Distance Learning

Distance Programs

Master of Public Administration

Delivery:
Internet
Desktop Videoconferencing

On-Campus Requirements:
None

Access:
Open to all eligible applicants (in-state, out-of-state, and international) who can satisfy computer requirements and scheduled online, videoconferencing class sessions

The master of public administration (M.P.A.) is a 36-credit-hour program designed for working professionals who have experience in public or nonprofit organizations, and now seek a graduate-level degree for career advancement.

The M.P.A. is a professional degree that offers the quality of a traditional master's degree program combined with the flexibility of distance learning. The program can be completed entirely on-line. On-campus visits are not required; however, regularly scheduled, on-line class sessions are required (see course delivery). In addition, courses are offered on the Indiana State University campus, located in Terre Haute, Indiana. Distance students are welcome to mix formats at their convenience.

Students may complete the M.P.A. in two calendar years of full-time study. Part-time students may take up to seven years to earn the degree, although most part-time students should complete it in much less time. The department may approve up to nine credit hours, or three courses, for transfer into the student's program from other universities.

Note: The University also offers on-line graduate certificate programs in public administration and public personnel administration. Courses in either of these certificate programs can be applied toward completion of the master of public administration.

Application Deadline
The M.P.A. Program accepts applications for fall enrollment only. Currently, applications are being accepted for Fall 2010. The application deadline for Fall 2010 is April 1, 2010. Applications received after April 1, 2010 will be considered for the Fall 2011 semester.

Courses
This program includes 36 credit hours listed below.

Core Courses (21 credit hours)
PA 601	Proseminar in Public Administration (3 credits)
PA 602	Statistical Analysis for Public Administrators (3 credits)
PA 605	Organizational Behavior in Public Agencies (3 credits)
PA 606	Public Personnel Administration (3 credits)
PA 607	Budgeting in Governmental Agencies (3 credits)
PSCI 621	Seminar in American Government (3 credits)
PSCI 655	Scope and Methods of Political Science (3 credits)
Electives (12 credit hours)
Electives may be selected from a menu of political science and public administration courses (including but not limited to those listed below) or courses offered outside the Department of Political Science with approval of the M.P.A. director.
PA 603	Computer and Management Information Systems for Public Administrators (3 credits)
PA 609	Ethical Concerns in Current American Public Administration (3 credits)
PA 640	Seminar in Personnel Law (3 credits)
PA 690	Special Topics in Public Administration (3 credits)
PA 698	Directed Research in Public Administration (3 credits)
PSCI 658	Seminar in Empirical Theory (3 credits)
Capstone (3 credit hours)
PA 697	Capstone Research Seminar in Public Administration (3 credits)
Read Course Descriptions

Course Delivery
Courses are delivered via the Internet by two methods—by purely asynchronous Web format and by videoconferencing. Four core courses (PA 601, 605, 606, and 607) are all asynchronous Web courses. Students may log into course Web sites at any time. Three other core courses (PA 602, PSCI 621, PSCI 655) require students to log in as participants in a videoconference during weekly class meetings. However, these courses are also posted online. Students may log in at any time to send and receive e-mails, view assignments, and join class discussions in each of the seven core courses. Elective course may be offered in either format.

NOTE: Distance students must have access to high-speed Internet. They must also have headsets (or microphones and speakers) and web cameras to access those classes with videoconferencing components. Almost any PC- or MAC-compatible speakers and web camera will work. For details, see Computer Requirements.

Accreditation
Indiana State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Public Administration Program was established as a semi-autonomous unit within ISU's Department of Political Science in 1976. It is currently a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). It is also associated with ASPA, the American Society for Public Administration. Core courses are offered by political science department faculty, although students may, with approval, take courses outside the department. The full-time director of the public administration program manages both the M.P.A. degree program and the two PA certificate programs, and advises students.

Admission Requirements
Applicants who wish to complete the M.P.A. via distance learning must satisfy the following requirements:

Hold a bachelor's degree in any academic field from an accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 earned in undergraduate work. Mid-career students with significant experience in public or nonprofit management may be admitted conditionally with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in their undergraduate work. Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts to the department during the application process, but official transcripts from the applicant's undergraduate institution must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for the applicant to be admitted unconditionally.
Distance students applying for the M.P.A. should have some administrative or managerial experience in either the public sector or the nonprofit sector. (The experience requirement does not apply to students who plan to attend scheduled courses on campus in Terre Haute.) Prospective students usually must have at least a year's experience. However, applications from students currently employed and under certain other conditions will be accepted if they have less experience. Contact the M.P.A. director (below) for more information. The program may require evidence of experience as a part of the admissions process. Evidence may include letters of reference from past or present employers and colleagues.
Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters may originate either from academic or professional referees. Letters should support the applicant's motivation and ability to perform academically at the graduate level. Referees may also comment on an applicant's academic preparation and career goals, and how graduate work in public administration fits with those goals. Please send all letters of recommendation to the MPA director (address listed below).
A written statement of the applicant's reasons for entering the M.P.A. Program is required. The statement should be one to two pages. The document should be double-spaced, and typed in either ten- or 12-point type face. Please send the statement to the M.P.A. director (address listed below).
Graduate Record Examination test scores, or scores from other standardized examinations, are NOT required although the applicant may at his or her discretion submit test scores for consideration.
The Political Science Department now requires a TOEFL of 600 (or the equivalent) as evidence of English proficiency from students whose first language is not English. Please note that this is higher than default standard 550 TOEFL required for admission to graduate study by ISU's graduate school. International students with undergraduate degrees from certain countries, or whose undergraduate study was done in English, may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

International students who do not meet the program's minimum TOEFL may choose to take intensive language training at the InterLink Language Center at Indiana State before entering the program The department may admit international students to the program provisionally, on the condition that they successfully complete English training at InterLink. Provisionally admitted students who fail to complete their InterLink programs successfully may not be admitted to M.P.A. study. Students who complete InterLink training will be enrolled in M.P.A. courses during the next semester or summer term after they complete InterLink.

NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the public or nonprofit experience (listed above) required of all distance students are invited to complete the M.P.A Program on the Indiana State University campus, located in Terre Haute, Indiana. The on-campus M.P.A. Program enables students to satisfy the work experience requirement by completing a three-hour, semester-long internship at a site determined by the M.P.A. director. This internship option is open only to on-campus students.

Apply Now
Applicants may apply on-line. Mail-in and walk-in applications are also welcome.

College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Indiana State University
Tirey Hall, room 183, Terre Haute, IN 47809 U.S.A.
www.indstate.edu/sogs
(812) 237-3005; 1-800-444-GRAD

Application & Instructions: U.S. Citizens | International students.

IMPORTANT: Official transcripts and (if applicable) language proficiency test scores such as the TOEFL should be submitted directly to the University's College of Graduate and Professional Studies. All other documentation (including unofficial transcripts, letters, explanatory essays, and unofficial scores from tests such as the Graduate Record Examination) should be sent directly to the M.P.A. director (below).

Academic Contact
For additional information or assistance, contact:

Dr. Stan Buchanan, Associate Professor
Director, Master of Public Administration Program
Indiana State University
Holmstedt Hall, room 306
Terre Haute, IN 47809
812-237-2437
mpa@indstate.edu

The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.

Last updated: October 20, 2009

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