Mar 29, 2024  
ARCHIVED 2009-2010 Graduate Catalog 
    
ARCHIVED 2009-2010 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Public Affairs (M.P.A.)


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Program Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School Admission Requirements , applicants should have a B average in their last two years of undergraduate study and must obtain a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam General Test. In addition, all applicants must submit an up-to-date resume and must submit a 1-2 page essay that addresses the following question: “Why do you want to pursue an MPA and a career in public service? In your answer, be sure to discuss how your job, educational and life experiences relate to this goal.” Prerequisite work may be required of applicants having an inadequate background for the MPA.

Program Description

The Master of Public Affairs degree program is designed for students who possess professional experience and seek additional education to prepare for career advancement (in-service students) and also for students planning careers in the public service area (preservice students). The program requires each student to complete the Public Affairs core requirements (24 hours), select and complete the requirements for a concentration (9 hours), and up to 6 hours of guided electives for in-service students or 3 hours of guided electives and 3 hours of internship (PA 685) for preservice students.

Public Policy Concentration


Students who wish a concentration in Public Policy must take 24 hours in the Public Affairs core as well as the following:

Guided Electives (6 hours)


6 hours of guided electives for in-service students.  For preservice students this must include 3 hours of internship.

Human Resources Administration Concentration


The Human Resources (HR) Administration concentration requires 24 hours in the Public Affairs core as well as the following:

Note:


 All of the HR classes are offered on-line.  The following classes are also concurrently offered in Asheville, assuming minimum enrollment numbers are met: PA  677, HR 602, HR 605, HR 675, and HR 693.  If minimum enrollment numbers are not met, enrolled students will be transferred to on-line sections.

Guided Electives (6 hours)


6 hours of guided electives for in-service students.  For preservice students this must include 3 hours of internship.

Requirements


Students without public service experience will be required to complete a 3 hour internship (PA 685) and submit an internship report based on faculty guidelines. Students with public service experience will be required to take an additional 3 hours of coursework selected from program electives and professional electives instead of an internship.

 

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