Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I request more information about the program? The MPA Office Administrator, Ms. Lisa Hartzog, will be pleased to provide you with a packet of materials about our MPA program by either mail or e-mail. Please see Request Information on this web site.
2. How do I apply? Applications to the MPA Program are made on-line to the Graduate School’s web page. Transcripts and GRE scores must be sent to the Graduate School. Letters of recommendation, an application letter, and a writing sample are sent directly to the MPA Program. Please see Application Instructions on this web site.
3. What are the major career choices and opportunities of Auburn MPA students? A majority of our graduates have pursued careers in government, primarily at the state and local levels. A significant percentage also continues their education in doctoral programs; and, more recently, a growing number have taken jobs with private businesses and nonprofit corporations. Please see Careers on this web site.
4. What are the opportunities for financial aid? The MPA program usually is able to award several Graduate Teaching Assistantships each year; and Graduate Research Assistantships are sometimes available as well. In addition, you can apply for assistance from the University’s Financial Aid Office. Please see Financial Assistance on this web site.
5. What are the curricular requirements for an MPA degree? To receive an MPA degree, a student must complete: 1) eight Core seminars (24 credits); 2) four elective graduate classes (12 credits); 3) an Internship or Research Project (6 credits); and 4) the MPA Comprehensive Exam. He or she may also be required to fulfill one or more of our prerequisites. Please see Curriculum on this web site.
6. What is the Dual Degree Program with Community Planning? The MPA and Master of Community Planning (MCP) Programs have an official “Dual Degree.” In essence, this Dual Degree program allows students to count required courses in one program as electives in the other. Consequently, it takes 57 credits to get a Dual Degree, compared to 88 to get the two degrees separately. Please see MPA-MCP Dual Degree on this web site.
7. What is the Internship requirement? All students, except those with fulltime jobs, are required to complete an Internship of 20 hours a week for a semester or the summer. Internships often provide very valuable job experience and contacts. Please see Internships on this web site.
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Last updated July 1, 2007