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Frequently Asked Questions


Can I take classes without being admitted to the program?

The School of Public Affairs will allow students to take up to nine credits (three classes) in the MPA or MPP program as a non-degree student before they must be a fully admitted student. These nine credits do not include deficiency courses in statistics (e.g., PAF 401) and/or American Government (e.g., POS 310) that a student may have to take. 

Only students admitted to the Ph.D or other doctoral programs may take Ph.D core classes (PAF 600, 601, 602, 603). 

In order to register for classes at ASU as a non-degree student, you must fill out a non-degree application available on-line. If you are an Arizona resident, make sure to submit the Residency portion of the application (to be considered for in-state tuition). Finally, all students must submit proof of measles immunization requirements (to be eligible to register for classes).

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Where can I find a schedule of classes?

A schedule of classes offered by the School of Public Affairs can be found at http://spa.asu.edu/Schedule.  Undergraduate courses are 400 level and below; graduate courses are 500 are 600 level.  Some classes require pre-requisites.  See http://spa.asu.edu/Schedule/courses.htm for a list of courses offered by the School and the necessary pre-requisites that are required.

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What are the requirements for admission?

Admission requirements for the MPA program can be found at http://spa.asu.edu/programs/mpaAdmissions.htmMPP applicants can find admission requirements at http://spa.asu.edu/mpp/admissions.htm. Admission requirements for the Ph.D program are found at http://spa.asu.edu/programs/phdadmissions.htm.  Students interested in the BIS degree should contact Cross-College Advising Services at 480-965-4464 or visit the BIS web site at http://www.asu.edu/duas/bis.

MPA and MPP applicants can download the Admission Guide.  

Applications to the Graduate College can be submitted on-line.  Visit http://asu.edu/graduate/admissions/apply.html for a degree seeking (regular admission) application.

Undergraduate applicants can also apply on-line.  Visit http://www.asu.edu/admissions/applyingtoasu/ for more information and the necessary documents.

Application materials that need to be submitted by mail should be sent to the following addresses.

Division of Graduate Studies - Graduate College
Arizona State University
Administration Building, B Wing, Suite 285
PO Box 871003
Tempe, AZ 85287-1003

Undergraduate Admissions
ASU at the Downtown Phoenix campus
Enrollment Services
411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 166
Phoenix, AZ 85004-2120

ASU School of Public Affairs
Mail Code 3720
411 N. Central Avenue, Ste. 450
Phoenix, AZ 85004-0687

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Is the GRE required?

The GRE is required for all applicants to the MPA, MPP and Ph.D. programs regardless of educational background. The GRE test is available through University Testing Services, Monday through Saturday. Applicants requesting the GRE be waived in place of other standardized exams (like the GMAT) need to contact the School of Public Affairs at 480-965-3926.

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When is the deadline for admission?

The MPA and MPP have a rolling admission which means applications are accepted and processed throughout the year.  Students can be accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.  Students requesting graduate assistantships and tuition wavers should have their application files completed by February 1.  While there is no official deadline,  applications do need to be processed and reviewed - it is recommended that students have their completed application on file by:

November 1st

Spring Admission

April 1st

Summer Admission

July 1st

Fall Admission

The deadline for Ph.D applications is January 15th.  Completed Ph.D application packets must be in the Doctoral Office by that date.  Applications are reviewed by the Doctoral Admissions Committee only once each year during the Spring Semester.

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How do I register for classes?

Before you can register for classes, you need to make certain you have fulfilled the measles immunization requirements.  Students can verify their eligibility status on-line at http://www.asu.edu/registrar under "Interactive Services."  

There are three ways to register for classes at ASU: Pre-registration, ASU Interactive, and In Person.  Information on how on pre-registration and registration can be found at http://www.asu.edu/registrar/registration/ways2reg.html.  

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Where are the Registrar Sites?

Student Services Building
Records Information Counter
Room 144
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
& Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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When do classes begin?

The university academic calendar can be found at http://www.asu.edu/calendar/academic.html. Please note intensive courses will have different starting dates than the regular semester, check the School's class schedule for dates for the intensive courses.

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Will I be able to take classes while working full-time?

Most of our students in the MPA, MPP and Ph.D program work full-time while going to school.  The majority of our classes are offered in the evenings from 5:40 to 8:30 PM.  We offer classes at two locations:  ASU Main Campus and at the ASU Downtown Center (5th Street and Monroe in Phoenix).  See the class schedule for course locations (ASUDC classes are offered at the ASU Downtown Center).  In addition, the School offers some of its course work on-line over the internet and in an intensive format to better accommodate the needs of our working students.

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What is an intensive course?

Generally, intensive courses are offered through a two-weekend format.  Class will meet Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM twice during a semester.  Because of the structure of the class, students will be sent a syllabus at the beginning of the semester and be expected to come prepared for the first class meeting (i.e., with text(s), completed reading/assignments).  Following the first weekend, students will be expected to complete the assignments/readings for the second class meeting.  For a list of intensive classes offered by the School and for dates of the classes, see the class schedule.

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What is an internet course?

Technology has enabled Arizona State University to provide an alternative method for students seeking a quality education. Distance education enables the student to access credit courses from the convenience of his/her own home using the World Wide Web.  The School of Public Affairs does offer some on-line classes.  See the class schedule or visit ASUOnline to see a list of courses being taught over the Internet.

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Once I'm admitted, do I have to register each semester?

MPA & MPP STUDENTS
If you do not enroll for even one Fall or Spring semester after admission, then you must submit an application to reapply.This reapplication costs you $50. If you are out for less than 12 months and return to your original program, then this application is pro forma and does not go back to your program for review. If you are out for more than 12 months, then this form goes back to your program as a new application, and your program does not have to readmit you.

PHD STUDENTS
There is a continuous enrollment rule for PhD students. If you are not enrolled for even one Spring or Fall semester--and you do not have an approved leave of absence--then you must submit an application to reapply.

This reapplication costs you $50. This reapplication IS seen as a NEW application to the program, and your program is under no obligation to readmit you. The only way this reapplication will not be returned to your program as a new application is if you have an approved leave of absence.

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When should I file my Program of Study?

MPA and MPP students are required to have a Program of Study on file before registering for the capstone class.  Students must complete all required core courses before registering for PAF 509 or PAF 579.  Any exceptions to MPA or MPP policy must meet with MPA Director permission.  The program of study is filed online at http://www.asu.edu/graduate/whatsnew/iPOSstudentinfo.htm.  If for any reason a student must make changes to the Program of Study, a Petition to the Graduate College must be filed.  Program of Study forms should be completed with the consultation of the faculty advisor.

MPA and MPP students can download a POS guide for examples of possible course sequences.

Ph.D students must set up a Program of Study committee after passing the screening exam (taken at the end of the semester when the student completes PAF 600, 601, 602 and 603).  The committee determines which courses the student will take to fulfill the areas of specialization.  The program of study is filed online at http://www.asu.edu/graduate/whatsnew/iPOSstudentinfo.htm. The Program of Study must be approved by the Program of Study Committee, the Doctoral Director, and the Dean of the Graduate College.

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Who do I contact for more information?

For more information, contact the School of Public Affairs at 602-496-0450 or email spa@asu.edu.  You can also visit our offices located at the University Center in Suite 450.  Office hours are:

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

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In what order should I take my classes?

If an MPA student needs to take a deficiency course in Statistics and/or American Government, those courses should be taken first.  If program expectations in statistics and American Government are satisfied, students should begin their MPA program with PAF 503 Public Affairs and PAF 501 Research Methods I.  Students should also plan on taking PAF 504 Public Affairs Economics early in their coursework as it is a pre-requisite for PAF 505 Policy Analysis and PAF 506 Public Budgeting and Finance PAF 502 Research Methods II is also a course that should be taken early in the program.  PAF 509 Public Service should be taken in the last semester with all core courses (PAF 501, PAF 502, PAF 503, PAF 504, PAF 505, PAF 506, PAF 507 and PAF 508) already completed.  Students should plan on meeting with their faculty advisor within their first semester of classes to map out a preliminary program of study.  Elective courses should be taken with the advice of the faculty advisor.  Any exceptions to MPA policy must meet with MPA Director permission.

For a listing of suggested classes, view the MPA/MPP POS Guide.

Ph.D students must complete the four core classes (PAF 600, PAF 601, PAF 602 and PAF 603) within the first year in the program.  Other courses are taken upon the recommendation of the student's program of study committee and/or the Doctoral Director.  Download the Ph.D Program - Step by Step information sheet.

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Will I have to do an internship?

Completing an internship is not a requirement in the MPA, MPP and Ph.D programs, as many students do have relevant work experience.  However, it is highly recommended for all "pre-service" students.  For students with no previous professional or government experience, the internship provides valuable exposure to employment within their chosen fields.  Students may earn three credit hours for completing an internship and PAF 584 Internship.  For more information about the internship program, download the internship information packet.  Current internships are posted on the school's listservs.  If you would like more information, please call the School at 480-965-3926 or email spa@asu.edu.   

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Can I get credit for my internship?

Admitted MPA and MPP students can receive a maximum of  3 credit hours for completing an internship. This can be used as one of the electives for the MPA or MPP program. Students must register for the internship course, PAF 584, either during the semester they are doing the internship or in the semester immediately following. To get the schedule line number for the class, students must submit to the department a letter from their internship supervisor with the following:

  • a statement that the student is an intern with the department or organization;

  • when the internship began and when it finished (or is scheduled to finish);

  • approximate number hours worked per week (students must complete or be in process to complete a minimum of 300 hours to receive credit);

  • a listing of intern duties and responsibilities.

Students will not be permitted to register for the course until the letter has been received from their internship supervisor.

Doctoral students who are interested in receiving internship credit should discuss that with either their advisor or their Program of Study committee chair.

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What kind of job will I be able to get when I graduate?

Graduates of public affairs programs have a wide range of skills. They are prepared for many different jobs yet they have something in common. They understand the challenge, anticipate the excitement and accept the responsibility that comes with managing the public sector.  The purpose of a graduate program in public administration is to prepare individuals for positions of leadership in the public sector. The core curriculum covers the following areas: 

  • Political and legal institutions and processes 

  • The economic and social systems and forces 

  • The organizational and managerial skills and practices 

  • Concepts and techniques of financial administration 

  • Techniques of analysis, including quantitative, economic and statistical methods and computer systems 

These core elements constitute the building blocks for a diverse field of study. The choices range from city management and international affairs to personnel administration and strategic planning.  Visit the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration to find out more about careers in the public service.

The School of Public Affairs posts current jobs on the school's listservs.  You can also check out more employment links at http://spa.asu.edu/resources/Useful_links.htm

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How do I apply for graduation?

The following steps are required by all graduating students to complete the graduation process. 

  • Register for your final semester. 

  • Pay your graduation fee at the University Cashier's Office (Students Services Building-2nd Floor).   Graduate Fee - $25.00 (fees increase starting Feb. 1, 2007 to $45).  

  • Complete the Graduating Survey that is given to you by the cashier. 

  • Present your graduation fee receipt and completed survey to the Graduation Section (Student Services Building-1st Floor) for a personal review to determine your eligibility for graduation. 

Graduation Deadlines 

May 

March 31st

August 

July 1st

December 

October 15th

Please note that all MPA and MPP students MUST submit a Report of Final Master's Culminating Experience to the School of Public Affairs in order to be considered for graduation.  These forms are distributed in PAF 509 and 579, can be picked up at the School of Public Affairs Office, or downloaded here

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If I graduate in August, can I walk in the May ceremony?

If you plan to attend the university commencement ceremony, or an individual college convocation, in May but have additional coursework to complete over the summer sessions (12 credits or less), follow these instructions:

  • Purchase your cap and gown at the bookstore.

  • Ask for the “almost Alumni Handbook” at the graduation counter in the Student Services Building room 140.  It includes graduation information, dates and times of the college convocations and of the university commencement.

  • Register for your final classes.

  • Apply for August graduation before July 1st.

At the College of Public Programs Convocation ceremony, you will fill out a “reader card” that you will carry across the stage.  Your name will be read.  You will shake the hands of the dean and the chair/director of your program.  Your photo will be taken. You will be given a memento and you will then be seated.

Students graduating in August will have their names listed in the Fall Commencement/Convocation program but can elect the walk in either the May or December ceremonies.

For more information see the following web sites:

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What about parking?

Information on parking at all ASU Campuses can be found at Parking Services.  There is also information on non-ASU parking available throughout the Copper Square Downtown Phoenix and Tempe areas.

(2-6-07) Visitor parking is now located in the University Center garage located at 411 N. Central Avenue.  Visitors will need to enter off of Polk and 1st Street or Polk and Central. Visitors will need to pull up to the gate, push the button for a ticket and enter the garage. They should park on the second floor or roof. When they leave the building they will need to take their ticket, on foot, to the gold cashiers booth located on the north side of the first floor to pay.  We accept cash or ASU validation stamps only. A barcode card will be issued by the cashier which will be slide through a barcode reader to exit. Fees are currently $2 per hour up to $8 maximum per exit.

 

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How do I drop a class?

Drop/Add:  If you have registered for a semester and wish to change your schedule, you may drop or add one or more classes using ASU Interactive, SunDial or in-person through the end of the first week of the semester or through the first two days of a summer session. Courses that are dropped do not appear on your transcript and fees paid are refunded, depending on how many hours you have remaining on your schedule. If you wish to drop your only class or all of your classes, you must follow the complete withdrawal procedure (see below).  

Course/Complete Withdrawal:  A student may withdraw with a grade of "W" from one or more classes beginning with the second week of classes through the tenth week of classes for the Fall and Spring semesters. For summer session classes, a student may withdraw with a grade of "W" from one or more classes beginning with the second week of classes through the third week of classes. To withdraw from all classes a student must request a Complete Withdrawal.

Students seeking a course or complete withdrawal need to

1. Access the ASU Interactive website or
2. Complete the Withdrawal Form.
3. Have the form processed at any Registrar location.

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What is a listserv?  How do I subscribe?

A listserv is an electronic mailing list that is sent by email to subscribers.  The School of Public Affairs has three listservs:

ASUSPAN is an electronic mailing list used to disseminate information relating to the School of Public Affairs (e.g., class and university information, job and internship announcements, event notices, etc.). All students are encouraged to subscribe to this mailing list. 

SPAFORUM is an electronic mailing list for those interested in the discussion of ideas, views, concepts, and topics relating to public administration and affairs. All those interested in sharing their ideas and thoughts are encouraged to subscribe to this mailing list.

PADOC is an electronic mailing list for students, alumni, and faculty interested in the discussion of ideas, views, concepts, and topics related to the Ph.D. Program.  All Ph.D. students are encouraged to subscribe to this mailing list.

For directions on subscribing to any of these listservs, visit http://spa.asu.edu/Resources/.  Or email spa@asu.edu.  In your email, indicate which listserv you would like to join (there is no limit).  Also include your name and email address you wish to use.

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What types of financial aid are available for graduate students?

The School of Public Affairs offers two types of financial assistance to students:

To be considered for financial assistance from the School of Public Affairs, students submit all application materials by February 1st. Students receiving awards are notified by late March or early April.

Many students supplement the cost of a graduate education with student loans.  Graduate students seeking loans or financial aid counseling should contact the main ASU Student Financial Aid Office in the Student Services building at (480) 965-3355 or by email to financialaid@asu.edu.  

International students are not eligible for federal student loans.  However, they can apply for graduate assistantships and graduate academic and tuition scholarships from the department.  International students should also visit http://www.asu.edu/graduate/financial/international.htm for some useful links.  

NEW! Current Assistantship Opportunities still available (2007-2008):

Alliance for Innovation Research Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available for up to four students to provide research assistance to the Alliance for Innovation—a partnership of the International City/County Management Association, School of Public Affairs, and a national network of local governments committed to innovative practice.  The assignments will include:

  • Scanning information sources and contacting local government officials about new approaches to management and policy in local government

  • Reviewing academic journals and papers delivered at scholarly meetings to identify articles relevant to change in local government

  • Preparing summaries for newsletter and website

  • Conducting research and evaluation of innovative practices in local government

  • Responding to inquiries for assistance from Alliance members 

Students selected for these positions should have good research skills and graduate coursework in public administration or public policy.  A familiarity with local government management is preferable.  The positions will involve 20 hours work per week during the 2007-2008 academic year.  The graduate assistants will work with Professor James Svara and staff of the Alliance for Innovation in the Alliance office on the fourth floor of University Center in the downtown campus.

Journal of Urbanism Graduate Assistant Opportunity
The School of Public Affairs is looking for a graduate assistant for the 2007-08 academic year to work with Professor Emily Talen and the Journal of Urbanism. Duties will be:

  • Maintains contact with authors, editors, publisher, and others associated with publishing work.

  • Proofreads and edits manuscripts for publication. Makes stylistic, structural, factual, and grammatical corrections.

  • Confers with authors on content, form and style.

  • Recommends revisions to manuscripts and illustrations.

  • Formats, keyboards, proofreads, and edits correspondence, copy, manuscripts, and other material. Assembles attachments and corresponding material. Reviews outgoing material for completeness, dates and signatures.

  • Tracks copy through editing and production stages. Coordinates production schedules and ensures that printing deadlines are met.

  • Prepares manuscripts for electronic editing; converts and codes text files.

  • Performs additional administrative and clerical functions such as responding to requests for information, and screening and responding to mail and email.

10 hours per week. Schedule is flexible.
 

How to Apply for Alliance for Innovation and Journal of Urbanism positions:
Submit a letter of interest, a resume, and names and phone numbers of three references to Martin Vanacour, Associate Director, School of Public Affairs (martin.vanacour@asu.edu). Applications should be received by July 20, 2007.

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What types of scholarships are available from the School of Public Affairs?

In addition to Graduate Tuition and Graduate Academic Scholarships (see above), there are other scholarships available from the School of Public Affairs. Please note: due dates for these scholarships are announced yearly on the ASUSPAN listserv.

N. Joseph Cayer Public Affairs Scholarship
This fund was established in 1994 by gifts from staff and faculty of the School of Public Affairs along with alumni and friends.  Income supports an annual scholarship to a deserving Public Affairs student.

Who Is Eligible? Graduate students enrolled with a major in the School of Public Affairs in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.5 

What to Provide:  

  • ASU ID and current address

  • Evidence of GPA

  • Entering students should use the GPA for their most recent degree; continuing students should use the GPA for coursework since admission to the School of Public Affairs (SPA)

  • Evidence of good standing

  • A brief essay (no more than one page, typed) explaining the use to which the student would put the scholarship if s/he receives it

Due Dates:  For scholarship consideration, all materials must be received by the School of Public Affairs no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, March 2, 2007.

Funds: $1200 are currently available in this scholarship fund. Depending on the quality and number of applicants, between 1 and 2 awards will be made.

Mail To:
School of Public Affairs—Cayer Scholarship Application
Arizona State University
School of Public Affairs, Mail Code 3720
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ  85004-0687

Deliver To:
School of Public Affairs—Cayer Scholarship Application
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ  85004-0687
602-496-0450

Procedure: The N. Joseph Cayer Scholarship will be awarded by a committee of the School of Public Affairs.

Kenneth A. McDonald Scholarship
This fund was established in 1983 with a gift from Kenneth A. McDonald.  Income provides financial support to a full-time student with an interest in city management and who is enrolled in the MPA program.

Who Is Eligible? Outstanding full-time School of Public Affairs MPA students with an interest in city management

What to Provide: Evidence of GPA, evidence of full-time status, a letter from one faculty member of the School discussing how the applicant is outstanding, and an essay, not to exceed two typed pages, explaining your interest in city management. "Full-time status" means that a student is taking at least 3 college courses during the current semester

Due Dates: Scholarship application information and deadlines are usually are announced and awarded during the Fall semester, as funds permit. 

Procedure: The Kenneth A. McDonald Scholarship will be awarded by a committee comprised of the Director of the School of Public Affairs (or his designee), a member of the faculty of the School, and a representative of the City of Tempe.

Frank and June Sackton Endowment
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from Frank and June Sackton.  Income provides financial support to a School of Public Affairs student.

Pfister Family Scholarship
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from Jack and Pat Pfister.  Income will provide financial support to a student in the School of Public Affairs.

Who Is Eligible? Qualified School of Public Affairs MPA students entering or continuing in the program … In good standing … With financial need

What to Provide:  

  • ASU ID and current address

  • Evidence of completion of MPA prerequisites

  • Evidence of enrollment during the current semester

  • Evidence of financial need

  • A brief essay (not to exceed 1 typed page) explaining your financial need for this award

Definitions: A "qualified" student has met all program prerequisites. A student "in good standing" is progressing in the program, has met all program prerequisites or is in the process of meeting them, and has a SPA GPA of at least 3.0.

Due Dates:  For scholarship consideration, all materials must be received by the School of Public Affairs no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, March 2, 2007.

Funds: $1000 are available in this scholarship fund. Depending on the applicants, between 0 and 2 awards will be made.

Mail To:
School of Public Affairs—Pfister Scholarship Application
Arizona State University
School of Public Affairs, Mail Code 3720
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ  85004-0687

Deliver To:
School of Public Affairs—
Pfister Scholarship Application
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ  85004-0687
602-496-0450

Procedure: The Pfister Family Scholarship will be awarded by the Director of the School of Public Affairs.

Barrett Endowed Scholarship
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from Barbara Barrett, an alum of the School of Public Affairs.  Income provides financial support to a student in the School.

Who Is Eligible? Meritorious students of the School of Public Affairs MPA program (either entering or continuing) in good standing.

What to Provide:  

  • ASU ID and current address
  • Evidence of good standing
  • Evidence of merit, including
  • Current GPA
  • GRE scores
  • One letter of recommendation, preferably from a faculty member from whom you have taken a class
  • Evidence of financial need (if you wish this to be considered)

Due Dates:  For scholarship consideration, all materials must be received by the School of Public Affairs no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, March 2, 2007.

Funds: $1000 are available in this scholarship fund. Depending on the quality and number of applicants, between 1 and 2 awards will be made.

Mail To:
School of Public Affairs—Barrett Scholarship Application
Arizona State University
School of Public Affairs, Mail Code 3720
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ  85004-0687

Deliver To:
School of Public Affairs—
Barrett Scholarship Application
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ  85004-0687
602-496-0450

Procedure:  The Barrett Endowed Scholarship will be awarded by the Director of the School of Public Affairs or his designee. The primary consideration is merit. Financial need is a secondary consideration

John J. DeBolske Scholarship
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns in honor of John J. DeBolske.  Additionally, funds were received from friends of Mr. DeBolske in the occasion of his retirement.  Income provides financial support to an MPA student with a demonstrated interest in local government management.

Who Is Eligible? School of Public Affairs MPA students in good standing with demonstrated work experience in local government (including internships and volunteer work) with financial need who will still be pursuing the MPA during the current semester.

What to Provide: Evidence of good standing, including current ASU transcript, evidence of work experience in local government, preferably including a
letter of reference from someone you have worked with in local government, evidence of financial need, a short essay (not to exceed two typed pages) discussing your interest in local public management in the state of Arizona.  A student "in good standing" is progressing in the program, has met all program prerequisites or is in the process of meeting them, and has a SPA GPA of at least 3.0.

Due Dates: Scholarship application information and deadlines are usually are announced and awarded during the Fall semester, as funds permit. 

Procedure: The John J. Debolske Scholarship will be selected by a faculty committee of the School of Public Affairs.

Pat Manion Scholarship Endowment
This fund was established in 1997 with gifts from friends and family in memory of Pat Manion.  Income will provide financial support to an MPA student interested in municipal government. 

Who Is Eligible?
- Full-time students in the School of Public Affairs MPA program
- In good standing at time of award and throughout the award period
- With current municipal experience or career plans for work in municipal
government

What to Provide:
- Evidence of good standing
- Evidence of full-time status
- Evidence of GPA
-A short essay (not to exceed 2 typed pages) detailing current municipal
experience or future career plans for work in municipal government.

Definitions: "Full-time status" means that a student is taking at least 3 college
courses during the current semester.

A student "in good standing" is progressing in the program, has met all program prerequisites or is in the process of meeting them, and has a SPA GPA of at least 3.0.

Due Dates: Scholarship application information and deadlines are usually are announced and awarded during the Fall semester, as funds permit. 

Procedure: The Pat Manion Memorial Fellowship will be selected by a faculty committee
of the School of Public Affairs. 

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What about other scholarships and fellowships?

In addition to the above mentioned scholarships, there are other types of scholarships that are available to graduate students from sources outside the School of Public Affairs.  For a list of some of these types of scholarships, visit:  http://www.asu.edu/graduate/financial/index.htm

The Office of National Scholarship Advising (ONSA) helps students from ASU prepare to compete for national and international awards of merit. While its goal is to aid students in securing through these awards the means to advance their undergraduate or graduate studies, its educational mission is more broad: to use these awards and their application processes as means to help students enrich their educational experience and so realize their fullest potential and highest aspirations.

For a listing of fellowships and scholarships available through ONSA, visit:  http://www.east.asu.edu/msabr/careerops/onsa.htm

The Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) awards two annual scholarships of $2,000 each to graduate students in Arizona who aspire to a career in local government management. Download the application for the 2006 ACMA Esser and Andrews Scholarship, download the informational brochure, or visit the ACMA site for more information.

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Will I be required to have a computer account?

All students are encouraged to create a computer account through ASU (ASURITE account) as early as possible.  Included in your ASURITE account is access to computing sites, computer workstations, software, email, AFS space, and printing capabilities.  Visit http://www.asu.edu/it/fyi/accounts/obtaining.html for instructions on how to obtain your ASU computer account.

For information on ASU computing facilities, locations, and hours of operation, visit http://www.asu.edu/it/fyi/sites.  

In addition to ASU computer facilities, the School of Public Affairs operates a state-of-the-art computer lab for its students, faculty, and staff.   The lab is located in Wilson Hall 221.  Visit http://spa.asu.edu/resources/PAL.htm for more information.

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How much is tuition?

To view fees for the 2005-2006 year, visit http://www.asu.edu/sbs/fees.html.  To view the requirements for Arizona residency, visit http://www.asu.edu/registrar/residency

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ASU School of Public Affairs
Mail Code 3720
411 N. Central Avenue, Ste. 450
Phoenix, AZ 85004-0687
Telephone: 602.496.0450
Fax: 602.496.0950
spa@asu.edu
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