below 3.0. Students may not graduate with more than 6 semester credit hours of courses with a grade of —C∥ or below. This regulation does not apply when a grade of —C∥ has been superseded by successful completion (grade of —B∥ or better) of a particular course at a later date.

Probation and Dismissal

  • Initial Procedures for students admitted on probation
  • Any student admitted on a probationary status who fails to perform satisfactorily while initially enrolled will be dismissed from the program. To remain in the program all probationary students must do the following: 1. Attempt at least nine (9) hours of MPA coursework within one year of admission.
  • Earn a GPA of at least 3.0 on the first nine or more hours attempted, with no grades of —D∥ or —F∥. 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.

B. Procedures for 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.

Minimum Hours Required

The MPA program requires completion of a minimum of forty-two graduate semester hours.

Time Limit for Completion of Degree

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.

Program Course Load

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.)

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIPS

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

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