Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What courses should I take in my first semester?
  2. What is a study plan and when should I complete it?
  3. How long will it take to get through the program?
  4. How many courses should I take in a semester?
  5. What should I do if I cannot take courses for one semester?
  6. Is there a comprehensive exam or a thesis?
  7. Where can I find out more about the required courses for the program?
  8. What electives can I take for my MPA degree?

ACADEMIC PROGRESS
  1. What courses should I take in my first semester?

    2. If you are new to public administration, you should take the introductory POSC 509 course. Other first semester courses should include POSC 526 Organizational Behavior, POSC 572 Human Resources, and POSC 523 Research Methods.

  2. What is a study plan and when should I complete it?

    3. In your second semester you should fill out a study plan with the public administration coordinator. This will involve declaring your concentration and filling out an anticipated list of the courses you will take in the program.

  3. How long will it take to get through the program?

    4. Students enrolled part-time and working full-time should expect the program to take about three years. Students enrolled full-time and working part-time or not at all could complete the degree in two years.

  4. How many courses should I take in a semester?

    5. Students must take minimum of one course per semester, but may take up to four at a time.

  5. What should I do if I cannot take courses for one semester?

    6. You will need to take a leave of absence for that semester. To do this, you will get a form from the graduate office in McCarthy Hall 108, fill it in, and get it signed by the program coordinator.

  6. Is there a comprehensive exam or a thesis?

    7. Everyone must either take a comprehensive exam, offered once a year in January, or write a thesis. Most students elect to take the exam, which consists of a week-long project answering two question - one related to your major, and one relevant to your concentration.

  7. Where can I find out more about the required courses for the program?

    8. You can talk to your program advisor, or you can visit the course catalog at http://www.fullerton.edu/catalog/.

  8. What electives can I take for my MPA degree?

    9. You can take any courses from this list.