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FAQs

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

What are the deadlines for application?

All admission materials must be submitted by the established deadline date:

  • February 1 f or summer admission
  • M ay 1 for fall admission
  • October 1 for spring admission

Materials received after the established deadlines are not considered; therefore, make sure all application materials are in order before applying to the MPA program.

 

Am I required to take the GRE to get accepted into the MPA program?

Currently we are not requiring the GRE even if the minimum GPA threshold is not met for the MPA degree program. 

What are the admissions requirements for the MPA degree program?

  • Bachelors degree (does not have to be related to public administration)
  • GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for your undergraduate degree and completion of an undergraduate statistics course
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A personal essay
  • Current resume

Normally, if your GPA is below a 3.0, we require a GRE score taken within the last five years; however, we are currently WAIVING THE GRE requirement in those circumstances.  Your application is considered on the totality of documents you submit, sans GRE test scores.

Is the MPA program exclusively online?

Most of our MPA program courses are hybrid, which means that there may be a “live session” component in some of our courses.  This requires that students come to campus on a particular evening periodically during the semester to meet in-person with the professor and student colleagues.  During other weeks, there are asynchronous interactions using our online platform Canvas.

How long will it take me to complete my degree?

We allow students to schedule their own classes, so they choose whether to attend full- or part-time. 

MPA, 36 credit hours:

Typically, a part-time student taking two courses per semester in Fall, Spring and Summer can complete their MPA degree in just over two years (7 semesters).

A full-time student taking three courses per semester can complete their MPA degree in one and a half years (4 semesters).

What is the cost?

Please visit FAU’s webpage for the current tuition breakdown:  https://www.fau.edu/finaid/other/cost-of-attendance/

What financial aid is available to students?

The School of Public Administration has very competitive Assistantships available.  Once admitted, students can be considered for this part-time appointment.

Please visit FAU’s webpage – there are numerous resources to assist students financially plan for their education:  https://www.fau.edu/finaid/

Are there specializations offered?

The MPA program requires electives, which are great opportunities for students to take courses tailored to their interests.  We do not generally restrict students’ electives (as long as they are at the 5000- or 6000-level), so students can customize their degree program.

What are the requirements of an internship?

For students in the MPA program, an internship is required if the student does not have relative experience in the public sector.

Taken as an elective, the internship requires the student to work 15 to 20 hours per week throughout the semester, applying what they learned in the program to routine agency operations or to special projects.  

What kind of job will the program prepare me for?

MPA alumni are working in federal, state, and local government agencies, and in non-profit organizations.  Our graduates serve in such capacities as program managers, city officials, community and economic development specialists, directors of non-profit agencies, and government liaison specialists. For more information:

What undergraduate degrees are commonly held by MPA students?

Our graduate students hold undergraduate degrees in political science, social work, criminal justice, economics, business administration, marketing, psychology, and many others. We do not require or prefer any particular undergraduate degree, since we value the variety of knowledge and experience of our diverse student population.

What do students need to do to graduate?

Students must complete the 36 credit hour course work, earning no grade below a C.  A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to complete the MPA degree. 

When will I receive an admission decision?

A faculty committee reviews applications, and applicants are notified usually within two weeks of the deadline.

Application requirements for International Applicants?

Please visit the Graduate College’s International Student website for more specific information:  https://www.fau.edu/graduate/applyonline/international.php

Where transcripts should be sent to?

Official transcripts from the Registrar of each college or university you have attended are to be sent to the Graduate College:

Florida Atlantic University, Graduate College, SU-80, Room 101

777 Glades Road

Boca Raton, FL 33431

 

Is there an application fee?

There is a non-refundable $30 application fee due at the time the online application is started.